Conventional diesel has a slightly higher fuel density than Prema HVO (770-790kg/m3 compared to 820-835kg/m3). You might think this means you would consume more fuel when using HVO, but you’d be wrong. The consumption rate of Prema HVO is actually very similar to conventional diesel. Here’s why.
The science behind consumption rate
It is the ‘heating value’ of fuel, also known as calorific value, that has the greatest effect on volumetric consumption, not the density. Calorific value describes the amount of heat released in an energy source during combustion, expressed in MJ/litre.
The calorific value of Prema HVO and conventional diesel are very similar (34.4MJ/litre compared to 36MJ/litre).
This is largely due to the fact that conventional diesel, unlike Prema HVO, typically contains biodiesel FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester). The calorific value of this biodiesel element is lower than Prema HVO by mass, partly because it contains oxygen. As such, the heating value of conventional diesel overall is comparable to HVO, despite the higher density.
The biodiesel component of diesel can also cause operational inefficiencies that lead to greater real-world consumption. It’s therefore not surprising that we have received reports that Prema HVO consumption is actually better than conventional diesel.
Why Prema HVO performs better than other HVO
Not all HVOs are alike. Some are made from one type of oil, whereas others are made from multiple types, from vegetable cooking oil to animal fat residue, non-food grade vegetable oils and ‘tall oil’ from wood pulp manufacture. The real-world consumption of HVO fuel will vary depending on what it’s made from.
Prema HVO is made from just one feedstock – used cooking oil. It’s a single-source product supplied by one supplier, Neste, and its provenance can be proven through its International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) status. Having this chain of custody means Prema HVO can guarantee credible and accurate consumption forecasting.
More about biodiesel FAME
As explained above, biodiesel FAME is the culprit for bringing down conventional diesel’s performance. It’s important to reiterate that Prema HVO is fundamentally different to biodiesel FAME. The latter is produced from vegetable oils and animal fats that have undergone a process called ‘transesterification’ – producing a liquid that contains oxygen and is hygroscopic. This means FAME is prone to absorbing water and oxidation, causing degradation and other performance issues.
In contrast, Prema HVO is produced through hydrotreatment, where hydrogen is used to remove oxygen from vegetable oil molecules – creating hydrocarbons which are similar to fossil diesel fuel and are not prone to degradation.
We hope this gives you a clearer understanding of Prema HVO and its consumption properties. Should you require further help or information, please do contact us.
Frequently asked questions
HVO fuel is vegetable oil that has been hydrotreated to form a substitute for either red or white diesel. It outperforms fossil diesel fuels in terms of its operational and environmental performance, with its significant environmental benefits helping to sustain current logistical infrastructure.
Compared to diesel, HVO fuel is much better for the environment. Its use will therefore be critical in helping the UK to achieve its net-zero carbon goal, despite the current market’s hydrotreated vegetable oil cost. HVO fuel is made from crops that do not harm the environment or natural ecosystems, and it does not contribute as heavily to global deforestation.
Mineral diesel and HVO fuel are completely miscible, so you can mix the two fuels at any percentage. While the typical HVO diesel price you’ll pay is higher than that of diesel, there’s no financial outlay necessary to adapt machinery to work with both fuels. However, owing to the qualities of mineral diesel, some of HVO’s advantages may be lost.
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel made from various vegetable oils and animal fats, including rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, and palm oil. It can be utilised in traditional diesel engines, either alone or with fossil fuels (petrodiesel), without any adaptations.
HVO’s qualities are more similar to kerosene than diesel, but it has several unique advantages, such as the absence of aromatics, making it safer to handle than standard crude oil-derived fuels. It also has a substantially higher flashpoint of 61 degrees Celsius, meaning it is overall less flammable than alternatives.
Overall, HVO possesses chemical qualities comparable to fossil diesel but in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way. While the typical HVO fuel price is a little higher than diesel, many industries are already using it to reduce their environmental footprint, including construction, public transport, film and data centres.
https://www.fwi.co.uk/machinery/hvo-fuel-what-you-need-to-know
Political pressure is mounting on the fuel sector to develop low-carbon liquid alternatives to traditional diesel, gas oil, and kerosene. Decarbonisation of the transportation industry both on and off the road and the home heating oil sector will have a significant influence when it comes to addressing climate change and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
HVO provides an instant and fungible alternative to fossil fuels without requiring any vehicle modifications or adjustments to supply infrastructure.
The current downside to this is availability. While the world has become aware of the benefits of HVO and demand is growing, supply is currently limited and does not meet that demand. New manufacturing units are not expected to be operational for some time. As a result, HVO must be transported over large distances.
As a result, costs will remain higher than conventional diesel, gas oil, and kerosene in the immediate future, with a ballpark value of around 20 pence per litre.
Biofuels are expected to play a role, albeit relatively minor at present, in meeting the world’s long-term energy needs. HVO is a decent short-term option. However, the current lack of instant availability makes the HVO price per ton impractical for many.
However, when used in a well-maintained engine, well-sourced normal gasoline, stored properly, and dosed with additives that keep the injectors clean and optimise the combustion process, HVOs can cut carbon emissions and fuel consumption by up to 4%.