BIODIESEL SECRETS
REVEALED
How To Use It
And How To Make Your Own
By Ash Ried
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www.newbiodiesel.com 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: BIODIESEL BASICS
1. WHAT IS BIODIESEL?
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2. PROS AND CONS OF BIODIESEL
3. ENVIORMENTAL BENEFITS
4. THE BASIC PROPERTIES OF
BIODIESEL
5. ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY
6. PERFORMANCE
7. HOW TO SAFELY USE BIODIESEL
8. BIODIESEL TROUBLESHOOTING
9. OME WARRANTIES AND USE
10. BIODIESEL COMPATIBLE ENGINES
11. WHERE TO BUY BIODIESEL
12. MYTHS ABOUT BIODIESEL
PART II: HOW MAKE YOUR OWN
BIODIESEL
1. CONSIDERATIONS AND
WARNINGS
2. ABOUT FUEL BLENDS
3. SVO CAR SYSTEMS
4. BIODIESEL VERSUS SVO
SYSTEMS
5. ABOUT BIODIESEL INGREDIENTS
6. RECIPE FOR BIODIESEL (FRESH
OIL)
7. MAKING BIODIESEL FROM
WASTE OIL
8. FINDING FREE VEGETABLE OIL
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9. COLLECTING AND STORING
WASTE OIL
10. PUMPS AND HOSES
11. FILTRATION SOLUTIONS
12. A FILTRATION SYSTEM AT THE
SOURCE
13. HOME FILTRATION SYSTEM
14. MAKING BIODIESEL(WASTE OIL)
15. SAFETY TIPS
PART III. RESOURCES
1. EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING
BIODIESEL
2. BIODIESEL DISTRIBUTION MAPS
3. HOME BREW AND BIODIESEL FOR
SALE
4. SVO (STRAIGHT VEGETABLE OIL)
AND GREASECAR KITS
5. BIODIESEL COOPERATIVES
6. BIODIESEL ORGANIZATIONS
7. HOME BREWER AND SVO
WEBSITES
PART I: BIODIESEL BASICS
1. WHAT IS BIODIESEL?
Biodiesel is a vegetable based fuel that can be used to run any
kind of machine that is powered by a diesel engine. This includes
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vehicles such as cars, buses, boats and trucks and also other machines
such as generators, construction equipment and home heating units.
The usual ingredient in government regulated sources of
biodiesal is either soya or canola oil. However it can be made from any
type of recycled oil. For instance, making biodiesel from vegetable and
animal fat oil that has been recycled from restaurant deep fryers is all
the rage amongst what biodiesel enthusiasts (also known as “home
brewers.”)
Low levels of biodiesel are already added to the diesel we use
every day for transportation, industry, and recreation. According to the
Energy Information Administration, the United States consumed
approximately 6,000 million gallons of biodiesel in 2004. However this
is biodiesel that is mainly added to petrodiesel to increase the lubricity
of the fuel through the engine.
To manufacture biodiesel, vegetable fats and oils are subjected
to a chemical reaction with an alcohol (such as methanol) and a
catalyst to produce a fuel-grade biodiesel and a glycerin co-product.
Making biodiesel is often compared to making soap as it is created
from a similar chemical process called transesterification.
You might remember the process of g transesterfication from
your Granny’s soap making days. It simply means that glycerin is
separated from the fat or vegetable oil using an additive. In both
granny’s case and your case this additive is going to be lye. The
process leaves behind two products --methyl esters (the chemical
name for biodiesel) and glycerin (the stuff that soap is made from).
Biodiesel can be used alone or blended with petroleum diesel in
any proportion. When biodiesel is served up to an engine neat it is
usually called B100 (100% biodiesel). The most popular biodiesel
blends are B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) and B5 (5% biodiesel,
95% diesel fuel)
However before you buy a biodiesel cocktail for your machine,
keep in mind that officially, only B20 and B5 are in compliance with
the United State government’s Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).
The good news is just about any diesel engine can operate on
these blends with few or no modifications to the machine itself.
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When used in low-level blends of 5% biodiesel (B5) or below, the
difference between using regular diesel and biodiesel is not noticeable
to the driver or operator of the machinery.
When the percentage of biodiesel to regular diesel goes above
5% you may notice some difference in performance. For instance,
when B20 is used, the user may experience a 1%-2% (according to
home brewers) decrease or an up to 12% decrease (according to most
major manufacturers of diesel engines) in power, torque, and fuel
economy. This deficiency usually only shows up in older machines and
the difference in efficiency loss between 5% biodiesel and 20%
biodiesel blends are not that noticeable.
Biodiesel can also be used in its pure form (B100), but it may
require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and
performance problems and may not be suitable for wintertime use.
This is because biodiesel can become sludgy or gel in cold weather.
Also almost all manufacturers of diesel engines strongly
discourage the use of 100% biodiesel in their machines. Users should
consult their engine warranty statement on their machinery or vehicle
to see how parts may be affected by the use of the pure form (B100)
of biodiesel.
However one of the benefits of biodiesel is that it is so
adaptable. Using as little as 5% of the stuff in your engine helps
greatly reduce carbon monoxide emissions and keeps your engine
running smoothly. Biodiesel blends of 20% biodiesel or more are also
widely available and may qualify for credits under the Energy Policy
Act of 1992.
Additionally, commercially sold biodiesel is primarily made from
domestically produced soybean oil, which has extremely low sulfur
content. Cooking oil and animal fat biodiesel is also produces a fuel
with a low sulfur content. This means that using a biodiesel blend can
help your vehicle to meet EPA 2006 regulations for ultra-low sulfur
diesel fuel.
Low-level biodiesel blends such as B2 and B5 can be used safely
in any compression-ignition engine that is designed to be operated on
diesel fuel. This may include diesel-powered cars, trucks, tractors,
boats, and electrical generators.
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Does all this cost you? If you buy it commercially the cost of
biodiesel blends is comparable to the cost of using just regular No. 2
diesel, which is a blend of petrodiesel and kerosene.
Biodiesel can also promises be less expensive than petroleum. In
the near future federal tax incentive is expected to help lower the cost
of biodiesel blends in both taxable and tax exempt markets. For big
companies running large fleets of trucks and machinery biodiesel may
be the least-expensive option when it comes to converting machinery
so that it complies with state and federal regulations about air
pollution.
If you are wondering what the LEGAL definition of biodiesel is
the official definition consistent with other federal and state laws and
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines is as follows:
“Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty
acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to
ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to
the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are
denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel
contained in the blend.”
In other words B5 refers to a blend of 5% biodiesel with 95%
petrodiesel, B20 refers to a 20% blend and B100 refers to neat
biodiesel.
Biodiesel is available anywhere in the U.S. The National Biodiesel
Board (NBB) maintains information at
www.biodiesel.org . This is a site
that contains a list of registered fuel suppliers as well as petroleum
distributors and retail fueling sites.
2. PROS AND CONS OF BIODIESEL
There are a lot of reasons why making biodiesel has captured
the attention of both major fuel manufacturers and do it yourself
types.
