Biodiesel Handling And Use Guide
National Renewable Energy LaboratoryInnovation for Our Energy FutureNREL/TP-540-43672Revised December 2009BiodieselHandling and Use GuideFourth Edition
NoticeThis report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither theUnited States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, orassumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus,product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to anyspecific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof.The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.Available electronically at http://www.osti.gov/bridgeAvailable for a processing fee to U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors, in paper, from:U.S. Department of EnergyOffice of Scientific and Technical InformationP.O. Box 62Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062phone: 865.576.8401fax: 865.576.5728email: mailto:reports@adonis.osti.govAvailable for sale to the public, in paper, from:U.S. Department of CommerceNational Technical Information Service5285 Port Royal RoadSpringfield, VA 22161phone: 800.553.6847fax: 703.605.6900email: orders@ntis.fedworld.govonline ordering: www.ntis.gov/ordering.htm
Contents1.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.0 Biodiesel Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.1 What Is Biodiesel? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.2 Benefits of Biodiesel Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.3 Other Biodiesel Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.0 Biodiesel (B100) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.1 B100 Quality Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123.2 Variation in Biodiesel Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153.3 Energy Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163.4 Low-Temperature Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173.5 Cetane Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193.6 Transport and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193.6.1 Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193.6.2 Microbial Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213.6.3 Cleaning Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213.6.4 Materials Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213.6.5 Storage Tanks and Dispensing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223.6.6 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223.7 Use of B100 and High Blend Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234.0 Biodiesel Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234.1 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234.1.1 B5 and Lower Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234.1.2 B6 to B20 Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234.2 Low-Temperature Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254.3 Lubricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294.4 Blending, Storage, and Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294.4.1 Blending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294.4.2 Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324.4.3 Cleaning Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334.4.4 Materials Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345.0 BQ-9000 Program for Supply Chain Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346.0 Engine Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357.0 Taxes and Incentives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357.1 Off-Road Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358.0 Safety, Health, and Environmental Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368.1 Signs, Labels, and Stickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368.2 Fire Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369.0 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3710.0 Information Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3811.0 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Appendix A. Sample Biodiesel Material Safety Data Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Appendix B. Renewable Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Appendix C. Biodiesel Use as an EPAct Alternative Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442008 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 1
Appendix D. Density and Viscosity as a Function of Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Appendix E. Biodiesel Materials Compatibility Summary Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Elastomers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Appendix F. BQ-9000 Sample Certificate of Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 2008
