Stratus Energy

Biofuels and Additives

Stratus Energy Ltd., Thornhouse Business Centre, 30 Ballot Road, Irvine, KA12 0HW Tel: +44 (0)1294 275800 Fax: +44 (0)1294 275119 email: info@stratusenergy.co.uk

www.stratusenergy.co.uk

What is Biofuel ? Biofuel is a fuel (solid, liquid or gas) that is composed of recently dead biological matter. This is how a biofuel is distinguished from a fossil fuel, since fossil fuels are composed of ‘long dead’ organic matter. When people talk about biofuels they are essentially referring to ethanol or biodiesel

Biodiesel emanates mainly from vegetable oils or animal fats and waste cooking oil from restaurants and is used extensively in diesel fuel throughout Europe.

Ethanol is produced from corn or sugar cane and is most widely used in petrol throughout the USA.

Why Is It Used ? Reduced dependence on non-renewable Fossil fuels

for energy (e.g. oil)

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Reduced air pollution through widespread use

Create jobs

Current Legislation

However, certain additives need to be mixed to the refined Diesel fuel to bring the product up to EN 590 spec‘ which are often dependent on availability, such as cetane enhancers, stabilisers and anti oxidants. Also in winter cold flow improvers are added to create a ‘winter grade’. This can all result in inconsistencies in fuel quality. Refineries operate on extremely low profit margins, so as long as the product leaving the gate meets the minimum required specification, they are under no obligation to further enhance it at additional cost.

Filling station forecourts supply diesel (to the standard BS EN590), which can now contain up to 7% Biodiesel with at least 93% Fossil fuel. The use of this fuel requires no modifications to the vehicle or changes to its maintenance schedule.

Future Legislation In accordance with European legislation (Directive

2003/30/EC) the Biofuel content in forecourt fuel will gradually increase over the next few years, to meet the objective to reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions produced by road transport.

Problems Caused by Biodiesel While biodiesel has its myriad of advantages and benefits, there is a flip side as well; Biodiesel acts as a solvent and has a tendency to carry any deposits from the

fuel tank into the fuel filter or injectors, which can lead to blockage

Biodiesel is less suitable for use in low temperatures and has a tendency to ‘cloud’ or ‘gel’ (form wax crystals)

Biodiesel tends to reduce fuel economy by 10% due to a lower energy c0ntent

Biodiesel attracts moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth ('Diesel Bug') causing a brown sludge to form and block filters and injectors

Reductions in the sulphur content of fuels has reduced lubrication causing increased engine wear and reduced efficiency

The Symptoms A black or brown sludge wrapped around fuel filters,

resulting in regular fuel filter changes Blocked fuel injectors Poor engine performance / reduced power / less mpg Strong odour from the fuel Fuel discolouration Water present within fuel storage tank Engine components damaged by water Engine smoking Reduced storage times (typically 3 months) Contaminated fuel tanks can also transmit 'Diesel Bug' to

other vehicles and plant equipment

Examples of Symptoms A black or brown sludge wrapped around fuel filters

and components resulting in regular fuel filter changes

Examples of Symptoms Fuel discolouration

Contaminated Clean

Examples of Symptoms Contaminated fuel tanks can also transmit the 'Diesel

Bug' to other vehicles and plant equipment.

Sediment in contaminated fuel

The Problems Caused

Vehicle breakdown

More frequent fuel injector cleaning or replacement

More frequent fuel filter replacement

Increased servicing and vehicle downtime

Reduced fuel economy

Reduced power output

Increased costs

Overcoming the Problems Using additives / fuel treatments that overcome the negative effects of Biodiesel.

A range of additives with the following properties should be considered;

Ability to disperse water

Act as a biocide

Clean and protect engine components to extend life and improve performance and economy

Reduce maintenance and downtime

Increase fuel storage capability by reducing biological degradation / counteracting microbial growth ('Diesel Bug‘)

Why Stratus Products

Stratus Energy manufacture a range of fuel treatments, water dispersants, biocides and enhancements designed to improve vehicle performance and economy, reduce maintenance and downtime and increase fuel storage capability in a diverse range of industries, including:

Transport Marine Agriculture Power Generation Home Heating Oil Systems The team at Stratus Energy can draw on extensive expertise in bio-fuels and

product development from their backgrounds in transport and the biocide industries. This always ensures that Stratus Energy continues to meet the highest standards demanded by its clients.