Here are some of the PROs of using Biodiesel:
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• First of all the manufacture of any fuel that is not fossil fuel oil is
thought to be the answer when it comes to reducing most
countries’ dependence on foreign oil. This is particularly true in
the United States, which has resorted to a fair amount of
aggression to regain control of the world’s oil supplies. In fact
you could say that using biodiesel might even lead to world
peace!
• Biodiesel is also made from sustainable resource (soya and
canola oil.) It is completely renewable, as long as the sun shines
and rain falls. Using biodiesel supports the livelihood of U.S.
farmers by providing a market for excess soybean oil.
• Using biodiesel is also good for the U.S. economy as self-
sustaining fuel production might prevent the outsourcing of the
vehicle-manufacturing sector in the United States. It is powerful
solution to adding value to agricultural products (especially soy
and canola.)
• Biodiesel can be used in a blend in many different kinds of
existing diesel engines without modification. Biodiesel burns
substantially cleaner than petroleum based diesel fuel.
• Biodiesel is carbon-neutral which means that its contribution to
global warming is negligible compared to petroleum products. In
addition to displacing imported petroleum, biodiesel blends
reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases. A 1998 biodiesel
lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, concluded
biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent
(compared to petroleum diesel.) The CO² released into the
atmosphere when biodiesel burned is recycled by plants, which
produce more oxygen.
• Biodiesel is a lubricant that reduces wear and tear on engine
parts by almost one half! In fact it is already added to many
petrodiesel fuels to increase the lubricity of diesel engines and
fuel systems.
• It is a mild solvent that helps to keep your fuel system clean.
• Biodiesel burns cleaner and produces less smoke. The smoke it
does produce is white as opposed to back.
• Engines that run on biodiesel also run quieter.
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• Biodiesel has an energy content that is about 10% less than
petroleum diesel No. 2 and about the same as petroleum diesel
No. 1. This ten percent loss of performance is not usually
noticeable
• Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the
health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments as biodiesel produces less sulfur emissions than
regular diesel.
• The exhaust smells better. People compare it to the smell of
French Fries or popcorn.
Although biodiesel sounds like the perfect answer to solve fuel
and energy problems, there are some drawbacks to using it.
Here is a run down of some of the CONS of using biodiesel:
• The first problem is the availability of biodiesel commercially.
Although consumption of biodiesel has greatly increased since
2001. This is why so many people are ordering their own car
conversion kits or home brewing systems to make their own
biodiesel.
• If you have an older machine, then there is a chance that
biodiesel could have the effect of cleaning or thinning old
petroleum from the walls of your fuel lines and clog up your
engine.
• Biodiesel in a pure form (such as B100) has a high gelling point
compared to other fuels. This means that it thickens when the
temperature falls below the freezing point (32 F). However there
are solutions to this such as using a blend of biodiesel called
B20. B20 is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% regular diesel
and has a gelling point of –15 degrees F. Adding kerosene to the
blend also lowers the gel point even further.
3. ENVIROMENTAL BENEFITS
Your decision to use biodiesel as opposed Diesel No. 1 or 2 in
your machinery might simply be due to a concern for the environment.
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Here is a breakdown of some of the many ways that using biodiesel
not only helps save, but also actually benefits the environment.
• Using biodiesel reduces smog. Both unburned hydrocarbons and
nitrogen oxides account for most of the particulates in air
pollution. When you use biodiesel there is a substantial reduction
of unburned hydrocarbons and if you are using a blend that is
right for your machine, then there will also be a reduction in
nitrogen oxides. Tests that have been conducted according to
EPA regulations have shown that the hydrocarbon exhaust
emissions from biodiesel is nearly half that of those measured
for diesel fuel.
• Unlike the burning of fossil fuels biodiesel gives back more
energy to the environment that it takes. Lifecycle studies show
that for every unit of fossil energy it takes to manufacture fossil
fuel, 3.2 units of energy are gained. This kind of lifecycle study
would take into account the planting and harvesting of the soy or
canola as well as its transportation, production and distribution
to the end user.
• The overall lifecycle emissions of carbon dioxide (a major
greenhouse gas) from biodiesel are 78% lower than the overall
carbon dioxide emissions from petroleum diesel!
• The overall lifecycle emissions of sulfur oxides (major
components of acid rain) from biodiesel are 8% lower than
overall sulfur oxides emissions from diesel.
• The overall lifecycle emissions of methane (one of the most
potent greenhouse gases) from biodiesel are almost 3.0% lower
than overall methane emissions from regular diesel. This is a
smaller number but when it comes to global warming caused by
carbon monoxide it is a definite start.
• The overall lifecycle production of wastewater from biodiesel is
79.0% lower than overall production of wastewater from diesel.
To put it another way, petroleum diesel generates roughly five
times as much wastewater flow than biodiesel.
• The overall lifecycle production of hazardous solid wastes from
biodiesel is 96% lower than overall production of hazardous
solid wastes from diesel. However, the overall life cycle
production of non-hazardous solid wastes from biodiesel is twice
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as great as the production of non-hazardous solid wastes from
diesel.
• Scientific research confirms that biodiesel exhaust is less harmful
to humans then petroleum-based fuel because it contains NO
aromatic compounds. The purer the biodiesel the less likely it is
to create the cancer causing compounds polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH compounds. PAH and
nPAH compounds cause cancer. Research conducted in the US
shows biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of all target
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH
compounds, as compared to petroleum diesel exhaust. PAH
compounds in diesel exhaust were reduced by 75 to 85 percent,
with the exception of benzo anthracene, which was reduced by
roughly 50 percent. nPAH compounds were also reduced in
biodiesel fuel exhaust, with 2-nitrofluoreneand 1-nitropyrene
reduced by 90 percent, and the rest of the nPAH compounds
reduced to only trace levels. All of these reductions can be
attributed to biodiesel’s lack of aromatic compounds.
• Biodiesel is also easier on the lungs. The emission of the types of
particulate matter that cause asthma and other lung disorders is
reduced by about 47 percent. The carbon monoxide that is
emitted from biodiesel is 48% lower than the carbon monoxide
emissions from petroleum.
• Biodiesel is not toxic. It is less toxic than table salt and
biodegrades as fast as sugar. However this is not an invitation to
drink it – although in theory, you could.
• According to the EPA, diesel fuel exhaust contains harmful
polycyclic organic matter (POM) that can affect the reproductive,
developmental, immunological andendocrine (hormone) systems
in humans and in wildlife. Compared to the 700 million gallons of
diesel fuel that would otherwise be used, even adding just 2%
biodiesel to those gallons would reduce harmful and cancerous
POM impacts to streams, wildlife and humans by more than
80%.
• Biodiesel produces less soot. Studies have shown that biodiesel
reduces the total amount of particulate matter soot in bus
tailpipe exhaust by 83.6%. Soot is the heavy black smoke
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portion of the exhaust that consists of 100% carbon. It has been
suggested that diesel soot produces cancer.
