Nickel Institute Highlights Metals' Benefits in Biofuel Sector

The Nickel Institute, headquartered in Brussels, has published a report titled "Stainless Steels: Cost-Efficient Materials for the Global Biofuels Industry" which highlights the application of stainless steel in the bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas industries, as well as supporting industries like process technology providers, developers, plant designers and operators see the economic benefits from selecting the appropriate grade of stainless steel.

Corrosion resistance for the biofuels sector is one advantage of stainless steel according to the report. The Nickel Institute says that stainless steel has good strength, ductility, toughness and ease of fabrication. The report indicates an increasing number of biofuels process engineering companies specify stainless steel for much of the production equipment.

Nickel Institute says that for its future growth and long-term potential, the biofuels industry must develop efficient and cost-competitive process designs, based on sustainable, non-food feedstocks.

Biorefineries, which integrate biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuel, power and chemicals from biomass, are seen as the most promising route to the creation of a bio-based industry in many countries, according to the Nickel Institute.

Kevin Bradley, president of the Nickel Institute, says, “Biofuels plants are looking for cost-effectiveness, reliability, low maintenance costs and long-lasting production equipment. Stainless steel offers these attributes and more and can bring considerable value to the biofuels industry. Stainless steel is 100 percent recyclable, which helps supports the biofuels industry's long-term sustainability concepts and goals.”