FiguresFigure 1. Basic Transesterification Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Figure 2. Average Emission Impacts of Biodiesel Fuels in CI Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Figure 3. Composition of Various Biodiesel Feedstocks in Order of Increasing Saturated Fatty Acid Content . . . . . . . . . 16Figure 4. Cetane Number of Two Petroleum Diesels and Several Biodiesels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Figure 5. ASTM D4625 Long-Term Storage Stability for B100 Samples Having a Range of Initial Induction Periods. . . . . 20Figure 6. Biodiesel/Diesel Blend Cloud Point Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Figure 7. Biodiesel/Diesel Blend Cloud Point Test Results (0%–10% Biodiesel Blend Range) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Figure 8. Biodiesel/Diesel Blend Pour Point Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Figure 9. Biodiesel/Diesel Blend Pour Point Test Results (0%–10% Biodiesel Blend Range) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Figure 10. Biodiesel/Diesel Blend Cold Filter Plugging Point Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Figure 11. Biodiesel/Diesel Blend Cold Filter Plugging Point Test Results (0%–10% Biodiesel Blend Range) . . . . . . . . . . . 26Figure 12. Adjusting Cloud Points of B20 Fuels with Blends of No. 1 and No. 2 Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Figure 13. Cold Flow Properties of Some Soy Biodiesel Blends, ºF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Figure 14. HFRR Lubricity as a Function of Biodiesel Content for a No. 1 and a No. 2 Diesel Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Figure 15. D4625 Storage Results for B5 Blends Made from B100 with Varying Levels of Oxidation Stability asMeasured by the OSI Induction Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Figure 16. D4625 Storage Results for B20 Blends Made from B100 with Varying Levels of Oxidation Stability asMeasured by OSI or Rancimat Induction Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33TablesTable 1.Table 2.Table 3.Table 4.Table 5.Table 6.Select Properties of Typical No. 2 Diesel and Biodiesel Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Requirements for Biodiesel (B100) Blend Stock as Listed in ASTM D6751-08a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Fuel Properties as a Function of Fuel Composition in Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Heating Value of Diesel and Some Biodiesel (B100) Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Cold Flow Data for Various B100 Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18ASTM D7467 Specification for Diesel Blends B6 to B20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242008 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 3
Abbreviations and AcronymsAFV . . . . . . alternative fuel vehicleASTM . . . . . ASTM InternationalB100 . . . . . .100% biodieselB20 . . . . . . 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum dieselBtu . . . . . . . British thermal unitCa . . . . . . . calciumCFPP . . . . . cold filter plug pointCI . . . . . . . . compression ignitionCO . . . . . . . carbon monoxideCOA . . . . . . certificate of analysisCO2 . . . . . . . carbon dioxideDOE . . . . . . U.S. Department of EnergyDOT . . . . . . U.S. Department of TransportationECRA . . . . . Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998EPA . . . . . . . U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyEPAct . . . . . Energy Policy Act of 1992 (amended in 1998)FAME . . . . . fatty acid methyl estersGHG . . . . . . greenhouse gasHC . . . . . . . hydrocarbonHFRR . . . . . high-frequency reciprocating rigIRS . . . . . . . Internal Revenue ServiceK . . . . . . . . potassiumKOH . . . . . . potassium hydroxideLTFT . . . . . . low-temperature flow testMg . . . . . . . magnesiumMSDA . . . . . material safety data sheetMSHA . . . . . U.S. Department of Labor Mining Safety Health AdministrationNa . . . . . . . sodiumNBB . . . . . . National Biodiesel BoardNOx . . . . . . nitrogen oxidesNFPA . . . . . National Fire Protection AssociationNREL . . . . . National Renewable Energy LaboratoryOEM . . . . . . original equipment manufacturerOSHA . . . . . Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationOSI . . . . . . . Oil Stability IndexPAH . . . . . . polyaromatic hydrocarbonsPM . . . . . . . particulate matterppm . . . . . . parts per millionRCRA . . . . . Resource Conservation & Recovery Act of 1976RFS . . . . . . Renewable Fuels StandardSO2 . . . . . . . sulfur dioxideUL . . . . . . . Underwriters LaboratoriesVOC . . . . . . volatile organic compound4 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 2008
1.0 IntroductionThis document is a guide for those who blend, store, distribute, and use biodiesel and biodiesel blends. It providesbasic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in compression-ignition enginesand boilers, and it is intended to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors, and those involved in relatedactivities understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.Biodiesel is manufactured from plant oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oils. Biodiesel’s advantages areas follows: It is renewable.It is energy efficient.It displaces petroleum-derived diesel fuel.It can be used as a 20% blend in most diesel equipment with no or only minor modifications.It can reduce global warming gas emissions.It can reduce tailpipe emissions, including air toxics.It is nontoxic, biodegradable, and suitable for sensitive environments.In this report, biodiesel refers to the fuel produced from renewable sources that meets ASTM InternationalD6751, the standard for biodiesel. A number following the “B” indicates the percentage of biodiesel in a gallon offuel; the remainder of the gallon can be No. 1 or No. 2 diesel, kerosene, jet A, JP8, heating oil, or any other distillate fuel. Pure biodiesel is also known as B100.Biodiesel is most commonly used as a blend with petroleum diesel. At concentrations