• The total fossil energy efficiency ratio of the production,
manufacture, transportation, and distribution) for diesel fuel and
biodiesel shows that biodiesel is four times as efficient as diesel
fuel– 3.215 for biodiesel vs. 0.8337% for diesel.
• Burning just a 2% biodiesel blend in on-road diesel fuel will
curtail all kinds of harmful emissions. Annually it has the
potential to reduce poisonous carbon monoxide emissions by
more than 35 million pounds, reduce ozone forming hydrocarbon
emissions by almost 4 million pounds, reduce hazardous diesel
particulate emissions by almost 3 million pounds and reduce acid
rain-causing sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 3 million
pounds.
In June 2000, representatives of the U.S. Congress announced that
biodiesel had become the first and only alternative fuel to have
successfully completed the Tier I and Tier II Health Effects testing
requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Results of the
health effects testing concluded that biodiesel is non-toxic and
biodegradable, posing no threat to human health.
With gas prices zooming out of control more will be done in the
future to utilize domestic surpluses of vegetable oils to help reduce
U.S. dependence on foreign oil and increase national energy security.
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4. THE BASIC PROPERTIES OF BIODIESEL
Perhaps the biggest misconception about biodiesel is that it is
the same thing as vegetable oil. Whatever you do don’t pour vegetable
oil into your gas tank. This will simply lead to a clogged engine. Raw
vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not
registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.
To be sold commercially, biodiesel must be described as “fuel
grade” by the ASTM D6751 (American Standards Testing of Materials).
The only biodiesel that can legally be sold or traded is biodiesel that
meets the specifications of ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with
the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and
distribution.
Fuel grad biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and meets clean diesel
standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) have designated neat (100 percent) biodiesel as
an alternative fuel.
If you are curious as to what the actual properties of a 100%
biodiesel fuel (B100) actually is here is a description of as expected by
the ASTM D6751 analysis methods as of the year 2001. You don’t
need familiarity with ASTM testing methods to read this chart however
the testing methods have been included for the professional
manufacture and those of you into chemistry.
This specification in the following chart is for pure (100%)
biodiesel prior to use or blending with diesel fuel.
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5. ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY
Does an alternative fuel like biodiesel have the same energy
content as regular fuel?
Scientifically the energy content of a fuel is calculated using its
heating value. Fuel is measured by the amount of heat that is
released when it is subjected to combustion under certain conditions.
In the United States this measure is determined by American Standing
Testing Methods.
In the U.S., the heating value (energy) of a fuel is usually
expressed as British thermal units (Btu) per pound or per gallon at
60°F. International metric [SI] units are kilojoules per kilogram or per
cubic meter at 15°C).
For gross (high) heating value, the water produced by the
combustion is assumed to be at the point that the substance is
recondensed to a liquid. For the net (lower) heating value, the point is
where the water remains as a gas. Since engines exhaust water as a
gas, the net heating value is the appropriate value for comparing fuels.
Whether you are using diesel or biodiesel, the three main factors
that determine the efficiency of your vehicle are economy, torque, and
horsepower.
The economy, torque and horsepower of the vehicle are all very
dependent on the type of engine in the machine and what it usually
takes as a fuel -gasoline or diesel and the efficiency of the engine at
turning the fuel into usable energy (this may also depend on the
machine’s age) and the fuel’s volumetric energy content or heating
value.
The efficiency of diesel engines is the same whether using
biodiesel, diesel, or biodiesel blends so differences in horsepower,
torque or fuel economy are due entirely to volumetric energy content
(the amount of heat that the fuel can produce.)
The values below represent those of energy content of average
No. 2 diesel fuel and average biodiesel blends as calculated by the
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE/GO-102004-1999 Revised 2004). As
you can see from the chart below it is difficult to detect more than a
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one to two percent change in day-to-day operations. You also note
that the energy content of biodiesel is much less variable than that of
petrodiesel,
This chart also shows that the total energy efficiency ratio (i.e.
total fuel energy/total energy used in production, manufacture,
transportation, and distribution) for diesel fuel and biodiesel are
83.28% for diesel vs. 80.55% for biodiesel.
Average Density and Heating Value of Biodiesel Compared To
No. 2 Diesel
Fuel Density, g/cm3 Net Heating Value %Difference
G/cm3 Btu/gal
Diesel 2 0.850 129,500
Biodiesel (B100) 0.880 118,296 8.65 %
B20 Blend (B20) 0.856* 127,259* 1.73 %*
B2 Blend (B2) 0.851* 129,276* 0.17 %*
• Calculated Values from those of No. 2 Diesel and Biodiesel (B100)
Copies of specifications for biodiesel, petrodiesel and all kinds of
different commercial and alternative fuels are available from ASTM at
http://www.astm.org.
6. PERFORMANCE
If you are familiar with biodiesel blends you might already know
from experience already be aware that they perform almost identically
to conventional diesel fuel.
Here are some of the facts about this high-performance fuel:
• Operationally, biodiesel blends perform very similar to low sulfur
diesel in terms of power, torque, haulage and fuel consumption
without major modification of engines or machinery.
• Biodiesel can be used in existing engines with little or no impact
on operating performance. The National Biodiesel board claims
that there is only 1.73% difference in economy, torque and
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horsepower between B20 blend biodiesel and Diesel No. 2 fuel.
Note however that some manufacturers might say differently.
• Biodiesel lubricates your machinery far better than petroleum
diesel fuel. Lubricity results of biodiesel and petroleum diesel
using industry test methods indicate that there is a marked
improvement in lubricity when biodiesel is added to conventional
diesel fuel. Even biodiesel levels as low as one percent can
provide up to a 65 percent increase in lubricity in distillate fuels.
The lubricating properties of diesel fuel are important, especially
for rotary and distributor type fuel injection pumps. In these
pumps, the fuel itself lubricates moving parts as it moves
through the pump—not by the engine oil. Other diesel fuel
systems—which include unit injectors, injectors, unit pumps, and
in-line pumps are also partially fuel lubricated. Biodiesel fuels
consisting of methyl esters of soybean oil have superior scuffing
and adhesive wear resistance that exceeds conventional diesel
fuels
However like most fuels, biodiesel is not perfect. Perhaps its
biggest drawback is that it is not compatible with all engine
components. Although many manufacturers have or are in the process
of making their machines more compatible with low sulfur diesel fuels
such as biodiesel you need to be absolutely sure that your machine
can handle it by contacting your OEM for specific information.
The main problem with putting biodiesel into certain models
and older machines is that pure biodiesel will soften and degrade
certain types of elastomers and natural rubber compounds over time.
Undiluted biodiesel can destroy certain types of gasket, hose, and seal
compounds like natural rubber, Buna-N, and nitrile, which can create
fuel system leaks. Unfortunately these materials are what most fuel
hoses and fuel pump seals are made of.
Most manufacturers recommend that natural or butyl rubbers
not be allowed to come in contact with pure biodiesel. One way around
this is to replace your hoses and fuel caps with a material that is
compatible with biodiesel or stick to using a blend of biodiesel which
will not cause as much wear and tear on your hoses and sealants.