Stratus Product Range

Multiplant – Designed for heavy industrial use in aggressive environments, e.g. construction, agricultural and forestry machinery. It disperses water, counteracts microbial growth, cleans and protects engine, prolongs fuel storage life.

Fuelguard - Developed for Diesel and Petrol engined road vehicles such as trucks, buses, coaches, vans and cars. Disperses water, eradicates microbial growth and cleans fuel injectors, improves power output, engine performance and fuel economy.

Stratus Product Range Arctic 1000 - For use in Biodiesel, Diesel and Gas Oil as a cold flow promoter at low temperatures during the winter months in order to reduce CFPP (Cloud Filter Plug Point) of fuel. The standard product will keep fuel flowing normally down to -30o centigrade.

Eliminate - Eradicates microbial growth manifestation in fuel and fuel storage tanks, more commonly known as the 'Diesel Bug'.

Heating Oil Treatment (HOT) - For commercial and domestic use and removes the build up of soot and carbon in the injectors. Acts as a water dispersant and creates a 'hotter burn' to improve fuel efficiency and give potential cost savings.

Stratus Product Range

Marine - Suitable for all marine fuel types. Powerful water dispersant that cleans injectors and eradicates microbial growth (Diesel Bug). Gives more power output, reduces servicing and improves fuel economy.

PowerGen - Concentrated water dispersant and mild biocide to eradicate and prevent microbial growth (‘Diesel Bug’) and increase storage time.

Stratus Product Compatibility

STRATUS products are compatible for use with ‘Adblue’ for SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and are applied at different stages.

STRATUS products are for application to fuel before combustion , whereas products such as ‘Adblue’ are applied to reduce exhaust gases such as NOx.

What Stratus Customers Say

Mr. William Grimsdale of Mountfair Farming Ltd, Berwickshire.

"Mr Grimsdale had reported his machinery running poorly when low sulphur biodiesel was introduced during 2010. He purchased STRATUS MUTLIPLANT HD through Agriparts (Borders) of Kelso. Mr. Grimsdale subsequently found an impressive improvement in his machinerys' overall performance and fuel economy.

Applying STRATUS MULTIPLANT HD is now part of Mr. Grimsdale's fuelling regime and has led to trouble free operation.

(Read about William Grimsdale reclaiming the Guinness World Record on our website).

What Stratus Customers Say Rollinson Safeway Ltd., operate fleets of Mini Coaches, Limousines and Wedding Cars.

Following the launch on the 1st of June 1998, Air-Line Connections have made over 151,000 trips and transported over half a million passengers to Manchester Airport alone. Now offering transfers to the 12 major airports around the UK - Rollinson's are expanding rapidly.

"We have been using Stratus FuelGuard for several years, and like most were sceptical. But after trying it in a select few vehicles, we did find that after 2 months one bus that had 22 mpg was now returning 28 MPG and on an older vehicle the driver said he found improved performance". "With these findings we started to add FuelGuard directly to our 40,000 litre tank every time it was filled. After a short period we did an MPG check across our fleet of 121 vehicles and with the exception of a few of the new buses, the whole fleet had improved MPG". "The cost of FuelGuard is not only off set by saving us money on our fuel bill, but it also keeps condensation out of our tank. This in turn helps keep the fuel pumps and injectors on our vehicles free of water and better lubricated, which on modern common- rail fuel systems is the main cause for failure". "I would recommend FuelGuard, not only to fleet operators, but to private motorists". Richard Troughton Garage Manager

Contact Us

For more information or advice please contact:

Stratus Energy Ltd

Thornhouse Business Centre

30 Ballot Road

Irvine

UK

KA12 0HW

Tel: +44 (0)1294 275800 Fax: +44 (0)1294 275119

email: info@stratusenergy.co.uk

Web: www.stratusenergy.co.uk