Guidelines for Using Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a “drop-in” diesel fuel that can be used in any diesel engine. Biodiesel is typically used as a blend with petroleum-based diesel fuel. The diesel fuel that is currently available in many wholesale fuel terminals nationwide often contains up to 5% biodiesel. Various fleet users ranging from corporate trucking fleets to the U.S. Department of Defense and school districts commonly use a blend containing 20% biodiesel, referred to as “B20”.
Quality Control
Always ensure that the biodiesel used in fuel blends meets the latest ASTM D6751 specification. ASTM D6751 is based on the physical and chemical properties needed for safe and satisfactory diesel engine operation and ensures the quality of biodiesel.
The BQ-9000 program, an added level of quality assurance, ensures that producers are following industry standards for storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management.
General Storage Advice
Make sure tanks are free of water, sediments and other contaminants. In general, B20 tends to have a longer storage life than B100. Feedstocks high in saturated fats (like tallow) oxidize slower, and store longer.
Heat and sunlight can accelerate oxidation, so clear totes are not advisable. Exposure to oxygen reduces storage life.
%
reduction in wastewater from biodiesel production vs petrodiesel
hours a day that Crimson operates
%
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from using biodiesel
units of renewable energy returned for every one unit of fossil energy used to produce biodiesel
Long-Term Storage Advice
It’s best to use biodiesel fuels within 6 months – take precautions for long-term storage like using nitrogen blankets and anti-oxidants and/or stability additives.
Perform acid number and viscosity tests before using biodiesel fuels stored for long periods, as these levels can increase during storage.
Engine Warranties
Engine warranties do not usually specify types of biofuel to use in an engine. However, biodiesel blends up to B20 (up to 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum-based diesel) are widely supported by engine OEMs.
View an updated OEM support summary and additional OEM information from the Clean Fuels Alliance America website.
Contact Us
Learn how Crimson can help expand your renewable energy future with
ultra-low carbon biodiesel.
How to Work with Us
Crimson is the premier California supplier of ultra-low carbon biodiesel. We provide a variety of timing, logistics, and pricing structures to best suit client needs. Equally important, we offer our supply chain partners the highest degree of flexibility, consistency, and financial stability.