5th International ‘Biodiesel’ Conference in Berlin

The Association Quality Management Biodiesel (AGQM) will hold its fifth international expert conference "Biodiesel" from 6 to 7 October. The conference aims at sharing the current and future developments on the international sales markets for Biodiesel and at presenting the research results and standardisation activities for Biodiesel. As a result, the conference focus is on the framework conditions which will be material for the sales perspectives of Biodiesel not just within but also outside Europe. Furthermore, AGQM will also tackle topics, which will be decisive for the future, such as filterability, microbial contamination and increasing engine requirements due to the introduction of systems for the after-treatment of exhaust gases.

The conference starts with an international market analysis presented by experts from the industry information services F.O. Licht and Kingsman. This group of topics will also focus on trading practices leading to competitive distortions in the European Union, illustrated by the problematic sales situation for Biodiesel in Southern Europe. Subsidised Biodiesel exports from Argentina and Indonesia are subject of criticism.

The question whether a future commitment in the European Biodiesel market will still be worthwhile largely depends on whether the standardisation effords to extend the sales potential with a higher Biodiesel proportion in Diesel fuel blends will come to a successful end in the near future. In the context of quality aspects for Biodiesel, the current situation of European standardisation (B10/B30), the revision of EN 14214 and AGQM activities to check oxidation stabilisers in Biodiesel will be presented.

From the point of view of the Biodiesel industry, ASG-Analytik GbH carried out a highly important study commissioned by UFOP. Based on the AGQM database, approx. 7,900 individual samples of actual alkali, earth alkali and phosphor contents were evaluated. The reason for this study were the multitude of critical statements from the automotive industry and manufacturers of exhaust gas treatment systems regarding a potential contamination of exhaust gas treatment systems with these substances. This quality-related question is particularly significant concerning the granting of future approvals for Biodiesel as pure fuel or a higher blend proportion (B10/B30).

Experts from the automotive industry (Volvo and Peugeot) will explain the requirements of fuel quality from the point of view of heavy-duty vehicle and car manufacturers, followed by presentations of current project results for the use of Biodiesel as a blend component in Diesel engines as well as their effects on exhaust gas treatment systems using SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) as an exemplary system.

Moreover, for the first time, the conference deals with questions and results of selected projects for the use of Biodiesel as a blend component in heating fuel. With this commitment, AGQM underlines its aim to develop this new market for Biodiesel.

Therefore, the conference does not only address experts from the Biodiesel industry but also the mineral oil industry, trading companies and research institutes. This 2-day conference is an ideal platform to deepen expert discussions in the field of Biodiesel research and application. AGQM also expects impulses for topics concerning the future direction of research and development in this area.

For further information please turn to: www.agqm-Biodiesel.de