As the world grapples with environmental challenges and seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, biodiesel has emerged as a promising solution. Biodiesel, derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oil and animal fat, is a drop-in fuel that slashes emissions, often in heavy-duty vehicles that don’t have a realistic option to convert to electric.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) first published specifications for biodiesel in 2002. In the 21 years since it was first published, the ASTM specs have been revised and republished 29 times. This reflects the biodiesel industry’s commitment to revising and tightening fuel specifications for top performance in today’s engines.

In fact, the standards for biodiesel quality are more stringent than petroleum diesel fuel quality. Currently, 23 parameters need to be tested against the biodiesel specs from ASTM versus only 15 parameters that need to be tested and confirmed for petroleum diesel. These parameters include fuel performance, cetane number and residual compounds such as monoglycerides, diglycerides and triglycerides that are left over from the production process. These high standards keep biodiesel a clean and reliable product.

To ensure the safe and effective use of biodiesel, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has continuously updated and improved its Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide. NREL recently released the sixth edition of the guide, highlighting key updates and environmental benefits while further establishing the role it plays in biodiesel use.

Before delving into the guide’s details, it’s essential for consumers to understand the significance of biodiesel in today’s energy landscape. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be blended with conventional diesel fuel or used in pure form (B100) for both transportation applications and home heating systems. This guide refers to biodiesel that meets the most current ASTM International Standard D6751, a new low metals grade.

Biodiesel is high-quality. Recent studies have found that biodiesel and petroleum diesel are almost indistinguishable in terms of use and performance. After testing that included 1,000 hours of accelerated aging on diesel engines, the ash and other emissions produced by biodiesel in an engine were comparable to or less than that of petroleum diesel and can be easily removed by the emissions after-treatment systems.

Using biodiesel does not affect an engine’s warranty. Biodiesel, and all biodiesel blends, are legally registered with the EPA and can be used in today’s engines. Of course, specific conditions of use can impact the performance of any fuel.

Biodiesel significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional diesel fuel, making it an essential tool in mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Numerous health benefits have been studied when switching to 100% biodiesel including reduced asthma attacks, fewer cancer cases and premature deaths and an overall reduction in health care costs by reducing particulate matter emissions.

Domestically produced using a variety of feedstocks, biodiesel decreases our reliance on imported fossil fuels enhancing energy security and creating opportunities for rural communities and agriculture. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines with little to no modification, making it a seamless transition for vehicle and equipment fleets.

NREL, a leader in renewable energy research and development, has been instrumental in advancing the adoption of biodiesel. The Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide is a comprehensive resource that has undergone several iterations to keep pace with technological advancements, regulatory changes and industry developments. The sixth edition of the guide is a testament to NREL’s commitment to providing factual information on biodiesel as a clean and sustainable fuel option.

The most current guide brings a host of updates and improvements, reflecting the latest knowledge and best practices in biodiesel handling and utilization. Some of the key updates in this edition include:

• Regulatory Compliance: The guide provides up-to-date information on federal and state regulations governing biodiesel, ensuring users know the latest compliance requirements.
• Fuel Quality Assurance: Biodiesel quality is essential for proper engine performance and emissions control. The guide offers fuel quality guidelines, including recommendations for storage and handling.
• Best Practices for Biodiesel Blending: As biodiesel is often blended with conventional diesel, the guide offers insights into proper blending techniques to achieve the desired blend ratio and maintain fuel stability.
• Cold Weather Operations: Biodiesel can have different cold flow properties than traditional diesel, and the guide offers strategies for handling and using biodiesel in cold climates.
• Fuel Infrastructure: For those involved in fuel distribution and storage, the guide covers the design, operation, and maintenance of biodiesel storage and dispensing facilities.
• Fleet Management: Fleet managers will find valuable information on the integration of biodiesel into their operations, including maintenance practices and engine compatibility considerations.

