Feel free to contact us to ask us more!
Can I use biodiesel in my car?
The simple answer to this is yes. However, we sell 100% vegetable biodiesel and some motor manufacturers at this stage recommend a bio/mineral mix, such as B30 (30% Biodiesel, 70% mineral diesel). Additionally biodiesel is a very effective solvent for deposits which might be left in the fuel system by mineral oils. Therefore we recommend that if you intend using biodiesel on a regular basis you change your fuel filter after the second refuelling.
Lastly it is important to note that vehicles manufactured before approx 1995 may have natural rubber fuel hoses, which can degrade in contact with vegetable fuels. Synthetic rubber hoses are unaffected.
Why use biodiesel compared to mineral diesel?
There are many issues surrounding the use of alternatives to mineral oil and the principle advantage to the environment is that in burning vegetable fuel one is not contributing to the imbalance of carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere. The carbon released on burning is the same carbon that the oil bearing plants have absorbed during photosynthesis.
There has been much speculation recently as to the impact on the environment from crops grown expressly for use in biofuel manufacture. At BioSulis we only use recycled cooking oil, so we have not used crops which impact food production.
Where can I get it?
We have a forecourt pump at our works in Radstock, from which we can fill your car directly. We can also supply in bulk - please contact us to discuss your requirements.
How do you make biodiesel?
Unlike large corporate enterprises, our process is virtually carbon-neutral. Waste products are recycled and we generate our own power and heat.
Will I be running my car on chip fat?
We only use vegetable oil which has settled at ambient temperature to make our fuel. This means that no animal fats get through the process. The manufacturing process strips the cleaned oil of compounds and impurities which thicken the oil and can harm engine cylinders.
Isn’t it illegal?
If you run your vehicle on the public highway you are bound to pay duty on the fuel you use. If you use raw vegetable oil in your diesel vehicle the engine will run (although will be difficult to start if at all) and you will need to make a duty return to customs & excise.
Our biodiesel is processed to be a fuel and the duty is paid by us.
Will you collect my oil?
If you wish us to collect your waste oil we will be happy to do so and only ask that you save enough to make the journey worthwhile. 40 litres would be a minimum for the Bath area and we can collect up to 1000 litres per trip.
If I bring you oil, do I get a discount?
If you bring the oil directly to us and you have a diesel vehicle, we can offer you a discount of 5p less per litre than our forecourt price for the number of litres you supply.