TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NOTE
No. T-06-04
School Business Services
Contact: W. R. Schroyer
School Transportation Management Section
Department of Education
(850) 245-9795
John L. Winn, Commissioner
Biodiesel Fuel Information
SC 205-9795
DATE:
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January 1
3
, 2006
TO:
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School District Transportation Directors
School District Service Managers
FROM:
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Charlie Hood, Director
School Transportation Management
SUBJECT:
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Biodiesel Fuel Information
Transporting students efficiently, while ensuring their health and safety, is a critical
component of access to learning. As school districts increase the use of cleaner burning fuel
in school buses, including biodiesel fuel and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, airborne emissions
are reduced and public health is improved. With the new federal tax break for biodiesel fuel,
the price of the fuel has dropped in many areas to less than the price of conventional diesel
fuel.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) assisted us in assembling basic
information regarding biodiesel fuel that may be of interest to any district considering its use.
We have attached a list of known biodiesel fuel vendors in Florida and position papers from
International, Cummins, and Caterpillar on the use of biodiesel fuels in their respective
engines.
Please note that the Department of Education neither condones nor recommends against
purchases from specific suppliers, as there may be other sources of biodiesel fuel. If you
have questions about biodiesel fuel, please call Mr. Martin Costello with the DEP at (850)
921-9578, or contact Bill Schroyer at (850) 245-9795 or
Bill.Schroyer@fldoe.org.
CFH/wrs
Attachments:
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Biodiesel Fuel Suppliers
International Technical Assistance Paper
Cummins Technical Assistance Paper
Caterpillar Position on Biodiesel Fuel
cc:
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Superintendents
Charter Schools
BIODIESEL FUEL SUPPLIERS
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Supplier
BioFuels America,
Inc.
(954) 630-2812
jrobertson@biofuelsamerica.com
Contact Information
Notes
Jim Robertson
120 E. Oakland Park, Suite 105
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Earth First
Technologies, Inc.
Ken Brown
2515 E. Hanna Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610
This company is the newest supplier of
biodiesel fuel and has a large biodiesel
storage tank at the Port of Tampa fuel
(813) 503-8446
www.earthfirsttech.com
terminal.
First Coast Biofuels
John Magwood, President and
Chief Executive Officer
13852 Waterchase Way
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 525-FUEL (3835)
e-fax 1-309-415-9093
john@firstcoastbiofuels.com
www.firstcoastbiofuels.com
Lank Oil Company
SJG Fuels
(866) LANK-OIL
Kristene Lundblad
Steven Gara
Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
This company delivers in Miami-Dade,
(305) 491-0417
info@sjgconsulting.com
Hallandale, FL 33008
TransMontaigne
Craig Smith
csmith@transmontaigne.com
By April 15, 2006, TransMontaigne will begin
offering a B100 biodiesel product as well as
various biodiesel blends at its Port Everglades
Coastal Fuels terminal—the first renewable
fuels facility of its size in South Florida. The
TransMontaigne facility currently supplies
refined products to a wide range of petroleum
distributors, retailers, and commercial-
industrial consumers, including marine users
such as tour boats and cruise ships.
TransMontaigne will also offer biodiesel fuel
through a retail card lock system that is being
constructed at the same location. This facility
will be utilized for purchases by commercial-
industrial, private fleets, and other
transportation-related companies. The
biodiesel fuel will be supplied by Peter
Cremer North America, LC, and West Central.
World Energy
Southern U.S.
Ward Oil Co., Inc.
410 Pierce Street
Houston, TX 77002
(832) 615-7390
http://www.worldenergy.net/produ
ct/what.asp
2701 E Louisiana Ave
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 236-5591
This company has a one million gallon-per-
month biodiesel fuel production facility in
Lakeland, Florida.
IC Corporation
TSI Number: 05-12-21
TSI Date: May 2005
Subject File: Engine
SUBJECT
Biodiesel Fuels
DESCRIPTION
This TSI applies to all diesel engines,
except
Green Diesel Technology™ (ultra low sulfur fuel
only).
Biodiesels are methyl or ethyl esters derived from a broad variety of renewable sources such as
vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oils. They are oxygenated organic compounds that
can be used in compression ignition engines because some of their key properties are
comparable to those of diesel fuel. Soy Methyl Ester (SME) is the most common compound used
to make biodiesel within the United States.
