Bio Light Diesel Oil (BLDO) is a blend of conventional diesel fuel and biodiesel, derived from renewable biological sources.

Definition:

BLDO is a fuel blend consisting of:

1. Light Diesel Oil (LDO): 70-90%

2. Biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters – FAME): 10-30%

Characteristics:

1. Density: 0.85-0.90 g/cm³

2. Viscosity: 2.5-5.5 mm²/s (at 40°C)

3. Sulphur content: 0.05-0.5% (max)

4. Flash point: 55-66°C

5. Cetane number: 45-55

Biodiesel sources:

1. Vegetable oils (soybean, canola, palm)

2. Animal fats (tallow, poultry)

3. Algal oils

4. Waste cooking oils

Benefits:

1. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)

2. Lower sulphur content

3. Improved air quality

4. Renewable energy source

5. Domestic production reduces dependence on imported oil

Uses:

1. Industrial applications (generators, boilers)

2. Marine vessels (bunker fuel)

3.Agriculture (tractors, harvesters)

Specifications:

BLDO meets various international standards, including:

1. ASTM D975 (USA)

2. EN 590 (Europe)

3. IS 1460 (India)

Types:

1. B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% LDO)

2. B10 (10% biodiesel, 90% LDO)

3. B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% LDO)

Challenges:

1. Higher production costs

2. Compatibility issues with existing infrastructure

3. Limited availability

4. Quality variability

Industry trends:

1. Increasing demand for renewable fuels

2. Advancements in biodiesel production technologies

3. Government incentives for biofuel adoption