Biodiesel Best Practices

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Biodiesel Best Practices

• Presented by Hoon Ge
• Sponsored by Illinois Soybean
  Association

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Summary of Topics

• Biodiesel ULSD Benefits Compatibility
• B2 to B20 Similarities and Differences
• Cold Flow Properties and Additives
• Manufacturers Policies on Biodiesel
• 2007 Engines
• BQ-9000 Fuel Quality of Biodiesel
• Filter Plugging Sources
• Tips For Biodiesel Handling
• Useful Informational Resources

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Biodiesel and ULSDBenefits and Compatibility
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Benefits Biodiesel and ULSD

• Compatible with the compression ignition platform
  and with diesel fuel itself
• Greatly enhances lubricity of ULSD
• Compatible with 2007 diesel engine catalysts
• Aids with ULSD conductivity issues
• Reduces harmful emissions
• Power and performance virtually unchanged
• Seamless transparent with existing petroleum
  infrastructure, (liquid not gaseous)
• Promotes national energy security
• Renewable, non-toxic, green blend stock option

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Materials Compatibility

• B100 may adversely affect some elastomers such as
  natural or nitrile rubbers over time.
• Most elastomers used after 1993 are compatible
  with B100 (Viton/Teflon).
• Blends (B20) effect is less or non-existent.
• Normal monitoring of hoses and gaskets for leaks
  is sufficient with B20.
• Consult with your parts supplier or
• mechanical engineering partners.

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Materials Compatibility

• Biodiesel and biodiesel blends will form high
  sediment levels when in contact with the
  following metals
• -Brass, Bronze, Copper, Lead, Tin and
• Zinc
• Biodiesel is compatible with
• - Stainless Steel, Aluminum

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ULSD Lubricity

• Sulfur compounds are natural lubricants in
  diesel.
• ULSD regulations are causing major concerns with
  diesel engine performance.
• ASTM lubricity requirement effective Jan 1, 2005
  for diesel fuels.
• ASTM D 6079
• High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) Wear
  Scar
• Maximum 520 micrometers

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Biodiesel Adds Significant Lubricity to ULSD
The average lubricity of Biodiesel blends compare
to lubricity additives.
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Lubricity
Effects of Biodiesel on the Lubricity of Diesel
fuel.
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B2 to B20 Similarities and Differences
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Properties of ULSD Biodiesel Blends
ULSD B2 B5 B20
API Gravity 33.4 33.4 33.2 32.3

Distillation
IBP 326F 326F 327F 336F
10 402F 403F 404F 418F
50 509F 510F 510F 550F
90 605F 604F 608F 638F
EBP 611F 610F 614F 645F

Cetane Index 42.7 42.7 42.8 44.4

Cloud Point 0F 1F 1F 3F
CFPP -26F -26F -24F -20F (3-4x Additive)
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Cold Flow Properties and Additives
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CFPP Testing of ULSD Bio Blends
Sample Description Cloud Point F Base Fuel CFPP F w/ Additive
ULSD -2 -22
B11 ULSD (3x) 1 -20
B20 ULSD(4x) 3 -17
B5 ULSD -1 -18
B2 ULSD -2 -20
B2 ULSD -2 -22
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CFPP Testing of No 2 ULSD with No 1 ULSD
Sample Description Cloud Point F Base Fuel CFPP F Base Fuel w/additive
ULSD Sample 1 0 -20
ULSD 90/10 (90 No 1 10 No 2) -4 -25
ULSD 80/20 -7 -30
ULSD 70/30 -11 -34
ULSD 60/40 -15 -38
ULSD 50/50 -18 lt -40
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Manufacturers Policies on Biodiesel
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Biodiesel Position with OEMs

• Original Equipment Manufacturers
• B100 Must Meet ASTM D 6751
• Most OEM HQs have B20 experience
• Wont void warranty
• Problems caused by the fuel are the
  responsibility of the fuel supplier
• Want to see additional experience in the field
• Higher blends OKd based on experience of OEM and
  their technology

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Manufacturers Approving B100