However, laymen (the home brewer and owners of eco cars and
grease cars) have found that blends of B20 or lower have not exhibited
elastomer degradation and most machines do not need to be
reoutfitted with new polymers. Once again, it is stressed that you must
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consult with the manufacturer of your vehicle or machine before
playing with biodiesel. Trial and error could prove to be expensive.
Another factor that can greatly affect the performance of
biodiesel is cold weather. Cold weather can cloud and even gel any
diesel fuel, including biodiesel. Users of a 20 percent biodiesel blend
with #2 diesel will usually notice problems when the temperature
reaches approximately 2 to 10° Fahrenheit.
It is not recommended that you use 100% pure biodiesel in cold
temperatures. It stands to reason that neat biodiesel will gel even
faster than blended biodiesel. Solutions for winter operability with neat
biodiesel include blending biodiesel with No. 1 petroleum diesel fuel,
and storing the vehicle in a heated garage.
Both blended and neat diesel fuel respond to the use of cold flow
improvement additives such as regular anti-freeze and kerosene.
However make sure that your manufacturer approves any additives
you add to your biodiesel.
Another factor that may affect your vehicle or machine’s
performance is biodiesel’s solvent effect. Vegetable oils have the effect
of releasing deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from
previous diesel fuel storage. This affect is much more pronounced with
B100 than with biodiesel blends like B20.
However rubbers and vinyl compounds are not the only issues.
Mixtures of B20 and higher can degrade brass, bronze, copper, lead,
tin, and zinc if the fuel is used for a prolonged period of time. In this
regard, biodiesel should not be used on machinery that contains lead
solders zinc linings copper pipes, brass regulators, and copper fittings.
The solution is to replace these types of fittings with their equivalent in
steel or aluminum.
If you are unsure whether or not biodiesel or blended biodiesel
will degrade the vinyls, rubbers or metals in your machinery it is, the
engine or vehicle manufacturer should be contacted to determine if the
seals, hoses, and gaskets are compatible with the blend before use.
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7. HOW TO USE BIODIESEL SAFELY
The best way to ensure biodiesel in a safe manner is to buy it
from an accredited producer. Otherwise you may be dealing with fuel
that has an unpredictable flash point (causing and unexpected fire) or
one that scalds the metal surfaces of your machinery by acting as a
strong solvent. Purchase fuel only from a reputable source -- from
companies that are “certified marketers” or “accredited producers”
under the BQ-9000 Biodiesel Quality program. The National Diesel
Board approves companies that have this certification.
To refresh your memory, pure biodiesel is referred to as B100 or
“neat” biodiesel. A biodiesel blend is pure biodiesel blended with
petrodiesel. Biodiesel blends are referred to as Bxx. The xx indicates
the amount of biodiesel in the blend (for example a B20 blend is 20
percent by volume biodiesel and 80 percent by volume petrodiesel.)
So just who is responsible for setting the quality standards of
biodiesel? In the case of diesel fuel (and biodiesel), the responsibility
for setting standards lies within ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum
Products and Lubricants. In order to assure that the standards are
realistic and enforceable, ASTM committee D02 is comprised of fuel
producers, engine equipment manufacturers, and third party interests
(users, government agencies, consultants). ASTM utilizes a ballot
process in which a single negative vote is enough to defeat the ballot
entirely. An ASTM standard approval for any product is not easily
achieved. Some standards can take over 10 years to gain agreement
and be issued by ASTM. This rigorous, time-consuming process is why
ASTM standards are recognized and adopted by other governments
worldwide.
The National Biodiesel Board, the trade association for the
biodiesel industry, has formed the National Biodiesel Accreditation
Commission (NBAC) to audit fuel producers and marketers in order to
enforce fuel quality standards in the US. NBAC issues a 'Certified
Biodiesel Marketer' seal of approval for biodiesel marketers that have
met all requirements of fuel accreditation audits. This seal of approval
assures customers that the biodiesel meets the ASTM standards for
biodiesel and that the fuel supplier will stand behind its products.
To ensure the safest use of this exciting alternative fuel, make
sure that the biodiesel you are using meets the ASTM specification for
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pure biodiesel (ASTM D 6751) before blending with petrodiesel. The
specification for biodiesel is designed to ensure that consumers will not
experience operational problems (especially accidents!) from the fuel’s
use. Make sure that the merchant who sells you this biodiesel can
provide you with written assurance that the biodiesel meets this
specification.
Below are the ASTD standard safety guidelines regarding the
safe use of biodiesel.
• Oral Toxicity. Biodiesel is considered to be non-toxic but this
doesn’t mean you should drink it! The lethal dose is 17.4
percent of the person’s body weight. By contrast you can
overdose on table salt by ingesting 1.74 percent of your body
weight.
• Skin Irritation. Human patch tests have showed that 100%
biodiesel causes mild irritation of the skin but the irritation was
less than the one produced by water mixed with 4% soap.
• Aquatic Toxicity: Water is not officially considered to be
poisoned by biodiesel unless it is containing a concentration of
biodiesel grade methyl esters greater than 1000 mg per liter.
• Biodegradability. Biodiesel degrades about four times faster than
petroleum diesel. Within 28 days, pure biodiesel is decomposed
85 to 88 percent if allowed to decompose in water. Dextrose
(sugar) degrades at the same rate. Blending biodiesel with diesel
fuel also accelerates the biodegradability of regular diesel fuel.
For example, blends of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent
diesel fuel degrade twice as fast as No. 2 diesel alone.
• Flash Point .The flash point of a fuel is defined as the lowest
temperature at which the vapor above a combustible liquid can
be made to ignite in air. Biodiesel’s flashpoint is over 260°
Fahrenheit, well above petroleum based diesel fuel’s flash point
of around 125°. Obviously this makes biodiesel a less volatile
choice when it comes to risk of explosions or fire.
• Fahrenheit. Testing has shown the flash point of biodiesel blends
increases as the percentage o biodiesel increases. This means,
biodiesel and blends of biodiesel with petroleum diesel are safer
to store, handle, and use than conventional diesel fuel!
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8. BIODIESEL TROUBLESHOOTING
When you first start converting from regular diesel to a diesel
blend or pure diesel you can expect something will happen, as that is
just the nature of change sometimes. Here is a rundown of some of
the most common problems that can occur after converting a machine
from regular diesel to diesel and how to handle them.
• Really dirty fuel Filters. Make sure that you rigorously check the
fuel filters on your vehicle and in the fuel delivery system for a
few weeks after your first use of biodiesel. Biodiesel and
biodiesel blends are solvents. In some cases the use of
petrodiesel, especially #2 petrodiesel, leaves a deposit in the
bottom of fuel lines, tanks, and delivery systems over time. The
use of biodiesel can dissolve this sediment and result in the need
to change filters more frequently. One way around this is to wait
until the whole system has been cleaned of the deposits left by
the petrodiesel before you add biodiesel to your machine. Don’t
let this problem deter you from using biodiesel! It is no more
serious than the phenomenon has been observed when switching
from No. 2 to No.1 petrodiesel.