of up to 5 vol % (B5) inconventional diesel fuel, the mixture will meet the ASTM D975 diesel fuel specification and can be used in anyapplication as if it were pure petroleum diesel; for home heating oil, B5 will meet the D396 home heating oilspecification. At concentrations of 6% to 20%, biodiesel blends can be used in many applications that use dieselfuel with minor or no modifications to the equipment, although certain manufacturers do not extend warrantycoverage if equipment is damaged by these blends. The B6 to B20 blends are covered by the ASTM D7467 specification that was approved in June 2008 and will be published later in 2008. Biodiesel can even be used as a fuelin its pure form (B100) if proper precautions are taken.B20 is the most commonly used biodiesel blend in the United States because it provides a good balance betweenmaterial compatibility, cold weather operability, performance, emission benefits, and costs. B20 is also theminimum blend level allowed for compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), which requires the useof renewable fuels and/or alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) by certain covered fleets. Equipment that can use B20includes compression-ignition (CI) engines, fuel oil and heating oil boilers, and turbines.B100 or higher blend levels such as B50 require special handling and may require equipment modifications.These issues can potentially be managed with heaters and/or changing engine seal and gasket materials. However,because the level of special care needed is high, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the U.S.Department of Energy (DOE) do not recommend the use of high-level biodiesel blends, except where humanexposure to diesel particulate matter (PM) is elevated and health concerns merit the additional attention to equipment and fuel handling. Always consult your engine or combustion equipment manufacturer for further information about procedures before using biodiesel blends higher than B20.2008 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 5
2.0 Biodiesel BasicsThis section provides a basic overview of biodiesel. You can also refer to Section 9 (Frequently Asked Questions)for answers to general questions from your management, customers, or reporters. Technical details about manyaspects of biodiesel are provided in Sections 3 to 8.2.1 What Is Biodiesel?Biodiesel is a diesel replacement fuel for use in CI engines. It is manufactured from plant oils (soybean oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil), recycled cooking greases or oils (e.g., yellow grease), or animal fats (beef tallow, porklard). Because plants produce oils from sunlight and air, and can do so year after year on cropland, these oils arerenewable. Animal fats are produced when the animal consumes plants or animals, and these too are renewable.Used cooking oils are mostly plant based, but may also contain animal fats. Used cooking oils are both recycledand renewable.The biodiesel manufacturing process converts oils and fats into chemicals called long-chain mono alkyl esters, orbiodiesel. These chemicals are also referred to as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and the process is referred toas transesterification. Figure 1 provides a simplified diagram of the transesterification process. Roughly speaking,100 pounds of oil or fat are reacted with 10 pounds of a short-chain alcohol (usually methanol) in the presence ofa catalyst (usually sodium hydroxide [NaOH] or potassium hydroxide [KOH]) to form 100 pounds of biodieseland 10 pounds of glycerin. Glycerin is a sugar, and is a coproduct of the biodiesel process.Vegetable Oil/Animal Fat/WasteMethanolplus iodieselCrude igure 1. Basic Transesterification ProcessRaw or refined plant oil, or recycled greases that have not been processed into biodiesel, are not biodieseland should be avoided. Research shows that plant oils or greases used in CI engines at concentrations as low as10% to 20% can cause long-term engine deposits, ring sticking, lube oil gelling, and other maintenance problemsand can reduce engine life. These problems are caused mostly by the greater viscosity, or thickness, of the raw oils(around 40 mm2/s) compared with that of the diesel fuel, for which the engines and injectors were designed (1.3 to4.1 mm2/s). Through the process of converting plant oils or greases to biodiesel by transesterification, the viscosityof the fuel is reduced to values similar to conventional diesel fuel (biodiesel values are typically 4 to 5 mm2/s).6 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 2008