• Case IH nearly half of all models
• Fairbanks Morse
• New Holland

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Manufacturers Approving B20

• Arctic Cat
• Buhler
• Case IH 90 of all models
• Cummins
• Caterpillar on several models
• John Deere
• Toro

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Manufacturers Approving B5

• Ford
• Caterpillar
• General Motors
• Isuzu
• Mack
• Volkswagen

• Detroit Diesel
• Chrysler
• International
• Kubota
• Mercedes Benz
• Volvo

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2007 Engines
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Engines Produced in 2007

• EPA regulations require reduced sulfur in diesel
  fuel for engines built in 2007
• 80 of highway diesel fuel must be ULSD
• (lt 15ppm sulfur) beginning June1, 2006
• Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters
• can eliminate 99 of solid particles
• (soot metals) and eliminate
• gt90 of semi-volatile
• hydrocarbons.
• Source EPA

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Diesel Particle Filters (DPF)

• Diesel particle filters (DPF) are found in all
  2007 model year diesel engines.
• What possible advantages or disadvantages may
  result from using biodiesel blends in these
  engines?
• The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
  has conducted a study in order to define these
  effects on DPFs.

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Indicators of DPF Performance

• Filter regeneration rate increased significantly
  when using blends as low as B5. Lower
  particulate temperature and less particulate
  input contributed.

Biodiesel Effects on Diesel Particle Filter
Performance. National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, March 2006.
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BQ-9000Fuel Quality of Biodiesel
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Fuel Quality

• Fuel quality is of the utmost concern and
  importance to the biodiesel industry.
• ASTM D 6751 is the specification for biodiesel
  fuels regardless of the feedstock source and/or
  processing method.
• National Quality Program (BQ-9000) launched for
  Biodiesel Marketers and Producers
• Look for BQ-9000 Certified Marketers Biodiesels
  Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval
• Assures cradle-to-grave fuel quality

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Quality Control

• In 2006
• 41 of B100 samples tested passed the D6751
  specification
• In 2007
• 89.6 of B100 samples tested passed the D6751
  specification
• 100 of BQ-9000 certified fuel
• Past all ASTM D6751 specifications

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Biodiesel ASTM D6751 vs. Biodiesel Look-A-Likes

• Property ASTM Method
  Limits for Biodiesel Look-A
  Likes
• Calcium Magnesium EN 14538 5 max ppm 79
  ppm
• Flash Point D93
  265F minimum 70F
• Kinematic Viscosity D445 1.9 - 6.0 cSt 18 cSt
• Carbon Residue D524 0.05 maximum 0.164
• Acid Number D664 0.50 maximum .58mg KOH/g
• Total Glycerin D6584 0.240 maximum 5.060
  mass
• Phosphorus Content D4951 10 ppm maximum 119ppm
• Sodium/Potassium EN14538 5 ppm maximum 26ppm
• Oxidation Stability EN14112 3 hours
  minimum 6.47 hours

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Biodiesel Look-A-Like Blends
ULSD 2 Blend 5 Blend 11 Blend 20 Blend
API Gravity 35.0 34.9 34.7 34.4 31.6
Cetane Index 44.2 44.5 44.6 43.7 42.9
Distillation IBP 10 50 90 EP 340 395 490 588 615 337 400 495 590 620 330 397 500 600 630 300 390 500 615 645 200 400 540 700 --
Flash Point 140F 132F 127F 100F 80F
Stability 89.2 88.2 85.0 81.9 80.0
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ALWAYS BUY PRODUCT FROM BQ-9000 CERTIFIED
PRODUCERS OR MARKETERS!!!
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BQ-9000 Information Through the NBB
www.bq-9000.org www.biodiesel.org
www.nbb.org
Find information on the requirements for the
program and a list of accredited producers and
marketers on the NBB website.
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Filter PluggingSources
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Breakdown of Filter Plugging Sources

• From April 2007 to March 2008 - Filter Plugging
  Problems Addressed by the National Biodiesel
  Hotline
• Microbial Only 21
• High Water and Microbial 18
• High Water Only 15
• Biodiesel Contaminants 10
• No problem Found 10
• Improper blending 8
• Other 8
• Oxidation, Oil Contaminants
• Biodiesel Didnt Meet Specification 5
• Outside Temperature Was Below Cloud Point 5
• ULSD Paraffins 3