The guide serves as a crucial tool in promoting biodiesel across various sectors, including transportation, agriculture and industrial applications. By offering comprehensive information and guidance, it addresses many of the common concerns and challenges associated with biodiesel use, making it easier for individuals and organizations to make the transition to this sustainable fuel source.

One of the guide’s most significant contributions is its emphasis on safety. Handling and storing biodiesel require specific precautions due to its unique properties. The guide provides detailed safety recommendations to ensure users can safely and effectively work with biodiesel.

NREL’s Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide, now in its sixth edition, stands as a vital resource for anyone interested in the sustainable use of biodiesel. With its comprehensive updates, the guide addresses the evolving landscape of biodiesel regulations, technology and best practices. By providing safety, quality and efficiency in biodiesel handling and utilization, NREL plays a pivotal role in advancing the acceptance of this renewable fuel source. As we continue to seek environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, the guide remains a beacon of knowledge and a catalyst for a more sustainable energy future.

Like any fuel, the quality of biodiesel depends on the entire supply chain. Biodiesel is a premium product and is held to high standards. These standards ensure top performance and lower emissions in today’s engines.

Materials supported by United Soybean Board, soybean farmers and their checkoffs.

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ASTM, the globally recognized leader responsible for standardizations used around the world, presents the Scroll of Achievement to individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to the development and delivery of standards within their respective committees. This esteemed accolade underscores Fenwick’s long career in advancing the clean fuels industry, especially through his work with D6751, the ASTM specification for biodiesel.

Since 1998, Fenwick has served on various subcommittees within D02 leading numerous working group activities and interlaboratory studies, and receiving multiple awards in Excellence, Appreciation and Society Service. In 2018, Fenwick was appointed chairman of the D02 Committee, serving over 2,500 members who oversee more than 800 standards relating to petroleum products and lubricants.

During Fenwick’s tenure as chair of the D02 Committee, D6751 was recognized as one of the top eight most influential standards ever produced by ASTM thanks to rigorous cooperative research efforts and its positive results. The most recent approval included the addition of a new low-metals (LM) grade of biodiesel, leading to higher blend-use approvals from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“Scott’s passion for advancing clean fuels and his dedication to driving standards within the D02 Committee have been instrumental in shaping the future of our industry,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels. “This Scroll of Achievement award demonstrates the influence he has had on the biodiesel community.”

Fenwick expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating the award reflects the collective efforts of the entire D02 Committee and the commitment of Clean Fuels to fostering excellence in biomass-based diesel standards.

Alyson Fick, ASTM Standards Development Manager said Fenwick’s leadership and vision align seamlessly with the organization’s mission to improve product quality and build consumer confidence. “This award serves as a testament to Scott’s impact on the liquid fuels industry, and we anticipate ongoing benefits from his years of dedication to ASTM,” she said.

In addition to his role with ASTM, Fenwick also serves as a member of the International Organization for Standardization and the Canadian General Standards Board.

About ASTM International:
Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovate services to improve lives… Helping our world work better.

Contact: Heather Buechter, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org, 479-651-7301.

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If you’ve ever tried to start your diesel engine when temperatures are well below freezing, you’ve likely experienced the chilling sound of silence as your key turns in the ignition. This is a common scenario in the Midwest, where frigid mornings can catch even the most seasoned heavy-duty machinery operators off guard.

Whether using petroleum diesel or biodiesel, cold flow operability is one of the key challenges all diesel fuels face, especially in colder climates. While these challenges may deter you from exploring low-carbon diesel fuel alternatives like biodiesel, there are several proven solutions that allow these cleaner fuels to be used successfully as the seasons change.

Understanding cold flow operability can help biodiesel users properly maintain their equipment year-round. Cold Flow Operability refers to the ability of a fuel to flow and perform adequately in low-temperature conditions. All diesel fuels, including biodiesel, can freeze or gel as the temperature drops. If this happens, it can lead to various operational issues, including clogged fuel filters, fuel system damage and reduced engine performance.

