Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly
tested alternative
fuels on the market.
A number of
independent studies
have been completed
with the results showing biodiesel performs similar to petroleum diesel while benefiting the environment
and human health compared to
diesel. That research includes studies performed by
the U.S. Department
of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stanadyne
Automotive Corp. (the largest diesel fuel injection equipment manufacturer in
the
U.S.), Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and Southwest Research
Institute. Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have completed
the rigorous Health Effects testing requirements of the
Clean Air Act. Biodiesel
has been proven to perform similarly to
diesel in more 50 million successful
road miles in virtually all types of diesel engines, countless off-road miles
and countless marine hours.
Biodiesel: FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Biodiesel?
• How is Biodiesel made?
• Can Biodiesel be blended with petroleum diesel?
• Can I use a B20 blend in my existing diesel engine?
• Will using Biodiesel void my warranty?
• Are there any specific changes that should be made to my engine(s) or fueling infrastructure?
• Who is using Biodiesel?
• Do I need special storage facilities?
• What are the emissions of Biodiesel in relation to Diesel?
• Can Biodiesel help us mitigate global warming & comply with Kyoto?
• Is Biodiesel Safer than Diesel Fuel?
• Does Biodiesel cost more than other Alternative Fuels?
• Can I use B20 in colder climates?
• Who can answer my questions about Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a clean-burning renewable fuel made from vegetable oil, animal fats or recycled cooking oil. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with no major modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, non toxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
Technical Definition: Biodiesel, n—a fuel composed on mono-alkl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D6751.
Biodiesel is derived from domestic, renewable resources such as animal fats and plant oils. The manufacturing process converts oils and fats into chemicals called long chain mono alkyl esters in a chemical process called transesterification. Transesterfication uses an alcohol such as methanol and a catalyst such as sodium hydroxide to convert raw fats and oils into a stable product, biodiesel. Different fats and vegetable oils produce somewhat different biodiesel fuels, but they all must meet the same biodiesel fuel standard.
See our Biodiesel section for more information on our premium quality biodiesel blends.
Can Biodiesel be blended with petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum diesel in any percentage. B20 (a blend of 20 percent by volume biodiesel with 80 percent by volume diesel) has demonstrated significant environmental benefits with minimal increase in cost for fleet operations and other diesel applications.
Can I use a B20 blend in my existing diesel engine?
B20 works in any diesel engine with few or no modifications to the engine or the fuel system. B20 provides similar horsepower, torque and mileage as diesel. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters upon the initial use of B20 and should be closely monitored when switching to B20. Always ensure that fuel meeting the biodiesel specification (D6751) is used.
Will using Biodiesel void my warranty?
No, not for simply using the fuel. The use of B20 will not void the engine warranty of any major US diesel engine manufacturer. Engine and vehicle manufacturers provide a material and workmanship warranty on their products. OEMs will not and cannot void warranties based solely on the use of biodiesel. If an engine that uses biodiesel experiences a failure unrelated to biodiesel use, it should be covered by the OEM’s warranty. Warranties are only violated if the biodiesel is the cause of the equipment malfunction. This is the same practice as with traditional diesel. In such a case, the fuel most likely does not meet specification and the fuel supplier will be accountable
See our Biodiesel – Performance and Warranty section for more details.
Are there any specific changes that should be made to my engine(s) or fueling infrastructure?
Biodiesel compatible gaskets and elastomeric materials are highly recommended. Teflon, viton, and nylon have very little reaction to biodiesel and are among the materials that can be used to update incompatible equipment. B100 suppliers and equipment vendors should be consulted to ensure the most recent findings on compatibility. B100 may degrade some hoses, gaskets, seals’ elastomers, glues and plastics with prolonged exposure. Natural or nitrile rubber compounds, polypropylene, polyvinyl, and Tygon materials are particularly vulnerable. However, most diesel vehicles built for low-sulfur diesel fuel use materials which are biodiesel compatible.
Contact Us for more details.
Biodiesel is being used all across Canada. Fleets such as Toronto Electrical Services, Guelph Transit and others have driven millions of kilometers on this fuel through all seasons with a variety of diesel-engine vehicles.
Do I need special storage facilities?
Most tanks designed to store diesel fuel will be adequate for storing B100 or blends of B2,B5 or B20. The fuel should be stored in a clean, dry, dark environment Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene, teflon, and most fiberglass materials. Copper, brass, tin and zinc should be avoided. B100 biodiesel and biodiesel blends should not be stored for longer than 6 months. If it becomes necessary to store biodiesel for longer than six months, the acid value should be monitored and additives should be considered.