Biodiesel (neat biodiesel) may be blended with petroleum-based diesel fuel. Such biodiesel
blends are designated as BXX, where XX represents the percentage of pure biodiesel contained
within the blend (e.g., B5, B20, and B100).
Depending on biomass feedstock and the processes used to produce the fuel, the fuel should
meet the requirements of either ASTM D 6751 or an approved European specification, such as
CEN 14214.
International's stated opinion on the use of biodiesel follows the official position of the Engine
Manufacturers Association (EMA) on biodiesel fuel. Refer to the following web site for further
information (www.enginemanufacturers.org).
Low Biodiesel Blends (up to 5%)
The properties of these blends are within diesel specification limits and meet the ASTM D975
Diesel Standard. All blends up to B5 biodiesel should not cause engine or fuel system problems.
International Truck and Engine Corporation will warranty engines using fuels up to and including
the B5 blend.
Higher Biodiesel Blends (greater than 5%)
The characteristics of higher biodiesel blends are not within ASTM D975 diesel specifications. A
blend of 20% biodiesel and diesel fuel (B20) is typically used in commercial fleets that are subject
to environmental concerns in the urban environment. Work is underway within ASTM to issue a
specification for B20. Until then, the user must rely on the fuel supplier to properly blend the
components and insure quality.
B100 (neat biodiesel) is generally not recommended for use in engines. Special uses of B100 are
considered (such as in National Parks), but these are the exception from common commercial
applications. B100 biodiesel costs more than diesel fuel and its availability is limited.
International Truck and Engine Corporation's stated warranty policy does not deny warranty
coverage solely for the use of higher biodiesel blends, but only if the failure is attributed to higher
biodiesel blends.
Engine Performance and Durability of B100 and High Biodiesel Blends
•
Maximum power output using B100 is reduced by 5 - 7%.
•
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Low temperature viscosity of biodiesel is higher than viscosity of diesel fuel and some
flow impairment may occur in fuel filter and lines.
•
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Elastomers and various seal materials may harden or swell. Sealing materials must be
monitored when using biodiesel blends, especially in older engines.
•
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Thermal and oxidative stability of biodiesel blends is inferior to that of diesel fuel. In
general, fleets fueled by B20 must consume their fuel blend inventory within a 6 month
period.
•
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Water separation efficiency when operating with higher biodiesel blends is inferior to that
of conventional diesel fuel. This may lead to corrosion of engine fuel supply and fuel injection
hardware. Furthermore, water may combine with biodiesel Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME)
to create acids that greatly accelerate corrosion.
•
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The use of higher biodiesel blends may reduce the engine oil service life and drain
interval. Oil sampling and analysis may be used to determine the effect on engine oil service
life.
Fuel Tank Care
Any residue or microbial growth in the tank will compound with the use of biodiesel. This can
cause serious plugging of filters and deposits in the fuel system. Fuel tanks should be thoroughly
cleaned and dried before operating with any biodiesel blends. Adding biocides will help minimize
growth.
Engine Emissions
The use of biodiesel blends may reduce smoke visibility and particulate emissions, which are of
special concern for older diesel engines used in urban environments that do not meet EPA
quality standards. Biodiesel blends can achieve some reduction in HC (hydrocarbons) and CO
(carbon monoxide) emissions, due to the presence of oxygen in the fuel, however tend to
increase NO X (oxides of nitrogen).
In new low emission engines, the use of biodiesel does not have a practical emission reduction
benefit.
Statistical information about the effect of biodiesel blends on catalytic exhaust after treatment
devices is not yet known.
© 2005 International Truck and Engine Corporation
Cummins position relative to use of Biodiesel fuel
At this time biodiesel blends up to B5 are approved for use in all Cummins
engines for both On highway and Off highway markets. B5 which is a blend of 5
percent pure biodiesel (B100) and 95 percent standard petroleum diesel has
demonstrated to have no impact on engine performance, durability or
maintenance. Cummins believes that blends greater than B5 are possible and
appropriate. The industry standard known as ASTM D6751 defines the
specifications for B100. However, this standard currently lacks a specification for
stability. Without a specification for stability, the quality of the fuel in blends
greater than B5 could degrade to a point which could be damaging to engines.
Cummins is actively supporting industry efforts to add a stability spec to the
current ASTM standard, and continues to evaluate the impact of these blends on
the durability of engines. Until this spec is developed and tested, blends greater
than B5 will be unsuitable for use in Cummins On highway and Off highway
engines.
November 2005
Caterpillar Position on Biodiesel
?
Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from a variety of sources. Soybean oil or rapeseed oil are the
primary sources. Without esterification, these oils gel in the crankcase and the fuel tank. These
fuels may not be compatible with many of the elastomers that are used in engines that are
manufactured today. In original forms, these oils are not suitable for use as a fuel in compression
engines. To use these oils as fuel, the oil must be esterified. Alternate base stocks for biodiesel may
include animal tallow, waste cooking oils, or a variety of other feedstocks.
Engines that are manufactured by Caterpillar are certified by use of the prescribed EPA and
European Certification fuels. Caterpillar does not certify engines on any other fuel.
Note:
The user of the engine has the responsibility of using the correct fuel that is recommended by
the manufacturer and allowed by the EPA or other local regulatory agencies. The user also has the
responsibility of obtaining the proper local exemptions, regional exemptions, and/or national
exemptions that are required for the use of biodiesel in any Caterpillar engine that is regulated by
emissions standards.
Warranty and the Use of Biodiesel in Caterpillar Engines
Caterpillar neither approves nor prohibits the use of biodiesel fuels. Caterpillar is not in a position
to evaluate the many variations of biodiesel and the long term effects on performance, durability, or
compliance to emissions standards for Caterpillar products. The use of biodiesel does not affect the
Caterpillar warranty for materials and the warranty for workmanship.
NOTICE
Failures that result from the use of any fuel are not Caterpillar factory defects. Therefore, the cost of repair
would NOT be covered by a Caterpillar warranty.
Recommendation for the Use of Biodiesel in Caterpillar Engines
For Caterpillar ACERT Technology engine model numbers C7, C9, C11, C13, C15, C18, and also
for Caterpillar 3046, 3064, 3066, 3114, 3116, 3126, 3176, 3196, 3208, 3306, C-9, C-10, C-12,
3406, C-15, C-16, C-18, 3456, 3408, 3412, 3500 Series, 3600 Series, CM20, CM25 and CM32
engines, biodiesel that meets the requirements that are listed in the Caterpillar specification for
biodiesel, ASTM D6751, or EN 14214 are acceptable. Biodiesel may be blended in amounts up to a
maximum of 30 percent with an acceptable diesel fuel. This blend is acceptable provided that the
biodiesel constituent meets the requirements that are outlined in Table 3 prior to blending. In
addition, the final blend must meet the requirements for distillate diesel fuel that are listed in Table
1.
Note:
A complete Caterpillar S·O·S Services Oil Analysis program is recommended when using
biodiesel blends of up to 30 percent.
Note:
For blends of biodiesel above 30 percent, contact your Caterpillar dealer for guidance. A
complete Caterpillar S·O·S Services Oil Analysis program is required when biodiesel/biodiesel
blends above 30 percent are used. Biodiesel/biodiesel blends as used in the engine must meet the
requirements that are stated in the "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel" in Table 1.
For Caterpillar 3003 through 3034, 3054 and 3056 engines, biodiesel that meets the requirements
that are listed in Caterpillar's biodiesel specification, ASTM D6751, or EN 14214 may be blended
with an acceptable diesel fuel. This blend should be a maximum ratio of 5% biodiesel to 95% of an
acceptable diesel fuel. The biodiesel must meet the requirements that are listed in Table 3 prior to
blending. Use of more than a 5% biodiesel can cause premature failures. The repair for these
failures would not be covered under the Caterpillar warranty.
Note:
When biodiesel, or any blend of biodiesel is used, the user has the responsibility for
obtaining the proper local exemptions, regional exemptions, and/or national exemptions that are
required for the use of biodiesel in any Caterpillar engine that is regulated by emissions standards.
Biodiesel that meets the requirements that are listed in Caterpillar's specification for biodiesel,
ASTM D6751, or EN 14214 should pose no problems when blended with an acceptable distillate
diesel fuel at the maximum stated percentages, however, the following recommendations must be
followed:
Recommendations
•
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The oil change interval can be affected by the use of biodiesel. Use S·O·S Services Oil Analysis in order to
monitor the condition of the engine oil. Use S·O·S Services Oil Analysis also in order to determine the oil
change interval that is optimum.
•
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In a comparison of distillate fuels to biodiesel, biodiesel provides less energy per gallon by 5% to 7%. Do
NOT change the engine rating in order to compensate for the power loss. This will help avoid engine problems
when the engine is converted back to 100 percent distillate diesel fuel.
•
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Compatibility of the elastomers with biodiesel is currently being monitored. The condition of seals and hoses
should be monitored regularly.
