Benefits of stainless steel for biofuels sector shown in New Nickel Institute publication

Stainless Steel sculpture shows diversity of the material

Stainless steel is the material of choice for many applications in the bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas sectors as it presents a cost-efficient and reliable material solution.

The Nickel Institute has recently published the report ‘Stainless Steels: Cost-Efficient Materials for the Global Biofuels Industry' to assist bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas producers and supporting industries like process technology providers, developers, plant designers and operators see the economic benefits from selecting the appropriate grade of stainless steel.

Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance in the biofuels industry’s process conditions. It has good strength, ductility, toughness and ease of fabrication. The report shows that an increasing number of biofuels process engineering companies specify stainless steel for much of the production equipment.

For its future growth and long-term potential, the biofuels industry must develop efficient and cost competitive process designs, based on sustainable, non-food feed stocks.

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.

Dr Kevin Bradley, Nickel Institute president said, “Biofuel 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% recyclable which helps supports the biofuels industry's long-term sustainability concepts and goals.”

The Nickel Institute is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of 24 companies which together produce more than 75% of the world’s annual nickel output. We promote on behalf of our members the production, use and re-use (through recycling) of nickel in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

The Nickel Institute was established in 2004, following the merger of the Nickel Development Institute (NiDI) and the Nickel Producers Environmental Research Association (NiPERA).

For more information visit nickelinstitute.org