This section provides information for end users of diesel fuel. It provides links to guides for handling and use of blended fuels, and some general suggestions for best practices.*

*No warranty is expressed or implied by the authors of this website; the information is provided to answer general stakeholder questions and to provide links to leading authorities on various subjects.

What are best practices for handling fuel?

Low blends with biodiesel (B5 and lower) can be handled the same way as normal diesel fuel (ultra low sulphur diesel). For biodiesel blends as well as petroleum diesel, routine fuel management practices are always wise, such as:

• tanks should be checked regularly for water (from condensation) and drained accordingly
• tanks should be equipped with dispensing filters to catch debris
• fuel should be used within the season for which it was made
• fuel should be used within six months; where longer storage is required, consider installing desiccant vent filters and/or using stability additives
 

HANDLING GUIDELINES – FP Innovations pamphlets and the NREL Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide.

What is biodiesel’s cleaning effect, and how does that relate to fuel filters?

Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage, which may subsequently become caught in fuel filters. Precautions should be taken to monitor and replace fuel filters as required when using the first few tanks of blended fuel.

Will blended fuel affect power or economy?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the US is one of the leading technical authorities on biodiesel. According to its December 2009 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide, fuel economy, power and torque are not materially affected at modest blend levels. It states: “for B20, the differences in power, torque and fuel economy are 1% to 2% depending on the base petroleum diesel. Most users report little difference in fuel economy between B20 and No. 2 diesel [summer diesel].” And, “blends of B5 or lower cause no noticeable differences in performance in comparison to No. 2 [summer] diesel.”

Will blended fuel cost more?

In its regulatory impact assessment statement (RIAS) and cost-benefit analysis of regulating renewable content in gasoline and biodiesel, Environment Canada concluded that any additional cost to consumers is not likely to be noticeable in the daily price fluctuations experienced in both markets (Canada Gazette Feb. 26, 2011; Canada Gazette September, 2010).

Are separate storage tanks needed?

No. Low-level blends of biodiesel fuel are expected to be stored in normal diesel fuel tanks. According to NREL, “Most tanks designed to store diesel fuel will store B100 with no problem. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene, Teflon®, and most fiberglass. If you are in doubt, contact the tank vendor or check the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Web site (www.biodiesel.org). Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc may accelerate the oxidation of diesel and biodiesel fuels and create fuel insolubles (sediments) or gels and salts when reacted with some fuel components. Lead solders and zinc linings should be avoided, as should copper pipes, brass regulators, and copper fittings. The fuel or fittings tend to change color, and insolubles may plug fuel filters. Affected equipment should be replaced with stainless steel, carbon steel, or aluminum.”

Are there material compatibility issues?

Low level blends are expected to be compatible with modern engines and fuel storage systems. However, over time, at very high blends, or with older materials, some material compatibility issues are worthy of attention.

According to NREL, “B100 will degrade, soften, or seep through some hoses, gaskets, seals, elastomers, glues, and plastics with prolonged exposure. Some testing has been done with materials common to diesel systems, but more data are needed on the wide variety of grades and variations of compounds that can be found in these systems, particularly with B100 in U.S. applications. Nitrile rubber compounds, polypropylene, polyvinyl, and Tygon® materials are particularly vulnerable to B100. Before handling or using B100, ask the equipment vendor or OEM if the equipment is suitable for B100 or biodiesel. If your equipment is not compatible with B100, the materials should be replaced with materials such as Teflon, Viton, fluorinated plastics, and nylon.”

(Source: NREL Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide 2009)

What about higher blends?

Depending on your equipment, biodiesel blends from B5 up to B20 and above may be suitable. Consult the warranty section below and always contact your owner’s manual or equipment supplier to find out what blend levels are appropriate for your equipment and circumstances.

Will biodiesel void my warranty?

Many Original Engine Manufacturers (engine and vehicle manufacturers, or OEMs) have stated that the use of biodiesel blends will not void engine warranties provided the engine manufacturer’s guidelines are followed. Depending on manufacturer, engine model and model year, acceptable blend levels may range from B5 to B20 or higher. Engine manufacturers in North America generally specify that all biodiesel used must meet ASTM D6751 fuel quality standards.

OEM warranties generally do not cover impacts from fuels. They are first and foremost warranties that the engines meet regulated emissions and performance standards. Most OEMs also offer warranties of the engine materials and workmanship over some length of time in service when used as intended. OEMs are familiar with biodiesel and have participated in updating diesel fuel quality specifications, which now include provisions for up to 5% biodiesel content.

Before a biodiesel blend is used it is strongly recommended that a user consult with their owner’s manual or the equipment manufacturer and review the guideline statements. Below is a table summarizing some key OEM warranty statements. For more information, please go directly to the company in question. Also provided below is a link to a longer list available on the National Biodiesel Board site.

Based on NBB OEM statements.

For more OEM statements see the National Biodiesel Board.