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Microbial Growth

• Several filters showed high content of live
  microbial organisms or a build-up of dead
  microbial material. The filters with microbial
  contamination often had an odor different from
  the normal fuel smell.
• MEG Corp believes that the lack of sulfur in
  biodiesel and ULSD aids in the build-up of such
  organisms since sulfur is a key component of many
  biocides and is a natural inhibitor of bacterial
  and fungal growth.

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Bacteria

• Breakdown all grades of liquid fuel.
• Cause corrosion of metals, especially iron and
  steel.
• Different species can survive with oxygen
  (aerobic) or without oxygen (anaerobic).
• Plug fuel-system filters and lines, cause fuel
  gauge malfunctions, damage pumps and injectors,
  and feed on tank linings, hoses and coatings to
  obtain additional nourishment.

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Bacteria

• Grow better in warm climates because they are
  living organisms.
• Climates does not just mean the temperature of
  the storage structure, but also heated fuel
  returns, which means it is warm all year long.
• Usually present in high quantities.
• Favorable conditions mean they can double their
  population every 20 minutes.

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Bacteria

• The level of contamination is hard to determine
  visually
• 2 MILLION bacteria per milliliter have no effect
  on fuel clarity!
• Or in other words
• 8 Billion bacteria per gallon have no effect on
  fuel clarity!

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Fungus

• Hard to detect.
• Fewer in number and less evenly distributed in
  the fluid than bacteria.
• Tend to grow on solid surfaces.
• - Build up on filters and in piping.
• - Once established, the biomass will grow
  faster than a bacterial biomass.
• Yeast are unicellular fungi.

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Fungus

• Larger than bacteria and do not reproduce as
  rapidly.
• However, if only bacteria are killed suddenly
  (bactericide) there may be a rapid fungal bloom
  that is nearly impossible to control.
• Can grow over a wide range of temperatures.
• Grow quicker in summer with the higher ambient
  temperature, increased airborne contaminants and
  higher fluid temperature.

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Where Do They Come From?

• Air
• Contains airborne microorganisms, yeast and
  mold spores, and dirt particles that can enter
  through tank vents.
• Water
• Water, unless sterilized, can contain a
  variety microorganisms.

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Exposure to Air

• Enters through vent pipes and contains large
  amounts of moisture.
• Generally displaces the fuel as tank is emptied.
• It is not practical to keep air from entering the
  tank.
• Will increase the oxidation of fuel.
• Do not store fuels for long periods of time in
  partially empty tanks without stabilizers.
• Consider desiccant dryers.

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Water

• Free water in the fuel system accelerates
  corrosion and fuel degradation. It can also
  create a fertile growing place for bugs.
• Poor tank design has made complete removal of
  water impossible.
• Enters mostly as condensation from air. Vents
  and seals that are poorly
  constructed or
  
  maintained can
  allow water to
  
  infiltrate the
  storage tank.

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Water Concentrations

• Biodiesel Can Hold More Water than ULSD
• 1200ppm water saturation for biodiesel (B100)
• 200-300ppm water saturation for ULSD
• (at 2 Biodiesel (B2), should see no effect)
• Higher Blends (B5, B11, B20)
• Temperatures decrease Lower solubility
• -water will drop out of solution

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Treatment and Prevention

• Biocides
• -Three major groups Fuel soluble, Water
  soluble, and Universally soluble.
• -Need to be EPA registered and compatible with
  the lubricant.
• Preventing Fuel Contamination
• - Preventing contamination from air and water
  requires proper tank maintenance and cleaning

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Icing of the filter

• When there is excess free water in fuel, it can
  form ice on the filter and cause filter plugging
  in cold temps. A filter which has been plugged
  but is clean and new at room temperature
  indicates that icing is the likely cause.
• Since the temperatures of engines are warm, any
  moisture picked up within the engine can be
  brought back to the fuel lines. This moisture
  can freeze overnight in low ambient temperatures.