Contact Us – we may be able to provide your company with storage tanks free of charge.
What are the emissions of Biodiesel in relation to Diesel?
Biodiesel reduces tailpipe particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from most modern four stroke CI engines. In 2002, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a comprehensive technical report of biodiesel emissions data that shows biodiesel use can reduce emissions of particulate matter by 47 percent when compared to petroleum diesel in unmodified diesel engines. The report also verified a 67 percent reduction in unburned hydrocarbons and a 48 percent reduction in carbon monoxide with pure biodiesel (B100).
The use of B20 in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reductions of unburned hydrocarbons (-20%), carbon monoxide (-12%) and particulate matter (-12%) when compared with emissions from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel. Emissions of nitrogen oxides may increase slightly (+2%) depending on the age of the vehicle. Newer low-emission diesel engines do not seem to increase their NOX with B20.
See our Biodiesel – Emissions section for more details.
Can Biodiesel help us mitigate global warming & comply with Kyoto?
Yes. When Biodiesel displaces petroleum, it reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Biodiesel has a closed carbon cycle. When fossil fuels are burned, 100% of the CO2 adds to the concentration levels in the air. Because fossil fuels are used to produce biodiesel, the recycling of CO2 with biodiesel is not 100%, but substituting biodiesel for petroleum diesel can reduce life-cycle carbon emissions (LFEs) by 78% or more, depending on the feedstock used. B20 will reduce LFEs on average, by 15.66%.
See our Biodiesel – Emissions section for more details.
Is Biodiesel Safer than Diesel Fuel?
Biodiesel exhaust has a less harmful impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH compounds have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds. Test results indicate PAH compounds were reduced by 75 to 85 percent, with the exception of benzo(a)anthacene, which was reduced by roughly 50 percent. Targeted nPAH compounds were also reduced dramatically with biodiesel fuel, with 2-nitrofluorene and 1-nitropynene reduced by 90 percent, and the rest of the nPAH compounds reduced to only trace levels.
Does Biodiesel cost more than other Alternative Fuels?
When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems, many fleet managers have determined biodiesel is their least cost strategy to reducing emissions. Many alternative fuels may be price competitive, but the increased maintenance required to keep engines running at low emission levels more than offsets any potential savings. Use of biodiesel does not require major engine modifications. That means operators keep their existing fleets, their spare parts inventories, their refueling stations and their skilled mechanics. The only thing that changes is an improvement in air quality. Since Biodiesel is an oxygenated fuel, it helps burn the petroleum hydrocarbons in the B20 blend more completely and as a result some studies have shown increase in fuel economy.
Contact Us for pricing in your area.
Can I use B20 in colder climates?
Yes. B20 has been used successfully in a variety of cold climates north and south of the border. Cold weather operability is one of the biggest concerns in Canada when considering B20 blends. Blends of B2 and B5 are less of a concern in this area, although they are still a consideration in the cloud-point certification of the blended fuel. Users should be familiar with the CAN/CGSB-3.517 Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel. This standard dictates the seasonal temperatures for diesel fuels in the various regions in Canada. These temperature ranges are based on historical data for that region for that season. It is important to be aware of these values so that biodiesel blends can be blended accordingly to still meet these specifications.
The cloud point is the most widely accepted measure of cold weather operability limits. On average, a B2 blend will warm the cloud point by 1°C to 2°C, and a B5 blend will warm the cloud point by 2°C to 3°C. In general, a B20 blend will impact the finished fuel’s cold weather operational temperatures by 7°C to 12°C. These estimates, however, are dependent upon the cloud point of the fuels being blended.
The cold flow properties of the B20 blend are mostly determined by the petroleum fraction of the blend. If cold flow becomes a concern, implementing the same solutions used with Number 2 diesel fuel are effective: blend the fuel with kerosene, use cold flow enhancing additives, turn on fuel filter or fuel line heaters, store vehicles in or near a building. As indicated above, some Biodiesel producers include cold-flow additives to avoid these issues. Check with your supplier for more information.
Contact Us for more details. We provide seasonal blends to our clients that guarantee no cold flow issues!
Who can answer my questions about Biodiesel?
The CRFA/BAC maintains the largest library of biodiesel information in Canada. Information can be requested by visiting this website at www.greenfuels.org or by emailing the CRFA at info@greenfuels.org. The CRFA/BAC works in collaboration with the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).
Content adapted from
The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association