Page 16 - Colorado Construction & Design Magazine - Spring 2023

production also helps to improve engine cleanliness and extend the life of the machine.
Additionally, renewable diesel has a higher tolerance to cold temperatures than petroleum diesel. The chemical composition of renewable diesel gives it a freeze point of -40°F (-40°C) while petroleum diesel starts to freeze at around 14°F (-10°C). At the same time, renewable diesel also has a high flash point of 140°F (60°C), which reduces fire hazards.
Unlike first-generation biofuel options,
renewable diesel does not contain oxygen, which allows a prolonged storage life of up to 10 years. In comparison, petroleum diesel can only be stored
for six to 12 months. Renewable diesel both improves sustainability and provides efficiency-enhancing benefits. However, before making the switch, check
to be sure the equipment OEM has approved the use of the fuel and verify that your fuel storage solution is compatible with renewable diesel.
Storing Fuel for the Future
Finding a Balance
Contractors can take further control of their fuel supply by partnering with an on-site fuel storage solutions provider who is familiar with fuel trends
and storage compatibility. Some tanks offer the option to be used with either petroleum diesel or renewable diesel without additives or special blends.
With the ability to reduce carbon emissions by up to 85%, it’s no surprise that renewable diesel is viewed by many as the wave of the future. For example, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard program aims to decrease carbon intensity and improve air quality. The program’s data dashboard reflects an increase in renewable diesel use in the state, with 2021 marking the year with the highest volume of renewable diesel since the fuel’s introduction to California in 2012.
Although petroleum diesel is still predominant, environmental trends and the benefits that come with this new fuel solution indicate this is just the start for renewable diesel in North America. Contractors can prepare for the future by partnering with manufacturers who offer the flexibility to use either petroleum diesel or renewable diesel for their fleet.
By partnering with an on-site fuel storage solutions provider who is familiar with fuel trends and storage compatibility, contractors take further control of their fuel supply. With flexible storage solutions, they can be ready to use the best diesel option for their application while reducing emissions during transport and refueling, no matter which type of fuel they choose.
When the time comes, having on-site fuel tanks that
are renewable diesel ready will make the switch as seamless as possible so the contractor can quickly reap the efficiency and sustainability benefits that renewable diesel provides.
About Western Global
Western Global is a global designer and manufacturer of industry-leading tanks and equipment for fuel storage. Building on a legacy that spans five decades, Western Global offers a wide range of solutions for the safe transportation and storage of fuel. Because every application is unique in its operational storage needs, Western Global engineers industry-specific solutions to ensure success in all of your business endeavors. Learn more at www.western-global.com or connect
on LinkedIn.
On-site fuel storage solutions help to reduce emissions because the storage tanks can be strategically moved and placed in areas that reduce the distance equipment needs to travel to refuel. It also minimizes the number of deliveries to the site, which means fewer emissions from transport.
Using an on-site fuel storage solution can further reduce emissions because the storage
tanks can be strategically moved and placed in areas that reduce the distance equipment needs to travel to refuel. It also minimizes the number of deliveries to the site, which means fewer emissions from transport.
For example, if a fleet that consumes 10,000 gallons of fuel per week switches to renewable diesel, they can reduce their emissions by approximately 5,243 metric tons per year. If that same fleet adds on-site fuel storage along with renewable diesel, they can further reduce their carbon footprint by two additional metric tons per year. This is based on standard MPG calculations for fuel delivery trucks and reducing weekly site fuel drops from five to one.
Using on-site storage tanks with a fuel management system also allows contractors to track fuel usage, which delivers accountability for every drop of fuel. Some on- site fuel tank manufacturers also offer personalized alerts for situations like above-average consumption rates, overfill incidents and more. These customizable reports and alerts are sent as emails or texts and help ensure efficient use of this resource.
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