The Need for Process Safety in the Biofuels Industry

Global biofuels production has been increasing almost exponentially over the last five years to reduce the dependency on oil and combat increasing and uncertain oil prices by displacing petroleum-based gasoline with renewable alternatives. Critical areas of concern in biofuels manufacturing include the proper storage and handling of flammable materials, containment of flammable vapors, the potential for dust explosions from grain storage, disposal of clean up materials, spill control and management practices. 

A number of significant incidents and fires have occurred at biofuels facilities resulting in the destruction of property, injury and loss of life. Identifying and managing potential hazards, and applying lessons learned from incidents within the biofuels industry and from other industries, can be a key to improving safety and reducing losses.