Coxreels offers hose reels and plumbing designed for the unique nature of biodiesel, which is one of the most common alternative fuels in use today.
Chemically named methyl esters, biodiesel is produced from various sources, such as agricultural oils, including soy, corn, and canola; recycled cooking oil; and animal fats. Due to the reactive nature of biodiesel, consideration of seals and materials is needed when choosing distribution equipment.
If the biodiesel concentration is B5 or less, the biodiesel will have such a small effect that it will behave like standard diesel, where no special considerations are needed, Coxreels said. For biodiesel concentrations of B5 or less, the supplier recommends the use of standard fueling reels (SHF or TSHF). For concentrations above B5, stainless steel plumbing with Viton seals and non-sparking pawls is preferred.
For these circumstances, the following Coxreels products are recommended: SHF-N-525-BBN, TSHF-N-XXX-BBN, or TSHL-N-635-BBN. In concentrations above B20, Viton seals must be used along with a special hose. The Coxreels product most suitable for this application is the TSHF-N-620-BBN with the Flexwing VersaFuel Hose.