Biodiesel is quickly becoming a widely recognizable alternative energy source. New marketing efforts are producing greater demands for more of this natural energy..

Keeping the quality of Biodiesel safe, stable and usable is very important for its long term acceptability. ASTM and other fuel production standards are in place to help ensure a quality product is being distributed.

One problem with storage of Biodiesel is the presence of microbial contamination. It is well understood the contaminating bacteria need moisture to survive and it’s accepted that water buildup in the handling of the biofuel can lead to problems as a result of the bacteria levels.

Studies at Biobelt Laboratories have shown that the microbial composition of Biodiesel can be very diverse and in large quantities. The variety of natural sources supplying the biomass for the making of Biodiesel offers an array of different groups of bacteria to contaminate the fuel. Any water used in the processing can contribute as well.  Human pathogens, opportunistic and otherwise are common in contaminated Biodiesel.

Furthermore, metabolic studies at Biobelt Laboratories  have shown that the bacteria contaminating the biofuel readily decompose the organic acids of the Biodiesel as food sources. Other components of the fuel encourage and sustain the bacterial such as trace elements and glycerides. It is well known that Biodiesel is readily biodegradable. These studies show that when contaminated with these circumstances, Biodiesel is breaking itself down from within,

Biobelt Laboratories can create a bacterial contamination profile of any Biodiesel. These studies can help groups to understand when microbial contamination occurs, product and health implications and if the quality of the biofuel is compromised by microbial breakdown.

Biofuel filter contamination and blockage, and pipe corrosion are two mechanical problems associated with contaminated Biodiesel. Routine testing for microbial content can help maintain the quality objectives for those companies in the production, distribution or supply of Biodiesel to consumers.  Let Biobelt Laboratories help you make your Biodiesel product as safe and effective as possible.