• Gelling or cloudy biodiesel in cold weather. Be aware of
biodiesel's cold weather properties and take the same
precautions, as you would using a No: 2 petrodiesel use in cold
weather. As a general rule a fuel blend of 50% No.1 or No. 2
petrodiesel and 50% biodiesel gels at 22 degrees. A mixture of
5% biodiesel with either gels at –18 and 5% gels at –20.A 20
percent blend of biodiesel with petrodiesel usually raises the cold
weather properties 2 to 10° F. Solutions to biodiesel winter
operability problems are the same solutions used with
conventional #2 petrodiesel. These include using pour point
depressant and blending the fuel with kerosene. Blending the
biodiesel with #1 petrodiesel fuel, installing engine block or fuel
filter heaters on the engine are also solutions. Keep in mind too
that this does not have to be a “do-it-yourself” project. The cold
flow properties of diesel fuel vary considerably through out the
year. Petroleum companies and distributors manage their fuel
inventory and additive treatment rates based on a history of cold
weather experience in certain regions that the right blends of
kerosene and Number 2 or biodiesel are marketed in your area.
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• Peeling paint around the fuel lines and pump seals. Wipe painted
surfaces immediately when using biodiesel. Since biodiesel is a
good solvent, it can dissolve your car’s finish.
• Engine component incompatibility. The good news is that the
switch to low sulfur diesel fuel has caused most OEMs to
manufacture components that are suitable for use with biodiesel.
However before you make the leap from petrodiesel to biodiesel
users should contact their OEM for specific information. In
general, pure biodiesel will soften and degrade certain types of
elastomers and natural rubber compounds over time. Using high
percent blends can impact fuel system components and start
distressing pump seals and hoses that contain elastomer
compounds. Manufacturers also recommend that natural or butyl
rubbers not be allowed to come in contact with pure biodiesel.
Usually blends of B20 or lower have not exhibited elastomer
degradation and need no changes but this might be highly
dependent on the age or the newness of the vehicle. If a fuel
system does contain these materials and users wish to fuel with
blends over B20, replacement with compatible elastomers is
recommended.
• Spontaneous combustion. Even though biodiesel has a lower
flash point than petroleum based fuels it is still combustible. The
vegetable oils and animal fats in biodiesel can oxidize over time
and produce heat. This can result in a sudden fire. Biodiesel
soaked rags should be stored in a safety can or dried individually
to avoid the potential for spontaneous combustion. In large
industries a chemical called Unichem is often added to biodiesel
fuels to reduce their combustibility.
• Use stored biodiesel within six months. All fuels, including #2
and #1 petrodiesel, have a shelf life. This is also true with
biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Industry experts recommend that
biodiesel be used within six months of purchase to ensure that
the quality of the fuel is maintained.
If you have bought a biodiesel that is acting chemically strange
or looks odd or that you suspect is not biodiesel at all --The National
Biodiesel Board in the U.S. is available to answer additional questions
regarding the safe handling o fuel. The NBB can be reached at (800)
841-5849 or via e-mail at
info@nbb.org
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9. OME WARRANTIES AND USE
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns that people have before
switching to biodiesel is how it is going to affect their vehicle. This is
not such a concern for people using blends of 1% or 2% as in that
case the biodiesel can almost be considered to be an additive that is
simply enabling the machine to run more efficiently (thanks to its
lubricating and solvent abilities.)
The bottom line is that all engine and vehicle manufacturers
provide a material and workmanship warranty on the products they
manufacture. Anyone who drives a car will tell you most warranties
do not cover damage or problems caused by external factors or
elements they don’t produce or control, such as the type of fuel
or additives that are used in the engine. Thus, if an engine
experiences a failure that is caused by a fuel or a fuel additive (and by
the way it does not matter if the fuel or additive is biodiesel, regular
petroleum diesel, or another kind of additive - the damage generally
will not be covered by the OEM’s equipment and workmanship
warranty.
All diesel engine companies provide a warranty for the product
they manufacture which in this case is diesel engines. They warranty
their engines for “materials and workmanship.” If there is a problem
with an engine part or with engine operation due to an error in
manufacturing or assembly within the prescribed warranty period, the
problem is covered.
When it comes to biodiesel that means that any damage caused
by water, dirt contamination, clogged filters or microbial
contamination would not be covered by your warranty.
If you have encountered problems with your vehicle as a result
of buying a biodiesel blend or neat biodiesel, any issues such as
clogged filters, damage to pump seals and hoses, damage to paint
finish (caused by failing to wipe biodiesel off of the car) and other
problems are considered to be the liability of the biodiesel supplier and
not the car manufacturer. Of course this does not apply if the supplier
has stated otherwise before selling the biodiesel to you. This is why it
is important to stick to buying commercial biodiesel that is approved
by the Biodiesel Board (BQ900 companies) as in that case the supplier
can be liable for any damage caused to your vehicle by biodiesel use.
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However, if an engine or vehicle that uses a biodiesel blend
experiences a failure unrelated to the biodiesel use, it must be covered
by the OEM’s warranty. A federal law, called the Magnuson Moss Act,
prohibits the voiding of an OEM warranty just because an aftermarket
additive—or biodiesel—was used. However, the additive or biodiesel
must be the cause of the failure for the issue not to be covered by the
warranty.
Technically it is against US Federal law to void your warranty
based solely on the use of biodiesel blends over B5 like B11 or B20.
However, it has been known to happen and this is something that you
should be aware of before you convert to using biodiesel blends that
are stronger than 5%. In the next chapter we summarize the positions
of OEMs from various manufacturers of diesel engines to give you an
idea of what blend percentages are approved for commonly sold diesel
engines.
Most diesel engine OEM dealers and customer service
departments currently tell their customers the use of up to 5%
biodiesel (B5) is acceptable providing that the blend consists of the
pure biodiesel that adheres to the quality standards specified by
American Society of Testing and Materials standard (ASTM D 6751),
Another determination is that the biodiesel fuel must be assessed as
pure before it is blended.
In general, most OEM’s are also recommending that biodiesel
and biodiesel blends only be purchased from BQ-9000 certified
companies. All engines are designed and manufactured for a fuel that
has certain characteristics. In the US, the industry organization that
defines the consensus on fuels is the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM).
However, don’t rely on the above general statement to tell you
what is best for your particular situations. There are some OEM’s who
tell their customers biodiesel blends up to B20 are acceptable, while
others say anything up to B100 is acceptable.
It is also not advisable to follow the advice of your neighbor who
owns a similar model of machine or vehicle or even a customer service
representative. There can even be dramatic differences in the OEM
advice on using biodiesel blends within different departments or
dealers within the same company or brand. The most valuable ally you
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have is the OEM warranty and statement papers you received when
you bought the vehicle.
Typically, an engine company will define what fuel the engine
was designed for and will recommend the use of that fuel to their
customers in their owner's manuals.
