German biodiesel ‘high quality’

German biodiesel was back at top quality in 2012, according to the annual report of Arbeitsgemeinschaft Qualitaetsmanagement Biodiesel (AGQM).

Production of high-class products in Germany is paramount for all members of the group, and the survey indicated that the quality of the biodiesel of its members is at top level in 2012.

More than 130 samples were taken at production plants and storage facilities of member companies.

Results demonstrate that no problems at all occurred to also comply with the even more difficult requirements of both the revised biodiesel standard DIN EN 14214 and the stipulations of AGQM.

In numerous cases the quality was found to be even better than required by the standards. The authors noted that this applies particularly to parameters considered important within the automotive industry.

It was also found that new standards now integrated into the requirements - the cloud point, for example - did not prove a problem for AGQM members due to early information provided by the head office of the body.

AGQM is known for offering a concept of measures that ensure biodiesel is quality assured. This runs throughout the entire production and marketing chain.

This follows news that microalgae could be utilised as a cost-effective biodiesel.

Researchers in Spain analysed the potential of different microalgae for their potential for producing biodiesel.

In order to do this, the scientists compared the growth, biomass production and the amount of lipid per cent as this is instrumental when it comes to harvesting the fuel.

The team carrying out the research was made up from scientists from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the Institute of Marine Sciences of the Spanish National Research Council (ICM-CSIC).

It was found that dinoflagellates (algae) could be used as a raw material for garnering biodiesel using a method that is both easy and profitable, UAB reported.