AGQM publishes study on the quality of biodiesel
Quality of biodiesel produced in Germany in 2010 of a high standard
The Association Quality Management Biodiesel (AGQM) is publishing a study on the quality of biodiesel for the first time. The samples were taken and analysed during the course of 2010 from the member companies of AGQM as part of an unannounced sampling process by an independent test institute. The quality of the analysed biodiesel samples fully meets the requirements of DIN EN 14214 as well as the stricter requirements of the AGQM quality assurance system.
Biodiesel must fulfil the requirements of DIN EN 14214 in accordance with the 10th German Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) to allow it to be used in vehicles as an admixture with diesel or as a pure fuel. The requirements of DIN EN 14214 are also a condition for biodiesel to be counted in the quota obligations pursuant to paragraph 37b of the German Immission Control Act (BImSchG) and for tax relief as per paragraph 50 of the German Energy Tax Act (EnStG). These government funding regulations make reference in each case to the standard for biodiesel in the wording of the 10th BImSchV.
Every year, the AGQM regularly inspects the quality of the biodiesel produced or traded by its members by taking samples without announcement which are taken by an independent test institute and analysed according to selected parameters of the DIN EN 14214 standard. A complete evaluation of the data for 2010 is now available and represents a publication which is unprecedented in terms of its scale. Responsible authorities and consumers can use this study to obtain information on quality and the parameters considered.
The study establishes that the quality of the analysed biodiesel of AGQM members has achieved a high standard and that the indicated limit values in accordance with the standard are observed with a clear margin to ensure quality. In the event that the limit values of DIN EN 14214 are exceeded, the product is not supplied to vehicles, rather it is reprocessed using corrective measures until it is of the required quality. This ensures that by using AGQM biodiesel the customer has a product with a high standard of quality.
Thanks to the comprehensive quality management system at AGQM, it was possible to avoid problems when using biodiesel over the last few years. Engine manufacturers such as Deutz AG recommend biodiesel with the AGQM quality standard as the quality management system guarantees traceability. The AGQM also provides its QM concept to biodiesel producers abroad in the form of the Biodiesel Production AGQM Certified (BPAC) system. Information on the BPAC programme can be found on the homepage of AGQM (www.agqm.de).
With approximately 3.6 million tonnes of biodiesel, AGQM accounts for 74% of the biodiesel production capacity in Germany. The study therefore provides an informative overview of the quality of the biodiesel produced in Germany as well as that marketed at national and international level.
An evaluation of the data as well as information on the parameters considered can be found on the homepage of AGQM (www.agqm.de).
Editorial contact: Dieter Bockey AGQM e. V. Claire-Waldoff-Straße 7 10117 Berlin Tel.: +49 (0)30/31904-215 e-mail: q.obpxrl@ntdz-ovbqvrfry.qr