Biodiesel is a legally registered fuel and fuel additive with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). TheEPA registration includes all biodiesel that meets the ASTM biodiesel specification, ASTM D 6751,2 and does notdepend on the oil or fat used to produce the biodiesel or the specific production process employed.Other products, many of which are offered to consumers without the benefit of EPA registration or extensivetesting and demonstrations, are mislabeled as “biofuels.” If you purchase methyl ester that does not meet ASTMbiodiesel standards, it is not legal biodiesel and should not be used in diesel engines or other equipment designedto operate on diesel fuel. Methyl esters are used as an industrial lubricant and solvent in some applications, so besure to purchase only ASTM grade methyl esters (biodiesel).ASTM International3 is a consensus-based standards group that comprises engine and fuel injection equipmentcompanies, fuel producers, and fuel users whose standards are recognized in the United States by most government entities. The specification for biodiesel (B100) is ASTM D6751. This specification is a compilation of effortsfrom researchers, engine manufacturers, petroleum companies and distributors, and many other fuel-related entities, and it is intended to ensure the quality of biodiesel used as a blend stock at 20% and lower blend levels. Anybiodiesel used in the United States for blending should meet ASTM D6751 standards.4The ASTM D6751 definition of biodiesel states that biodiesel is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long-chainfatty acids derived from plant oils or animal fats. The term mono-alkyl esters indicates that biodiesel containsonly one ester linkage in each molecule. Plant oils contain three ester linkages and are therefore not legallybiodiesel. Biodiesel can be made from methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and other alcohols, but most biodiesel researchfocuses on methyl esters. Virtually all commercial production in the United States today is based on methylesters. Some research has been conducted on ethyl esters (biodiesel produced with ethanol as the alcohol ratherthan methanol); however, higher ethanol prices relative to methanol, lower ethyl ester conversions, and the difficulty of recycling excess ethanol internally in the process have hampered ethyl ester production in the marketplace. Therefore, in this document we will consider only methyl esters.The definition of biodiesel recognized by both the EPA for fuel registration purposes and the Internal RevenueService (IRS) for the blender’s tax credit is essentially the same as the definition in ASTM D6751:A fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D 6751.Biodiesel is a recognized alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), as amended in 1998.EPAct requires that more than 75% of new vehicle purchases by certain federal, state, and alternative fuel provider fleets be alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). As a recognized alternative fuel, any vehicle certified to run onB100 could qualify under the AFV purchase provisions of EPAct, but no generally available vehicles are intendedto run on B100. B100 is more expensive than other alternative fuel options, and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) community has had little interest in certifying vehicles on B100, so this vehicle credit has notcreated a market for biodiesel.EPAct was amended in 1998 by the Energy Conservation and Reauthorization Act (ECRA). The amendmentallowed qualified fleets to use B20 in existing vehicles to generate AFV purchase credits, with some limitations.This has created significant demand for B20 by government and alternative fuel provider fleets.2.2 Benefits of Biodiesel UseBiodiesel Provides a High Energy Return and Displaces Imported PetroleumLife-cycle analyses show that biodiesel contains 2.5 to 3.5 units of energy for every unit of fossil energy input inits production, and because very little petroleum is used in its production, its use displaces petroleum at nearly a1-to-1 ratio on a life-cycle basis.5,6,7 This value includes energy used in diesel farm equipment and transportationequipment (trucks, locomotives); fossil fuels used to produce fertilizers, pesticides, steam, and electricity; andmethanol used in the manufacturing process. Because biodiesel is an energy-efficient fuel, it can extend petroleum supplies.2008 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 7
Biodiesel Reduces Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas EmissionsWhen biodiesel displaces petroleum, it significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By one estimate,GHG emissions (including carbon dioxide [CO2], methane, and nitrogen oxide [NOx]) are reduced by 41%, ifbiodiesel is produced from crops harvested from fields that were already in production.5 When plants such assoybeans grow, they take CO2 from the air to make the stems, roots, leaves, and seeds (soybeans). After the oil isextracted from the soybeans, it is converted into biodiesel. When the biodiesel is burned, CO2 and other emissionsare released and return to the atmosphere. This cycle does not add to the net CO2 concentration in the air becausethe next soybean crop will reuse the CO2 as it grows. When fossil fuels such as coal or diesel fuel are burned,however, 100% of the CO2 released adds to the CO2 concentration levels in the air.Biodiesel Reduces Tailpipe EmissionsBiodiesel reduces tailpipe PM, hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from most modernfour-stroke CI or diesel engines. These benefits occur because biodiesel contains 11% oxygen by weight. The fueloxygen allows the fuel to burn more completely, so fewer unburned fuel emissions result. This same phenomenonreduces air toxics, which are associated with the unburned or partially burned HC and PM emissions. Testing hasshown that PM, HC, and CO reductions are independent of the biodiesel feedstock. The EPA reviewed 80 biodiesel emission tests on CI engines and has concluded that the benefits are real and predictable over a wide range ofbiodiesel blends (Figure 2).8 EPA’s review also indicated that B20 increased