It cannot be stressed enough that if you run into trouble, your
engine manufacturer will not bail you up. Engine companies do not
manufacture fuel or fuel components. Therefore, engine companies do
not warranty the fuel - whether that fuel is biodiesel or petrodiesel. If
there are engine problems caused by a fuel (again, whether that fuel is
petrodiesel fuel or biodiesel fuel) these problems are the responsibility
of the fuel supplier and not the engine manufacturer. Any reputable
fuel supplier (biodiesel, petrodiesel, or a blend of both) should have
the liability insurance to cover any fuel quality problems if they occur.
So the issue is not really whether or not an engine manufacturer
will void its parts and workmanship warranty when biodiesel is used, it
is whether the fuel producer or marketer will stand behind its fuels
should problems occur.
Some engine companies have already specified that the biodiesel
must meet ASTM D-6751 as a condition, while others are still in the
process of adopting D-6751 within their company or have their own
set of guidelines for biodiesel use that were developed prior to the
approval of D-6751. It is anticipated that the entire industry will
incorporate the ASTM biodiesel standard into their owner's manuals
over time.
10. BIO DIESEL COMPATIBLE ENGINES
Determining which engines are compatible for use with biodiesel
can be a complex matter. Below is a list of manufacturers that make
biodiesel compatible engines. By clicking on the link (the name of the
company) you will be led specifically to the manufacturer’s OME PDF
guides. Although we have provided a summary of the manufacturer’s
position on diesel fuels, in each guide you will be able to find the
information that you need to know regarding the use of biodiesel in
the specific engines that they manufacture.
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Caterpillar Officially Caterpillar does not certify engines that are
run on anything other than EPA and European Fuels. It neither
approves or prohibits the use of biodiesel fuels. Failures that result
because of the use of biodiesel fuels are not covered by Caterpillar
warranties.
The company does not recommend biodiesel but says it is
acceptable as long as the fuel meets ASTM D6751 or DIN 51606
and is a blend of 5% biodiesel with 95% regular diesel. Using a
blend that is any higher can result in machine failure.
The company also claims that using biodiesel may result in:
• A 5 to 7% loss of energy and torque in their machines
• An increase in oil change intervals
• Clogged filters
• Microbial contamination and growth
Cummins Officially Cummins regards the use of biodiesel to be
“experimental at this time.” Cummins certifies its engines using the
prescribed EPA and European Certification Fuels in blends of no more
than 5% biodiesel to diesel.
It neither approves or recommends biodiesel but warns of the
following effects on its engines.
• the energy and torque of the vehicle may be reduced by
12%
• there may be a larger emission of white smoke
• distressing of the machine’s seals, hoses, gaskets and wire
coatings is likely
• only registered fuels may be used on public highways
• blends over 5% will cause gelling, filter plugging,
overheating and a frequent need to change the oil
• blends over 5% cause swelling an cracking of the
elastomer seals, corrosion of the fuel system and engine,
blockage of fuel nozzles and passages and injector coking
• blends over 5% also reduce the life of the fuel system, and
cause early life failure of the engine
• pure biodiesel can cause a chemical reaction with lube oil
resulting in oil sludging
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• microbial growth can cause fuel system corrosion and
premature filter plugging
Detroit Diesel Officially, Detroit Diesel does not recommend or
prohibit the use of diesel fuel in its engines. It does however suggest
that a blend of up to 20% be used as long as the biodiesel fuels must
meet ASTM Specification D 6751. The company does not suggest that
biodiesel produces any side effects unless it does not meet the ASTM
specification.
Ford Ford belongs to The World-Wide Fuel Charter, a compilation
of fuel quality requirements endorsed by the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association
(ACEA), the Engine Manufacturers Association, the Japanese
Automobile Manufacturers Association and a number of other
automobile manufacturer trade associations around the world, It does
not endorse fuels that contain more than 5% biodiesel for fuels. Ford
states that the use of biodiesel in their engines at greater than 5%
concentration, is solely at the discretion and risk of the customer.
The company states that use of biodiesel in concentrations
greater than 5% may result in:
• Increase viscosity causing gelling and blockages
• Microbial contamination
• Increased oxidization and decay of metal components
• Gumming and sediment deposits
• A higher risk of corrosion
• Higher engine deposit formations
• Damage to zinc, copper based alloys, cast iron tin, lead,
cobalt and manganese components of the vehicle
• Strip paint
GM Motors Ford takes a much more positive view of biodiesel
and condones the use of 5% diesel fuel in its models that are
specifically manufactured to accommodate the blend. It neither
approves nor disapproves of its use in diesel engines older than the
year 2004 but the fuel must meet the specification of ASTM D 6751. It
is currently involved with the Biodiesel Board developing a number of
technical programs that are researching alternative fuels.
General Motors recommends a B5 blend for enhanced lubricity,
improved domestic energy security and reduced emissions. The
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company has asserted there is no difference from diesel Number 2 or
loss of performance using 5% biodiesel.
For recommendations about its vehicles General Motors advises calling
the National Biodiesel Board at 1-800-841-5849.
International Officially the company approvals biodiesel for use
in its machines and in fact says that blends up to 85% biodiesel should
not affect any of its machines. It will also warranty vehicles that are
using biodiesel in blends up to 85%. It does however require that the
fuel meet the specifications ASTM Specification D 6751. It does not
recommend 100% biodiesel and states that its machines run optimally
on blends from 5% to 20%.
The company also claims that using biodiesel in it’s machines may:
• reduce the machines energy from between 5% and 7%
• impair the flow of fuel in cold weather
• decompose the seals on older engines
• reduce water separation efficiency
John Deere Biodiesel fuels may be used in John Deere diesel
engines only if the fuel meets the provisional ASTM specifications for
the particular model of machine. The company warns sternly against
using raw or pressed vegetable oils in any concentration straight in the
machine as it will leave deposits on injectors and in the combustion
chamber. It recommends using fuel blends below 5% and to use fuel
blends that are higher with caution.
The company also has many caveats and warnings about the use
of 5% biodiesel in its machines. It advises to:
• Keep the fuel tanks as full as possible to prevent moisture
from collecting inside.
• Prevent water from entering and causing microbial growth by
keeping fuel tanks sealed
• Keep machines and storage tanks away from extreme
temperatures such as direct sun or frost
• To not leave biodiesel in a tank for more than three months
• To wash down biodiesel spills immediately with water to
prevent corrosion and damage to paint
• That the fuel filter may need to be replaced more often due to
plugging
If using a blend over 5% the company warns of the following:
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• power loss and deterioration of performance
• fuel leakage through seals and hoses
• corrosion of fuel injection equipment
• blocked injector nozzles
• plugging of filters
• lagging or seizing of engine components
• sludge and sediments
• reduced service life
The John Deere product warranty only covers defects in material
and workmanship as manufactured and caused by the use of biodiesel
fuels or other fuel additives cannot be compensated under John Deere
warranty.
Volkswagen Volkswagen prides itself on being a leader in passenger
car diesel technology, and also in the development and use of biodiesel
fuel. The company has determined that diesel fuel containing up to five
percent biodiesel meets the technical specifications for Volkswagen
vehicles equipped with TDI engines imported to the United States.
