Imperium's biodiesel gets coveted rating

Imperium Renewables, a high profile venture funded biodiesel producer, has achieved BQ-9000 certification for fuel produced by its Seattle Biodiesel subsidiary.

The rating is a hybrid of the ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) standard for biodiesel fuel production and one set by the National Biodiesel Accreditation Program, a cooperative and voluntary program for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel, which focuses on overall quality management systems.

“Our pledge was to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil that would meet or exceed the quality and performance of petroleum diesel,” said John Plaza, Founder and President of Imperium Renewables.

“Unlike petroleum diesel, however, our fuel is made 100 percent from renewable energy resources, such as soy and canola oil, and emits up to 78 percent less carbon dioxide. Same quality, just better for our planet.”

ASTM is the recognized standards body for fuels and additives in the United States. Its specification for biodiesel (ASTM D6751) is to be used in blends up to 20 percent with petroleum diesel fuel. The resulting fuel has been shown to perform well in virtually any unmodified diesel engine. ASTM D6751 tests for adherence to standards in criteria such as flash and cloud points, viscosity, acid number, water and sediment, sulfur and free/total glycerin.

Accreditation is awarded following a successful formal review and audit of the facility.

“The BQ-9000 rating only reinforces what we’ve experienced in blending Seattle Biodiesel’s high quality fuel,” said Frank Pupo at Associated Petroleum Products, a Washington state distributor.

Imperium Renewables was the first biodiesel focused company in the United States to be funded by venture capital, and is the largest producer of biodiesel on the West Coast. It's building the biggest biodiesel production facility in the country, with several more planned. Imperium recently raised $214 million (see Dust settles on large Imperium and ADM deals.)

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