These challenges are regularly studied by institutions such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and others, with support from Clean Fuels Alliance America, the national trade association that represents biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. NREL’s latest edition of the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide outlines key low-temperature performance metrics including:

Cloud Point: Fuels contain waxes and other materials that can crystallize and separate from the fuel at low temperatures. A fuel’s cloud point is the highest temperature at which wax begins to form and small solid crystals can first be observed, giving the fuel a cloudy appearance. This is an important parameter of all diesel fuels since the presence of solidified waxes can clog filters and negatively impact engine performance. The cloud point is the most conservative measurement, down to which all fuels should still provide the expected performance.

Cold Filter Plugging Point: This measurement of fuel operability is a critical property used to measure the lowest temperature at which diesel fuel will freely flow through a standardized filtration device when cooled under certain conditions and has been correlated to light-duty engine performance. Winter operability of diesel fuel, including biodiesel, is often benchmarked by cold filter plugging point testing.

Pour Point: The pour point is the lowest temperature at which fuels can be poured or pumped. Fuels with a higher pour point may contain so many agglomerated crystals, that the fuel may not flow adequately, making it unsuitable for cold weather use. The pour point is an important indicator for distributors to determine if the fuel can be pumped, especially if temperatures are unsuitable for diesel engines.

The technical team at Clean Fuels understands the importance of cold flow operability and its challenges. Their collaboration with NREL highlights solutions that are being developed to ensure a sustainable and smooth transition for using biodiesel in the winter months. To address the challenges associated with cold flow operability, various strategies can be implemented:

Storage and Handling: In order to achieve optimal performance, it is important to protect the fuel in diesel engines from the cold by storing vehicles or equipment in an enclosed area such as a barn or garage during the winter months. If equipment, and the fuel, must be stored outside, all attempts should be made to keep the fuel clean and dry. This will help keep the fuel tank warm and improve startup.  This is often why fuel terminals and retail stations store their fuel in underground storage tanks where temperatures are more constant.

Increased Blending with No. 1 Grade Diesel: One common approach is blending biodiesel with No. 1 grade diesel, which has better cold flow properties. By blending with increased volumes and percentages of No. 1 diesel, or kerosene, the finished fuel blend will achieve improved cold-weather performance while still promoting the use of renewable fuels.

Cold Flow Additives: Specialized fuel additives can be introduced to improve the cold flow properties of diesel fuels. These additives alter the properties of the fuel to prevent gelling and wax crystallization at low temperatures. Clariant, the leading provider of cold flow additives for middle-distillate fuels, is in the final development stages of an additive that will provide the same operability that you can expect from a winterized diesel fuel even for blends up to B50 (or 50% biodiesel). It is important to note that not all cold-flow fuel additives work equally as well in all fuels. Tests should be performed to find the additive that works best with your fuel and at the correct dosage.

Seasonal Blending: Some regions practice seasonal blending, adjusting the biodiesel blend ratio according to the temperature. For example, in Minnesota, the first state to adopt a biodiesel mandate, blends of 20% biodiesel are required in the summer months, while blends are reduced to 5% in the winter and early spring.

Overcoming challenges such as cold flow operability ensures that biodiesel remains a viable and effective alternative fuel source for decarbonizing the on- and off-road transportation sectors while supporting billions of dollars in economic activity for rural America. While there are no perfect fuels for every application and season, biodiesel blends and the contributions that today’s soybean farmers make are leading to advancements in engine technologies to help reduce carbon emissions and particulate matter (soot) that improve the health of nearby neighbors and neighborhoods.

The post Cold Flow Operability: Overcoming A Chilling Challenge appeared first on Clean Fuels Alliance America.

Prior to joining Clean Fuels Alliance America, Scott had been involved with the fuel inspection industry for nearly 25 years and managed several fuel testing laboratories. After attending Purdue University, he also worked for Archer Daniels Midland Company organizing their Biofuels Technical Services.

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