Therefore, the diesel fuel commonly known as “B5 biodiesel” is
acceptable for use in all of Volkswagen’s TDI vehicles.
Volkswagen also recommends that you use only high-quality fuel,
for warranty purposes, whether that fuel is diesel, biodiesel, or
gasoline. Vehicle damage that results from misfueling or from the
usage of substandard or unapproved fuels cannot be covered under
the company’s warranties.
If your engine is not made by a manufacturer on the above list
chances are your vehicle is not compatible with the use of biodiesel.
For absolute clarity on the matter you are strongly encouraged to
contact a customer representative from the company that
manufacturers your engine and ask them directly about the
consequences of using biodiesel in your engine.
11. WHERE TO BUY BIODIESEL
What you may have learned from reading so far is that buying a
high quality biodiesel that has received the stamp of approval from
The National Biodiesel Board is your safest option. Dealing with any of
the BQ900 suppliers on the list below is the best way to avoid costly
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mishaps. As this organization works closely with both the diesel
suppliers and engine manufacturers your needs as a customer (as well
as any problems you may have) are open to an auditing and
assessment process by the board should you suffer an effect from the
fuel. Also it is important to note that all manufacturers of biodiesel
engines recommend using fuel manufactured by the following
companies.
The National Biodiesel Board issues a 'Certified Biodiesel
Marketer' seal of approval for biodiesel marketers that have met all
requirements of fuel accreditation audits. This seal of approval assures
customers that the biodiesel meets the ASTM standards for biodiesel
and that the fuel supplier will stand behind its products. It ensures
that the biodiesel you are using meets the ASTM specification for pure
biodiesel (ASTM D 6751) before blending it with petrodiesel.
More than 300 major corporate fleets currently use B20 supplied
by companies on this list, including the U.S. Postal Service, the City of
Philadelphia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), several
public transit systems, national parks, school districts, private
recycling and concrete companies and the National Aeronautics &
Space Administration (NASA
Most of the following companies are capable of supplying
biodiesel anywhere in the United States. Keep in mind that just
because a company’s headquarters is located far away doesn’t mean
its fueling stations are. Usually the company’s mailing address has
nothing to do with the location of its pumps.
Also many of the companies on this list have point and click style
websites that will lead you to maps so that you can purchase biodiesel
at the station that is nearest to you.
Peter Cremer and West Central U.S. are the largest companies
so it is suggested you contact them first as they have the most pumps
and stations. The rest of the list is comprised of more regional
producers of biodiesel and are arranged in order roughly from largest
to smallest.
BQ-9000 Accredited Producers
Peter Cremer North America
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Mack Findley
Peter Cremer N. America
3117 Southside Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45204
Phone: (513) 471-7200
Fax: (513) 244-7775
Hfindley@petercremerna.com
www.cremer-gruppe.com
West Central U.S.
Don Irmen
West Central Cooperative
406 First Street, PO Box 6
Ralston, IA 51459
Phone: (712) 667-3339
Fax: (712) 667-3479
doni@westcentral.net
www.soypower.net
OR
Gary Haer
293 Westhoff Place
Gardner, KS 66030
Phone: (913) 484-8521
Fax: (913) 884-8521
garyha@westcentral.net
www.soypower.net
AEP
Steve Nogel
Ag Environmental Products
12700 West Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68154
Phone: (800) 599-9209
snogel@agp.com
www.soygold.com
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World Energy
Gene Gebolys
World Energy Alternatives
90 Everett Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 889-7300
Fax: (617) 887-2411
Order Line: (888) 785-8373
Geneg@worldenergy.net
www.worldenergy.net
OR
World Energy
408 Broad Street, #11B
Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: (530) 478-9196
Fax: (530) 478-9197
Mobile: (415) 699-5001
www.worldenergy.net
Biodiesel Industries
Russ Teall
Biodiesel Industries
435 ½ El Sueno Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Phone: (805) 683-8103
Fax: (805) 456-2192
info@biodieselindustries.com
www.biodieselindustries.com
Griffin Industries
Hart Moore
Griffin Industries
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4221 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076-1897
Phone: (800) 743-7413
Fax: (859) 572-2574
jhmoore@griffinind.com
www.griffinind.com
Imperial Western Products
Tom Prokop
Imperial Western Products
PO Box 1765
Indio, CA 92202
Phone: (951) 273-0860
Fax: (951) 273-0859
tprokopiwp@earthlink.net
Stepan Company
Stepan Jeffrey S. Nelson
Stepan Company
22 West Frontage
Northfield, IL 60093
Phone: (847) 446-7500
Fax: (847) 501-4546
jnelson@stepan.com
www.stepan.com
Procter & Gamble
Scott Kadish
Procter & Gamble Company
11530 Reed Hartman Highway
Cincinnati, OH 45230
Phone: (513) 626-5351
FAX: (240) 384-4052
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kadish.sd@pg.com
Corsicana Chemical
Tom Kowalski
Corsicana Technologies, Inc.
2733 E. Highway 31
P. O. Box 1898
Corsicana, TX 75151-1898
Phone: (903) 874-9500
Fax: (903) 874-9595
Tom.Kowalski@corsicanatech.com
Grain Growers Co-Op, Inc.
Sam Brake
Grain Growers Cooperative
800 Tiffany Blvd, Suite 215
PO Box 7306
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (252) 446-7100
Fax: (252) 446-7104
graingrowers@earthlink.net
American Biofuels
Stretch Fowler
American Bio-Fuels, Inc.
4364 Bonita Road #106
Bonita, CA 91902-1421
Phone: (818) 674-6291
Fax: (760) 246-5201
stretchfowler@socal.rr.com
Renewable Alternatives
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Kelly Maloney
Renewable Alternatives
1235 S. Kimps Court #30
Green Bay, WI 54313
Phone: (920) 217-3548
Fax: (920) 490-1594
kmaloney@new.rr.com
Filter Specialty, Inc.
Charles Jackson
Filter Specialty, Inc.
3419 Maxwell Road
Autryville, NC 28318
Phone: (910) 567-5474
Fax: (910) 567-4026
Filterspecialty@intrstar.net
Gulf Hydrocarbon Inc.
Jess Hewitt
Gulf Hydrocarbon, Inc.
2476 Bolsover PMB 211
Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 523-7755
Fax: (713) 523-7758
jess.hewitt@gulfhydrocarbon.com
Missouri Better Bean
Steve Nappier
Missouri Better Bean
136 Main
Bunceton, MO 65237
Phone: (660) 427-5444
Fax: (660) 427-5442
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dooser@iland.net
Soy Solutions
Lon Peterson
Soy Solutions
PO Box 188; 1505 Main Street
Ruthven, IA 51358
Phone: (712) 338-2223
Fax: (712) 837-5702
soysolutions@iowaone.net
www.farmerscoopelev.com
Virginia Biodiesel Refinery
Doug Faulkner
Virginia Biodiesel Refinery
1676 Waverly Avenue
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
Phone: (804) 435-1126
Fax: (804) 435-1128
dfaulkner@rivnet.net
US Biofuels, Inc.
Greg Hopkins
US Biofuels, Inc.