•
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Biodiesel may pose low ambient temperature problems for both storage and operation. At low ambient
temperatures, fuel may need to be stored in a heated building or a heated storage tank. The fuel system may
require heated fuel lines, filters, and tanks. Filters may plug and fuel in the tank may solidify at low ambient
temperatures if precautions are not taken. Consult your biodiesel supplier for assistance in the blending and
attainment of the proper cloud point for the fuel.
•
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Biodiesel has poor oxidation stability, which can result in long term storage problems. The poor oxidation
stability may accelerate fuel oxidation in the fuel system. This is especially true in engines with electronic fuel
systems because these engines operate at higher temperatures. Consult the fuel supplier for oxidation stability
additives.
•
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Biodiesel is an excellent medium for microbial contamination and growth. Microbial contamination and
growth can cause corrosion in the fuel system and premature plugging of the fuel filter. The effectiveness of
conventional anti-microbial additives when used in biodiesel is not known. Consult your supplier of fuel and
additive for assistance.
•
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Care must be taken in order to remove water from fuel tanks. Water accelerates microbial contamination and
growth. When biodiesel is compared to distillate fuels, water is naturally more likely to exist in the biodiesel.
Caterpillar Biodiesel
Note: The final blend of biodiesel as used in the engine must meet the requirements that are stated in the
"Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel" in Table 1.
NOTICE
The footnote is a key part of the "Caterpillar Specification for Biodiesel Fuel" Table. Read the
footnote.
Table 3
Caterpillar Specification for Biodiesel Fuel
(1)
Property
Test Method
Test Method
Units
Limits
United States
International
Specific Properties of
Fuel
Density at 15°C
"ASTM D1298"
"ISO 3675"
g/cm
3
0.86-0.90
Viscosity at 40°C
"ASTM D445"
"ISO 3104"
mm
2
/s
4.0-6.0
Flash Point
"ASTM D93"
"ISO 2719"
°C
130 minimum
Cold Filter Plugging
- Summer
- Winter
"ASTM D4539"
"DIN EN 116"
°C
0
6 below ambient
Pour Point
- Summer
- Winter
"ASTM D97"
"ISO 3016"
°C
-9 maximum
-20 maximum
Sulfur Content
"ASTM D2622"
"DIN 51400"
% weight
0.0015 maximum
Distillation
- 10% Evaporation
- 90% Evaporation
"ASTM D1160"
"ISO 6616"
°C
To Be Determined
345
Carbon Residue, Conradson
(CCR)
"ASTM D189"
"ISO 6615"
% weight
0.05 maximum
Cetane Number
"ASTM D613"
"ISO 5165"
45 minimum
Sulfated Ash
"ASTM D874"
"DIN 51575"
"ISO 3987"
mg/kg
0.02 maximum
Water/Sediment Content
"ASTM D1796"
"ISO 3734"
g/m
3
500 maximum
Particulate Matter
"DIN 51419"
"DIN 51419"
15
Copper Corrosion
"ASTM D130"
"ISO 2160"
No. 1
Oxidation Stability
"ASTM D2274"
"ISO 12205"
mg/100mL
15 maximum
Esterification
% volume
98.0 minimum
Acid Value
"ASTM D664"
"ISO 6619"
mg NaOH/g
0.5 maximum
Methanol Content
GC Method
"DIN 51608"
% weight
0.2 maximum
Monoglycerides
"ASTM D6584"
"DIN 51609"
% weight
0.8 maximum
Diglycerides
"ASTM D6584"
"DIN 51609"
% weight
0.2 maximum
Triglycerides
"ASTM D6584"
"DIN 51609"
% weight
0.2 maximum
Free Glycerine
"ASTM D6584"
"DIN 51609"
% weight
0.02 maximum
Total Glycerine
"ASTM D6584"
"DIN 51609"
% weight
0.240 maximum
Iodine Number
"DIN 53241 or IP
84/81"
"DIN 53241 or IP
84/81"
cg I2/g
110 maximum
Phosphorus Content
"DGF C-VI4"
"DIN 51440-1"
mg/kg
0.2
( 1 )
The final blend of biodiesel as used in the engine must meet the requirements that are stated in the "Caterpillar
Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel" in Table 1.
Note:
Fuels that meet "ASTM D6751" or "EN14214" may be used for blending with distillate fuel.
The conditions, recommendations, and limits noted in this biodiesel section apply.
