FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- When Platte River Power Authority used Blue Sun's premium biodiesel fuel to restart the coal-fired generator at the Rawhide Energy Station for the production of electricity in a pilot test burn in June 2006, and for a subsequent 2007 maintenance start-up, it was hoped that this cleaner-burning fuel would live up to expectations. The two burns proved that the environmental benefits more than offset any increase in cost for the fuel.
During start-up this effort reduced the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon emissions, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides according to Jason Frisbie, division manager of power production at Rawhide.
Before utilizing Blue Sun's fuel, typical petroleum diesel had been used since 1983 to restart the Rawhide Energy Station, when the power plant first began generating electricity. "The burns have gone well. The unit start-up proceeded as expected," said Rocky Knutson, engineering services manager at Rawhide.
"We plan to continue using Blue Sun's premium fuel for future startups," said Frisbie. "Utilizing this cleaner-burning fuel fits like a glove with Platte River's policy of being proactive in evaluating and implementing improvements in its operations that balance environmental and other socioeconomic concerns. It is a plus to be able to utilize a product like this in a non-traditional setting."
According to Blue Sun, advantages of the fuel include reduced emissions and improved performance. In this particular application, the fuel also helps keep the burners in the boilers clean, due to the lubricity and detergency of the fuel. In addition, the fuel is made from renewable resources, reduces dependence on foreign oil, and improves air quality in northern Colorado.