PO Box 5481
Rome, GA 30162-5481
Phone: (706) 291-4829
Fax: (706) 295-2129
usbiofuels@bellsouth.net
Biodiesel of Las Vegas, Inc.
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Ben Kulick
Biodiesel of Las Vegas, Inc.
1065 Higuera Street, Suite 33
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 542-0836
Fax: (805) 542-0837
biodiesel@3cventures.com
Bio-energy Systems
Jacques Sinoncelli
Bio-energy Systems
P.O. Box 2192
Vallejo, CA 94592
Phone: (707) 649-9100
j.sinoncelli@bio-energysystems.com
Southern Biodiesel
Trey Fleming
Southern BioDiesel
460 Mill Creek Drive
Magee, MS 39111
Phone: (800) 545-6533
Fax: (601) 849-9373
trey@sobiodiesel.com
FUMPA Biofuels
Charles Neece
FUMPA Biofuels
PO Box 319, 590 W. Park Road
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: (507) 637-2938
Fax: (507) 637-5409
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cneece@centralbi.com
www.northlandchoicebiodiesel.com
Peach State Labs, Inc.
Peach State Labs, Inc.
PO Box 5424
Rome, GA 30162
Phone: (800) 634-1653
Fax: (706) 291-4888
ssmith@peachstatelabs.com
www.peachstatelabs.com
Lambent Technologies
Paul Gaines
Lambent Technologies
3938 Porett Drive
Gurnee, IL 60031
Phone: (847) 249-6378
Fax: (847) 249-6792
pgaines@lambentcorp.com
Johann Haltermann, Ltd.
Michael Szady
Johann Haltermann
16717 Jacintoport Blvd.
Houston, TX 77015
Phone: (832) 376-2002
Fax: (281) 457-1128
mjszady@dow.com
www.dhh.intranet.dow.com
Huish Detergents, Inc.
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Evan Frampton
Huish Detergents, Inc.
15 W. South Temple Street, Ste. 1400
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: (801) 975-3130
Fax: (801) 364-0272
Evan.Frampton@huish.com
www.huish.com
Worley & Obetz, Inc.
Len Zvorsky
Worley & Obetz
85 White Oak Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Phone: (717) 665-6891
Fax: (717) 664-3703
lzvorsky@worleyobetz.com
www.worleyobetz.com
Earth Biofuels, Inc.
Bill Carpenter
Earth Biofuels, Inc.
6070 Interstate 55 S
Jackson, MS 39272
Phone: (601) 372-8445
Fax: (601) 372-6455
Cwbill800@aol.com
Seattle Biodiesel, LLC
John Plaza
Seattle Biodiesel, LLC
6333 1st Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: (206) 767-5095
©
www.newbiodiesel.com
Fax: (206) 767-5096
john@seattlebiodiesel.com
www.seattlebiodiesel.com
Rocky Mountain Biodiesel
Greg Weeks
Rocky Mountain Biodiesel
201 Terry Street, Unit 3A
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: (303) 772-1351
Fax: (970) 532-9985
rmbiodiesel@aol.com
www.biodieselindustries.com
Safe Fuels/Texoga Technologies
Rich DeGarmo
Safe Fuels
9390 Forest Lane
Conroe, TX 77385
Phone: (281) 364-9500
Fax: (281) 364-7590
rdegarmo@safe-fuels.com
www.safe-fuels.com
SMS EnviroFuels, Inc.
Brett Kimes
SMS EnviroFuels, Inc.
7550 IH 10 West, 14th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 541-7115
Fax: (210) 293-8768
©
www.newbiodiesel.com
bkimes@txenvirofuels.com
Biodiesel of Mississippi
William Tacker
Biodiesel of Mississippi
PO Box 321, 128 Biodiesel Drive
Nettleton, MS 38858
Phone: (662) 963-0026
Fax: (662) 963-0029
Bio456@aol.com]
South Texas Blending
Marco Gonzales
South Texas Blending
2414 Sutton Court
Laredo, TX 78045
Phone: (956) 237-4705
Fax: (956) 727-2923
marco@southtexasblending.com
American Ag Fuels
Steve Lankenau
American Ag Fuels
815 Greenler Street
Defiance, OH 43512
Phone: (419) 784-3835
Fax: (419) 784-3835
slankenau@americanagfuels.com
www.americanagfuels.com
Environmental Alternatives
Bob Lindenbaum
Environmental Alternatives
©
www.newbiodiesel.com
1225 39th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11218
Phone: (718) 972-2156
Fax: (718) 972-2037
bob@enviroalt.com
www.enviroalt.com
Bio Energy of Colorado, LLC
Thomas Davanzo
Bio Energy of Colorado, LLC
801 West 56th Avenue
Denver, CO 80216
Phone: (303) 292-9333
Fax: (303) 298-9444
monte@bioenergycolorado.com
www.bioenergycolorado.com
West Coast Biodiesel, LTD
Robert Jones or Grant Saar
West Coast Biodiesel Ltd.
105 North Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 4V7
Phone: (604) 255-9301
Fax: (604) 255-1803
rjones@wcrl.com
www.wcrl.com
Mass Biofuel – (Heating Oil) Mass Biofuel
280 Milton Street, Suite 1
Dedham, MA 02026
(888) 627-7246
(781) 326-0194
info@massbiofuel.com
©
www.newbiodiesel.com
www.massbiofuel.com
Minnesota Soybean Producers
Ron Marr
Minnesota Soybean Producers
P.O. Box 100
Brewster, MN 56119
Phone: (507) 842-6677
Fax: (507) 842-0086
mnsoybean@gmail.com
www.mnsoy.com
Alabama Biodiesel Corporation
Richard Campo
Alabama Biodiesel Corporation
12982 Cracker Road
Moundville, AL 35474
(205) 371-8740
(205) 371-8726
alabamabiodiesel@mound.net
Evergreen Renewables LLC
Marc Wharton
Evergreen Renewables LLC
600 N. 93rd Street, Suite 104
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 397-7250
(402) 397-2522
marcw@eomllc.com
12. MYTHS ABOUT BIODIESEL
©
www.newbiodiesel.com
Biodiesel is one of the most misunderstood fuels possibly
because it is economically harmful to the petroleum oil industry if its
true potential as a solution for energy problems is ever revealed on a
mass scale.
Myth: Biodiesel is in the experimental stages and not enough
studies have been done to prove its efficacy and safety.
The truth is that biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested
alternative fuels on the market. Studies have been 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. In
fact over 50 million miles have been expended in testing biodiesel
during the course of this research.
Myth: Biodiesel will damage my engine.
The absolute opposite is true. In fact adding biodiesel to your
regular diesel can make it work more efficiently. Biodiesel has been
tested, at varying concentrations and found to improve performance.
Many operators add biodiesel to their fuel to as a quick but effective fix
to lubricate their engines. Most of the lubricity benefits of the biodiesel
are achieved by adding only 2% biodiesel to either Number 1 or
Number 2 diesel.
Myth: They don’t know the health effects of using biodiesel.
Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have completed
the
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