Biodiesel Facts

WHAT IS B100

B100 is a term to describe 100% biodiesel. Biodiesel is a cleaner burning, renewable fuel for diesel engines made from oilseed crops (like canola or soybean) or from used cooking oil and other fats. Biodiesel has many benefits. It’s simple to use, biodegradable and nontoxic. Biodiesel is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as a fuel and as a fuel additive. It can be mixed in with any percentage of petroleum diesel.

B100 has physical and chemical properties similar to petroleum diesel and can be used in most diesel applications with little or no modification to the engine or fueling system. However, there are important differences between B100 and conventional diesel fuels that must be taken into consideration when handling or using B100.

BENEFITS OF BIODIESEL

The Environment

B100 delivers the highest health and air quality benefits of any fuel. Although biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel at any ratio, B100 delivers the maximum biodiesel benefits of any blend. B100 meets the rigorous quality standards of ASTM D 6751.

Biodiesel is a cleaner fuel than petroleum diesel. Diesel pollution is a serious health threat that has been linked to lung cancer, upper respiratory illnesses, allergies, asthma attacks and death from heart and respiratory disorders. Emissions from diesel-fueled engines include more than 40 air toxins. B100 burns significantly cleaner than regular petroleum diesel and reduces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other toxic carcinogenic compounds found in diesel exhaust. When using B100, you substantially reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the air. Emission reductions achieved by using B100:

Carbon dioxide -78% (lifecycle)
Carbon monoxide -48%
Hydrocarbons -67%
Particulates -47%
Air toxics -60 to 90%
Sulfates -99%
Mutagens -89%
Waste Minimization

When waste cooking oil is used in the production of biodiesel, a waste is diverted from municipal solid waste landfills and sewer systems.

The energy from waste cooking oil is recovered and converted into a product, a domestic, renewable, alternative fuel.

Click here to see a real Arizona emmisions test report using B100.

Water Quality

Local water quality is significantly improved. Fewer sewer spills contaminating streams, lakes, and bays happen because less fat, oil and grease accumulates in the public sewer pipes.

Toxicity

Unlike conventional diesel, biodiesel is non-toxic, biodegradable and safer to ship. Spills do not require emergency response clean-up activities.

Reduced Oil Imports

Biodiesel is a renewable resource that can be produced domestically from animal fat, vegetable oil or used cooking oil. This decreases the country's dependence on imported foreign oil.

The Department of Energy analyzed the full biodiesel life-cycle and found that for every unit of fossil fuel used to produce biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy were gained. By contrast, petroleum diesel's life cycle yields only 0.83 units of fuel product energy.

Safety and Handling

B100 is one of the safest fuels to use, handle, and store because it does not produce combustible vapors and has a higher flash point (300 F) than petroleum diesel. B100 is non-toxic and is five times more biodegradable than diesel fuel. Biodiesel is even used to help clean up oil spills.

Engine Performance

Sufficient fuel lubricity is necessary to reduce equipment wear and premature breakdown. B100 has superior lubricity to petroleum diesel, especially ultra low sulfur diesel. Increased lubricity enhances engine performance and can prolong engine life and decrease fleet operating costs.

Biodiesel has a higher cetane rating (47-70) than petroleum diesel (42-44). Biodiesel’s high cetane rating results in a more complete combustion of the fuel. This improves engine efficiency, can improve the power output of the engine, and nearly eliminates white smoke. This increased cetane also aids in self-ignition of the fuel for easier starting, smoother running engine performance and quieter operation.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO CONVERT TO BIODIESEL USE

Nothing really. B100 does has a tendency to dissolve the accumulated sediments in diesel storage and engine fuel tanks. These dissolved sediments can plug fuel filters. If you plan to use or store B100, first clean the fuel system, including fuel tanks, where sediments or deposits may occur. Once you’ve started using B100, make sure to monitor both your vehicle and dispensing filters and change them as needed until the sediment build-up is eliminated.

Oil changes. B100 may make its way past the piston rings and into the oil pan. This is due to the slightly higher viscosity and density of biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel. High levels of biodiesel present in the engine oil may polymerize over time and cause some engine oil sludge. This can be remedied with more frequent engine oil changes. Blends of B50 and above might reduce extended drain intervals. Monitor and test engine oil as necessary.

Should any engine components be replaced?

Certain materials are incompatible with B100 and should be replaced. These include natural rubber compounds (usually only an issue with engines made before 1995). The recent switch to low sulfur diesel fuel has caused most original equipment manufacturers to change to components that are also suitable for use with B100. However, B100 suppliers and equipment vendors should be consulted to determine material compatibility.