NOx by about 2% relative to petroleum diesel use. A more detailed analysis of the database examined by EPA, plus more recently published results,confirms the positive impact of B20 on emissions of HC, CO, and PM.9 However, examination of the NOx resultsshows that the effect of biodiesel can vary with engine design, calibration, and test cycle. At this time, the dataare insufficient for users to conclude anything about the average effect of B20 on NOx, other than that it is likelyvery close to zero.0Percent Change in EmissionsIn contrast, when biodiesel is used in boilersor home heating oil applications, NOx tendsto decrease because the combustion processis different (open flame for boilers, enclosedcylinder with high-pressure spray combustionfor engines). The NOx reduction seen withbiodiesel blends used in boilers appears to beindependent of the type of biodiesel used. Inblends with heating oil up to 20% biodiesel,NOx is reduced linearly with increasing biodiesel content. For every 1% biodiesel added, NOxdecreases by 1%. A B20 heating oil fuel willreduce NOx by about 20%.10,11 Sulfur dioxide(SO2) emissions were also reduced when thetwo fuels were blended, because biodieselcontains much less sulfur than typical heatingoil does. A 20% blend of biodiesel in heatingoil will reduce SO2 by about 20%.HydrocarbonCarbon MonoxideParticulate Water-20-40-60-80020406080100Percent BiodieselFigure 2. Average Emission Impacts of Biodiesel Fuels in CI Engines12Heating oil and diesel fuel dyed red for off-road use (agriculture, power, boiler fuels, construction, forestry, andmining) can contain as much as 500 ppm sulfur. Blending biodiesel into off-road diesel fuel can significantlyreduce SO2 emissions. Nonroad diesel will transition to 15 ppm sulfur beginning in 2010.Biodiesel and Human HealthSome PM and HC emissions from diesel fuel combustion are toxic or carcinogenic. Using B100 can eliminate asmuch as 90% of these air toxics. B20 reduces air toxics by 20% to 40%. The positive effects of biodiesel on airtoxics have been shown in numerous studies.8 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 2008
Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor Mining Safety Health Administration (MSHA) has implemented rules forunderground mines that limit workers’ exposure to diesel PM. MSHA found that switching from petroleum dieselfuels to high blend levels of biodiesel (B50 to B100) significantly reduced PM emissions from underground
2008 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Fourth Edition) 5 This document is a guide for those who blend, store, distribute, and use biodiesel and biodiesel blends. It provides basic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in compression-ignition engines
source. Fourth, small-scale biodiesel production does not take more energy to create than it gives back. According to Biodiesel.Org, a leading organization in biodiesel research and marketing: Biodiesel has one of the highest "energy balance" of any liquid fuel. For every unit of fossil energy it takes to make biodiesel, 4.5 units of energy are
Describe the inputs & process of making biodiesel (transesterification) . and hydrogen) of the alcohol to form fatty acid alkyl esters (in our case, fatty acid methyl esters or FAMEs), which are biodiesel. To speed up the reaction, a base catalyst , . ethanol* to form biodiesel. Biodiesel is a methyl or ethyl ester (depending on whether
2) Biodiesel will clean your injectors and fuel lines. If you have an old diesel vehicle, there's a chance that your first few tanks of biodiesel could free up all the accumulated crud and clog your fuel filter. 3) It has a higher gel point. B100 (100% biodiesel) gets slushy a little under 32 F.
basic catalyst used in making biodiesel. Methanol (CH3OH) a volatile colourless alcohol, derived originally as wood alcohol, used as a racing fuel and as a solvent. Also called methyl alcohol, used to make methoxide in biodiesel production. Methoxide an organic salt, in pure form a white powder. In biodiesel production, "methoxide" is a product of
Life cycle environmental impacts Life cycle environmental impacts of biodiesel production from seven categories of feedstocks were calculated (Table 1). In order to produce 0.2 million tonnes of biodiesel, biodiesel production consumed about 214-268 thousand tonnes of fruits and about 204-234 thousand tonnes of biomass oil from life cycle .
Production – U.S. production of biodiesel was 159 million gallons in December 2020. Biodiesel production during December 2020 was 8 million gallons higher than production in November 2020. Biodiesel production from the Midwest region (Petroleum Administration for Defense District 2) accounted for 72 percent of the United States total.
economic analysis is warranted to estimate the biodiesel and ethanol production costs from the lipid-producing sugarcane and to evaluate the overall economic feasibility of this crop. Th e objective of this study was to techno-economically evaluate the use of lipid-cane for biodiesel and ethanol production. Based on the current and projected lipid
definition to four forms of artificial achievement of human goals, as summarised in Figure 1, taken from their book. Figure 1: Some definitions of AI, organised into four categories (Russel & Norvig, 2016) Our curiosity about intelligence stems from the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC). Many