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Paraffin Wax

• The material on these filters was solid until
  touched or warmed to room temperature, then it
  melted. Laboratory analysis showed this material
  was in fact paraffin/hydrocarbon in nature. The
  high level of paraffin material could be from the
  way ULSD is processed.
• When the temperature of the fuel is at or below
  its cloud point, paraffin material will
  precipitate out and collect on the bottom of the
  tank.
• As a point of note, when the heavy paraffin's are
  disturbed from the filters, they liquefy. The
  minor ingredients associated with biodiesel will
  not liquefy and require heat to go back into
  solution. Paraffin build-up does not come from
  biodiesel fuel.

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Oxidation

• Filters with a black and shiny surface but no
  microbial growth odor or gel or sediment indicate
  they may be plugged by oxidation build-up.
• Because many newer engines run at higher
  temperatures, there may be a black asphaltene
  type material collecting on the filter.
• This phenomenon has been seen all around the
  country, often in newer engines.

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Engines

• Hot Fuel Return

New Technology delivers the unused fuel from the
engine block back to the fuel tank much
faster. This hot fuel will cause degradation and
oxidation of the fuel, which in turn can plug
filters.
Hot
Hot
Coking Fuel
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Monoglyceride Build-up

• This filter tested positive for high
  concentrations of saturated monoglyceride
  material.
• Monoglyceride is one substance that can
  precipitate out of fuel if the glycerin levels
  are too high in the biodiesel used in the blend.

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Troubleshooting Checklist

• Microbial Growth Exposure to air and water
• Icing of Filter Excess water in tank
• Oxidation Hot fuel return to fuel tank
• Monoglyceride Build Up Off specification of
  Total Free Glycerin
• Paraffin Wax Temperature at or below cloud point

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Tips forBiodiesel Handling
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Tips for Biodiesel Handling

• Buy biodiesel that meets ASTM D 6751. Buying
  from a BQ-9000 Accredited Producer/Marketer will
  help ensure quality.
• If buying blended biodiesel, buy it pre-blended
  from the supplier.
• Fuel tanks should be kept as full as possible to
  reduce the amount of air and water entering the
  tank.

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Tips for Biodiesel Handling

• When switching from diesel fuel to biodiesel
  blend, it may be necessary to change the fuel
  filter an extra time or two.
• Monitor hoses, fill/vapor caps, gaskets for
  leaks.
• If any biodiesel is spilled, it is important to
  clean it up quickly. Pure biodiesel may remove
  paint from equipment.

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Tips for Biodiesel Handling

• Storage in on-site tanks should be limited to
  less than 6 months. The storage container should
  be clean, dry, and dark.
• Copper, brass, lead, tin and zinc should not be
  used to store biodiesel.
• Equipment with biodiesel blends in the fuel
  system should not be stored for more than 6
  months.

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Tips for Biodiesel Handling

• In the fall before colder weather sets in, check
  tanks for water concentration and microbial
  contamination. Check again in the spring.
• In the winter months, its important to use
  appropriate additives to ensure good
  winter-weather operability.

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Useful InformationResources
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NBB Resources www.biodiesel.org

• Technical Library
• Biodiesel Bulletin
• Informational Resources

• Technical Resources
• Educational Videos Available
• On-line Database Spec Sheets

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Other Biodiesel Resources

• www.bbibiofuels.com
• Biodiesel Magazine
• A MUST HAVE magazine
• Biodiesel Industry Directory On-Line

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Contact Information

• The Regional Diesel Hotline is
• For general guidance issues
• Fuel related problems

800-929-3437 952-473-0182 Email
info_at_megcorpmn.com
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Regional Diesel Hotline

• Established to
• Provide triage for fuel problems
• problems not adequately addressed by
  distributors/producers
• Diagnose/analyze/assist with problems from
• customers
• fleets
• fuel distributors
• Provide assistance through chemical analysis
• Through the use of third party Lab
• Help provide assistance to users to ensure the
  image/integrity of Biodiesel is maintained

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Questions