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MAGPIE BIO DIESEL PROJECTS
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Check out the government's latest report on biodiesel
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Biodiesel is now on sale at Magpie’s Shabitat store in Saunders Park on the Lewes Road for 95p per litre!
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| | Despite some initial teething problems with supply we now have a guaranteed stock of fuel which is available for purchase in 20 litre containers. |
| | These containers have been specially prepared to be suitable for storing biodiesel and have a £5 deposit on them. |
| | We regret that customers may not bring their own containers as we then have no way of guaranteeing the quality of the contents. |
| | The oil used for biodiesel can be grown in the UK, or made from used vegetable oil from restaurants and other catering companies. |
| | As we are not a licensed petrol station, customers should be aware that they will need to have a funnel or petrol can to fill their vehicles at home. |
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| Viridine VBio Biodiesel Usage Guidelines |
| | Use of Biodiesel should not impact or void the manufacturer's warranty of any compression-ignition engine (diesel), however, it's always safest to check your warranty first. We suggest that you contact the manufacturer if unsure *. |
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| Fuel Filters |
| | Conventional fossil fuel leaves a dirty deposit within the fuel tank. When Biodiesel is used it breaks down the deposits and effectively ‘cleans’ the tank and fuel pipes. So when you first switch to Biodiesel, check the fuel filters often and change them when needed. The first few weeks are the most critical but we would recommend checking weekly for the first 2000 miles. |
| | When starting to use biodiesel in vehicles that have been running on mineral diesel, biodiesel should be introduced gradually. Starting with a blend of approximately 5% biodiesel. Therefore, before filling up, you need to have a reasonable idea of the capacity of your fuel tank. Most vehicle handbooks will specify the size in litres. Then calculate 5% of the capacity e.g. if your tank holds 50 litres, 5% is 2.5 litres. Put in biodiesel up to 5 % of the capacity of the tank and then fill up with mineral diesel. |
| | Depending on your type of vehicle you can either continue using a 5% blend each time you re-fill or gradually increase the biodiesel blend ratio to your chosen level. If you decide to use a higher percentage of biodiesel, the rate at which you increase it is up to your judgement but, for example, it could be:- first tank 5%, second tank 10%, third tank 20%, fourth tank 40%, fifth tank 60%, sixth tank 80%, seventh and subsequent tanks 100%. |
| | When you have reached your required level, you can switch freely between that level and 100% mineral diesel as required. You would only need to repeat the introduction process should you use mineral diesel consistently for a prolonged period of time. |
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| Rubber |
| | Any rubber parts in the fuel system may corrode over time with Biodiesel, especially 100% Biodiesel. Newer vehicles (since the 1990’s) do not use rubber parts. Biodiesel has been used in many older engines without any problems. If necessary, check with your vehicle’s manufacturer - it’s normally a simple and low cost task to replace your fuel lines with Biodiesel friendly material. |
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| Cold Weather Blending and Storage |
| | Like any diesel fuel, Biodiesel can wax at low temperatures. Some types of Biodiesel wax at higher temperatures than others, depending on the level of saturated components in the fuel. |
| | Viridine’s VBio, is produced from recycled oil and should be suitable for use at temperatures of 5°C and above. |
| | Pure Biodiesel should be stored at between 10° and 25°C and has a maximum shelf life of six months under these conditions. |
| | Caution: If biodiesel is stored below 10°C it may form small, solid, waxy crystals that stick together to form bigger ones. These larger crystals block fuel filters and plug fuel lines. In very cold weather conditions you can add anti waxing additives to the fuel, which allow smooth operation or alternatively you can blend it with mineral diesel in a ration of about 30% VBio to 70% mineral diesel to ensure continued low temperature usage. |
| | * Viridine will not be held responsible for damage or invalid warranty claims due to misuse of our fuel including blends higher than those recommended by the manufacturer. |
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| Magpie’s position on the environmental effects of Bio diesel |
