Bio Fuels Transfer & Process Pumps
Move biodiesel (B5–B100), renewable diesel (HVO), ethanol, methanol and glycerin safely and cleanly. We specify stainless internal‑gear pumps, mag‑drive sealless centrifugals, AODD transfer pumps, and drum/IBC pumps from Blackmer, Finish Thompson, Wilden, Flux and Roper—configured for viscosity swings, flammables, and continuous duty.
Which Pumps Excel in Bio Fuel Service?
| Requirement | Best Technology | Recommended Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodiesel (B100) bulk transfer & loading | Stainless internal‑gear / sliding‑vane | Blackmer G‑Series, Roper A‑Series | Pulse‑free flow, jacketed options for cold starts |
| Feedstock oils, UCO, tallow (high viscosity) | External gear or AODD | Roper, Blackmer / Wilden | Handles 1,000–50,000 cP; slow RPM, large ports |
| Ethanol / methanol transfer (flammables) | Mag‑drive sealless centrifugal (ETFE‑lined or 316SS) | Finish Thompson (DB/UC), Iwaki | No mechanical seal; Class I area motors where required |
| Glycerin by‑product (very viscous) | Jacketed gear; low‑speed positive displacement | Roper, Blackmer | Heat tracing or jackets reduce viscosity & horsepower |
| Truck/rail unloading with solids or wax | 2″–3″ AODD transfer | Wilden, Yamada | Run‑dry, dead‑head capable; easy cleanup |
| Drum / IBC additive transfer | Sanitary drum/IBC pump | Flux F‑Series | Quick‑change tubes; explosion‑proof motor options |
Recommended Pumps (Placeholders)
Send viscosity at min/max temperature, target GPM, discharge pressure and fluid SDS—your quote arrives fast.
How We Engineer Pumps for Bio Fuels
- Viscosity & temperature pairing—we correct curves for cold‑flow B100 and specify jackets or heat tracing when startup torque demands it.
- Seal‑risk elimination for flammables—mag‑drive sealless builds for ethanol/methanol reduce emissions and downtime.
- Elastomer & metallurgy—FKM/FFKM for biodiesel; PTFE for alcohols; 316 SS or ETFE‑lined wetted parts in corrosive blends.
- Area classification—Class I Div 1/Div 2 motors, grounding, and anti‑static hoses for solvent zones.
- NPSH, shear & filtration—low‑shear transfer to protect fuel quality; strainers sized to viscosity.
Common Bio Fuel Applications & Fluids
- Biodiesel B5–B100 (FAME)
- Renewable diesel (HVO)
- Ethanol & methanol
- Feedstock oils (soy, canola, tallow, UCO)
- Caustic/acid for transesterification
- Glycerin recovery & storage
- Truck & railcar loading/unloading
- Blend/additive injection
- Filter/coalescer side‑streams
- Drum & IBC transfer
Keep Your Bio Fuels Moving—Spec the Right Pump Today
Share viscosity at min/max temp, SG, solids %, target GPM & discharge pressure—get a leak‑free, code‑ready package.
Bio Fuel Pumping FAQs
Gear vs. AODD—what’s better for biodiesel?
For continuous loading/unloading, gear pumps (Blackmer, Roper) provide smooth, efficient flow. For portable use, unknown solids, or waxy cold starts, AODD pumps (Wilden) offer run‑dry and stall‑resistant operation.
Are common elastomers compatible with biodiesel?
Biodiesel can swell some elastomers. We typically specify FKM/FFKM for FAME blends and PTFE for alcohols. Always verify against the SDS and temperature range.
Do I need explosion‑proof motors?
For ethanol/methanol and other flammables, pumps in classified areas often require Class I Div 1/Div 2 equipment with proper grounding and bonding. We’ll match the motor and controls to your area classification.
How do you size for cold‑weather starts?
We calculate viscosity at minimum ambient, then apply speed limits and a cold‑start factor. Jacketed casings, heat tracing and larger suction lines keep NPSH margins safe and horsepower reasonable.