Using Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that is blended with or replaces petroleum diesel. With Biodiesel, any diesel engine can become a renewable fuel engine. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, and used restaurant grease. The raw materials used to make Biodiesel are grown by farmers, many of whom are already running on it, and have been for years. Biodiesel is safer to use, handle, and store than petroleum diesel.¹ Biodiesel is less environmentally damaging to produce, and cleaner at the exhaust. Plus, it is less damaging if it spills on the ground or in water.²

However, there are important considerations to know when using Biodiesel.

B100 and Biodiesel blends

Through a simple process called “transesterification”, vegetable oils or animal fats are combined with alcohol (ethanol or methanol) and chemically converted into fatty acid esters (ethyl or methyl esters referred to as FAMEs) a diesel-like liquid fuel, commonly known as Biodiesel. Glycerine is also formed as a marketable byproduct, Biodiesel, in its neat form, is called B100, 100% Biodiesel.

Biodiesel blends are mixtures of petroleum diesel and Biodiesel. Running Biodiesel blends at any level improves fuel lubricity and reduces air pollution.³ Mid to High level blends of Biodiesel, i.e., B35 (35% Biodiesel, 65% petroleum diesel) and up, have a fuel solvency that may require changing natural rubber fuel components. Lower level blends such as B20 are “Fill and Go” options that do not require changing any fuel components, but may initially require fuel filter changes.⁴

Standards

Diesel engines are designed to run on fuel that meets the diesel standard ASTM D-975 in the USA and EN590 in Europe. Biodiesel has its own standards to ensure quality, ASTM D6751 in the USA and EN14214 in Europe. Always use Biodiesel meeting appropriate standards for your geography and follow the guidelines presented in this document to assure problem free operation.

Biodiesel Standards

EuroFuelTech recommends testing of all fuel to ensure customers receive high quality Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 or EN14214. To ensure good engine performance, please make sure that all Biodiesel you use meets this specification. Anytime you suspect off spec fuel notify your fuel provider to remedy the situation.

Biodiesel in Cold Temperatures

All diesel fuels are affected by cold temperatures. If you plan on operating in a cold environment with sustained temperatures below freezing for days, limit your blend to B50.

Advice for cold weather

Keep your tank close to full; a large amount of fuel will gel more slowly than a small amount.
Make sure your glow plugs are in good condition (especially older vehicles).
Blend Biodiesel with at least 50% diesel when using in cold climates.
Use a cold weather additive with Biodiesel in the winter.
If your fuel lines do plug, try pouring hot water on them. Do not continue to crank your engine over if your fuel system is plugged, this can damage the fuel pump.

Storage Stability

Diesel fuels and gasoline oxidize over time and become unsuitable for use. Biodiesel works the same way. The industry standard for storing Biodiesel is 6 months.⁵ This means you should be rotating your stock of Biodiesel on a regular basis, and not let it sit for long periods. Turn over time of fuel is important. Seasonal vehicles and standby generator applications should use additives. Your fuel supplier can provide anti-oxidants if you think your fuel might sit for extended periods of time.

Biological Growth

Diesel fuels can have biological growth in the fuel tank, which occurs on the interface between fuel and water. Water usually enters a tank as vapor in air that enters and exits as a tank is heated and cooled throughout the day. A shade awning can reduce the heating and cooling effect for bulk tanks. Biocides are recommended wherever you have had prior biological problems. Sometimes tanks with biological growth must be drained, rinsed or cleaned, and refilled.

Warranties

Check with your vehicle manufacturer for guidelines on warranties.

Safety and Health Effects

The safety of Biodiesel emissions compared to petroleum diesel emissions is well established. American EPA Health Effects Tier 1 and Tier 2 Tests have been completed and show that Biodiesel is an extremely safe fuel.⁷ Biodiesel is non-toxic (less toxic than table salt), non-flammable (300 degree flashpoint vs. diesel’s 125 degree), and biodegradable (in water, as quickly as sugar (dextrose)), making it particularly attractive for marine and sensitive environment applications. The EPA’s emissions data show substantial emissions reductions.

Using Biodiesel

References

Why Biodiesel