| | There have been several stories in the media recently about the negative environmental effects of various bio fuels. As the demand for oil crops increase due to rapid growth in the use of Bio diesel, we’re hearing reports of rainforest clearance and habitat loss to accommodate this demand. We would like to reassure our customers that our Bio diesel is made from locally sourced used cooking oil, that’s made into Bio diesel at a plant in Sussex, and that is sold locally. |
| | We have conducted extensive research into Bio fuels over the years, and we can produce a number of up-to-date, peer reviewed academic reports that clearly demonstrate a full life-cycle analysis of various types of Bio fuels. We’re absolutely confident that the fuel we sell is the best ‘environmental performer’ currently available for diesel engine vehicles. |
| | We’re also aware that Bio fuels do not represent a complete solution. The best figures suggest that the UK will only be able to produce around 5% of it’s fuel needs through agriculture and waste cooking oil. It’s obvious that we need to change our relationship with fuel in order to make substantial reductions in greenhouse gasses. |
| | If you’re still not sure about Bio diesel, we offer a large range of reconditioned, low cost bicycles at our Shabitat depot! |
| | We’re also aware that Bio fuels do not represent a complete solution. The best figures suggest that the UK will only be able to produce around 5% of it’s fuel needs through agriculture and waste cooking oil. It’s obvious that we need to change our relationship with fuel in order to make substantial reductions in greenhouse gasses. |
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If you’re still not sure about Bio diesel, we offer a large range of reconditioned, low cost bicycles at our Shabitat depot! |
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| Pollution |
| | Once used cooking oil has been collected from the catering trade it can be refined (not for human consumption) and made into liquid and powder detergents. |
| | Oil is one of the most commonly reported types of water pollution and causes nearly a quarter of all pollution incidents. Careless disposal of oil into drainage systems, onto land or to watercourses is not only an offence but can be harmful to river birds, fish and other wildlife. Although oil does break down in water it uses up vast amounts of oxygen in the process, hence removing oxygen that would otherwise have remained in the waterways for wildlife. |
| | Because of the way oil spreads, even a small quantity can cause a lot of harm. It is estimated that UK caterers produce between 50 - 90 million litres of waste cooking oil each year and if this is not disposed of correctly the effects of oil pollution on the environment could be quite devastating. |
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| Changing times |
| | Due to increased regulation, as a result of the Belgium dioxin and French sewage problems in 1999, many collectors have left the industry. There has been discussion at EU level as to whether reuse of oil should be banned. This would have had serious environmental implications. From autumn 2004 it was no longer permitted to reuse waste oil as animal feed. Used vegetable oils can be used to burn in power stations, helping to produce cleaner energy when it is co-fired with fossil fuels. Or they may be used as a lubricant. The main positive news is that it can now be used as Bio diesel, which may contribute to reducing the damaging effects of transport on the climate. |
| | Climate change is likely to bring extreme and catastrophic weather events such as flooding, storms, drought; loss of vulnerable species unable to adapt to climate change or habitat loss; a global rise in sea levels endangering human populations and habitats. |
| | Collecting used vegetable oil as a local feedstock to produce Bio diesel makes sense and helps to make a difference towards a more sustainable future. |
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| Where does Magpie’s bio diesel come from? |
| | Magpie Recycling collects waste cooking oil from a number of restaurants, cafes and pubs in and around Brighton and Hove and would like to thank all of these organisations for their support in getting this deliciously local project off the ground. It is wonderful to think that the oil that cooked last week’s spring rolls could end up fuelling this summer’s road trip! We take all the used oil to the good folks at Viridine in Chailey who carefully transform your chip fat into bio diesel. |
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| Job | | | Would you like to be part of our
Commercial Collectors Team?
Must
be able to drive and have a good
sense of humor!
Call 685628 if
you are interested. | | | |
28/04/2010 |
| | | | Shabitat | | | Great news!!
Shabitat is now
open!
We would like to thank
people for their patience, please
come and visit our newly
refurbished and replenished shop! | | | |
24/06/2009 |
| | | | Click here for a full list |
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