HVO Storage

HVO has a number of benefits over mineral diesel, kerosene and first-generation biofuels. In addition to its environmental benefits, HVO has a long storage life of up to 10 years and a lower freeze point (-10ºC) than diesel (10ºC).

For most applications, HVO is completely interchangeable with diesel and can be blended in any ratio. If your OEM has approved the fuel, then there is no risk of voiding your warranty.

HVO’s clean burning properties reduce particulate production, which helps improve engine cleanliness and prolong machinery lifetime.

HVO is made by treating oils with hydrogen. It can be produced using a variety of feedstocks, including vegetable oils like soy and rapeseed, or waste fats such as animal fats or cooking oils.

The production process involves saturating feedstocks with hydrogen at temperatures above 300℃. The final process is isomerisation, which results in a fuel almost chemically identical to mineral diesel, but with additional benefits.

STORAGE REGS

In the UK, there are no specific regulations for HVO. It follows the same regulations as regular oils such as diesel, kerosene, and blends.

Oil storage regulations specify that oil storage tanks above a certain capacity (depending on the industry) must have a secondary containment system with the capacity to store a minimum of 110% of the primary tank’s content. This is to capture leaks from the primary tank. All Western Global tanks are 110% contained.

HVO VS BIODIESEL

Biodiesel is a first-generation biofuel made from fresh, organic matter. It is not a direct drop-in replacement for mineral diesel and is susceptible to oxidisation and diesel bug. It is also known to ‘gloop’ at low temperatures, due to its chemical composition.

HVO is a second-generation biofuel, which has more similar properties to mineral diesel compared to biodiesel.