Fuel Bio Holdings

Source: Energy Digital

Date :6/25/2008 6:21:05 AM

New Jersey start-up Fuel Bio Holdings LLC is spreading the word about the need for and advantages of biodiesel

Written by Kevin Doyle and Produced by Melissa Abbott

As the move toward eco-friendly technology designed to escape the grip of fossil fuels gains momentum, a New Jersey company has emerged as a regional leader in the production of biodiesel. Established in 2006, Fuel Bio Holdings, LLC of Elizabeth, N.J. ranks as the largest commercial producer of Biodiesel in the northeast, as determined by production volume.

According to the company’s website, the New Jersey location is the first of 10 planned production facilities along the east coast. The fully automated facility has three 150,000-gallon storage tanks and is privately owned by a consortium of individuals and investors. The plant can produce up to 50 million gallons of biodiesel annually.

By general definition, biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils like soybean oil. It must meet the specifications of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), the premier standard-setting organization for fuels and fuel additives.

According to research supplied by the National Biodiesel Board, biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to voluntarily perform EPA Tier I and Tier II testing to quantify emission characteristics and health effects. That study found that B20 (20 percent biodiesel blended with 80 percent conventional diesel fuel) reduced total hydrocarbons by up to 30 percent, carbon monoxide up to 20 percent, and total particulate matter up to 15 percent.

Biodiesel production is a relatively straightforward exercise, requiring a precise measurement of incoming feedstock materials and control of the mixing and reaction times and temperatures.

The resulting product contains no petroleum, but can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a Biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines and most oil-fired boilers with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is biodegradable, nontoxic and essentially free of sulfur and cancer-causing agents. Fuel Bio distributes its product to wholesale distributors as well as industrial users.

Transition

In two short years, Fuel Bio has shown itself to be a market savvy, nimble company that is willing to adapt. While it initially utilized virgin feedstock such as soybean oils, it is transitioning to the use of chicken fat as its primary feedstock.

The company website says construction is under way on “a new yellow grease and animal fat batch reactor. This reactor will utilize oils, locally harvested and collected, and will significantly benefit the community. This new reactor system has the production capability of around five million gallons a year and the product can be sold at a competitive price.”

Fuel Bio’s CEO, Marty Borruso, is the chief designer of the technology and expresses optimism about the benefits the company can provide. “The development of new and innovating biodiesel technology will help diversify the industry. With this additional refinery, Fuel Bio can offer unique blends and services to our customers and the community at large,” he says in a post on the website.

The company also has a research and development agreement with an algae farm in upstate New York. Second-generation feedstocks such as cellulose and other waste materials are also being investigated for future use.

Delivery

Fuel Bio’s east coast location positions the company for convenient delivery via truck, rail or barge. When all of its planned facilities are up and running, the company’s output will increase to 500 million gallons annually.

The company supply chain is connected to the continental railroad system through the Norfolk Southern and CSX lines, and to one of the world’s most dynamic waterways, the New York/New Jersey harbor system. The company is able to accept feedstock from multiple locations and deliver large quantities of finished product.

The company is already selling biodiesel to Korea and is looking to ship to Europe. It is also exploring the feasibility of building two operations in Argentina, where the government offers soybean oil incentives.

Environmentally friendly

The system Fuel Bio uses in its production incorporates techniques used by the chemical reaction industry and the petroleum processing industry. The production process is a straightforward exercise requiring precise measurement of incoming feedstock materials and control of the mixing and reaction times and temperatures.

The end result is an environmentally friendly, renewable and sustainable resource that meets the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. According to its website: “FuelBio is committed to working with farmers in order to develop a technology that is sustainable and renewable. Protecting the environment is central to our company, and we understand that we are only stewards of the earth.”

Studies show that biodiesel preserves and protects natural resources. For each unit of biodiesel produced, 3.24 units of energy are gained – the highest energy balance of any fuel source. President George W. Bush is a staunch supporter of biofuels and reiterated his support of those engaged in the research and development of the fuels and America’s need for them during a press conference in April. The NBB applauded the President’s stance since it came at a time when the fledgling industry was coming under attack for contributing to global food shortages.

In its dedicated effort to spread the word about biodiesel, Fuel Bio regularly opens its plant to students from schools and universities throughout the region. Rutgers University’s solid GEMS chemistry program teaches students essential concepts pertaining to chemistry and other aspects of science.

Fuel Bio also welcomes New Jersey’s future chemists to its production facility in Elizabeth and regularly opens its plant to students and universities throughout the region. Rutgers’ solid GEMS chemistry summer program teaches students the essential concepts pertaining to chemistry, and other aspects of science. As the company web site states, “Fuel Bio believes that environmental understanding must be integrated into mainstream scientific and social thought.”