The Nickel Institute has published the guide "Stainless Steels: Cost Efficient materials for the Global Biofuels Industries", written by Ms Kristina Osterman.
The introduction explains that "We are issuing this publication to help ethanol, bio diesel and biogas producers, process technology providers, developers, as well as plant designers and operators recognize those applications where economic benefits can be realized from selecting the appropriate grade of stainless steel."
While acknowledging that stainless often costs considerably more than other piping or tank options, the 20 page booklet makes the case that bio fuels plants will be looking for reliability, low maintenance costs and long lasting production equipment.
It states that "Stainless steels actively contribute to these objectives and bring considerable value to the bio fuels industry."
The booklet includes tables listing proven applications in ethanol, bio diesel and biogas plants, relevant attributes of stainless steels for the bio fuels industry, plus a discussion of the applicability of different grades and specialty stainless steels and nickel alloys. It includes a discussion on the conditions in the ethanol process, and in particular cellulosic ethanol, where stainless steel performs well.
