Questions and Answers for Fleet Managers

Do I need special storage facilities?

In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum diesel should be used for B20. The fuel should be stored in a clean, dry, dark environment. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and Teflon. Neat biodiesel and biodiesel blends should not typically be stored for longer than four months, but Down to Earth Energy sells all of its biodiesel with an EPA-approved storage enhancing additive. This additive makes it possible to store biodiesel for longer than four months without an increase in the acid value.

Is B20 approved for use in military vehicles?

Yes. In 1999, a memorandum from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense deemed B20 suitable for use in administrative (commercial) vehicles where long-term storage is not an issue. However, biodiesel is not currently approved for use in tactical vehicles due to potential long-term storage issues. Currently, Fort Benning near Columbus, Georgia uses a B20 blend in its bus fleet.

Can I use B20 in my existing diesel engine?

B20 works in any diesel engine with few or no modifications to the engine or the fuel system. B20 provides similar horsepower, torque and mileage to diesel. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. This affect is much more dramatic with B100 than with biodiesel blends such as B20. The release of deposits may clog filters upon the initial use of B20 and should be closely monitored when switching to B20. Always ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel specification D-6751 is used.

Are there any materials compatibility issues with B20?

If it comes in contact with brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc for a prolonged period of time B20 will degrade and create sediments. Lead solders and zinc linings should be avoided, as should copper pipes, brass regulators, and copper fittings. Affected equipment should be replaced with steel or aluminum. The effect of B20 on vulnerable materials is significantly reduced compared to higher blends. Pure biodiesel can soften and degrade certain types of gasket, hose, and seal compounds like natural rubber, Buna-N, and nitrile, which can create fuel system leaks. This affect has NOT been observed with blends of B20 and lower during the last 10 years, so B20 or lower blends can be used without changes. If you choose to use blends higher than B20, the engine or vehicle manufacturer should be contacted to determine if the seals, hoses, and gaskets are compatible with the blend being considered before use.

Can I use B20 in the winter?

Yes. B20 has been used in a variety of climates including winter usage in Northern Minnesota and Montana without cold flow problems. The cold flow properties of the B20 blend are mostly determined by the petroleum fraction of the blend. Most of the testing data shows a 3 to 5 °F increase in cold flow properties of a 20% blend of biodiesel and diesel fuel. For many users this small increase has not resulted in cold filter plugging. If this is a concern, the cold flow properties of B20 can be enhanced by implementing the same solutions used with diesel fuel: Blend the fuel with kerosene. Use cold flow enhancing additives. Turn on fuel filter or fuel line heaters, or store vehicles in or near a building.

How does B20 compare with other alternative fuels?

When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems, many fleet managers have determined biodiesel to be their least-cost-strategy to comply with state and federal regulations. Although biodiesel blends can sometimes cost more than diesel fuel, use of biodiesel blends does not require engine modifications.

How do different feedstocks change the performance of the biodiesel?

Biodiesel made from animal fats can have a higher cloud point than biodiesel made from vegetable oil. This means that while running animal fat B100 during the winter, you run a slightly higher risk of clogging their fuel filter if precautions are not taken. When dealing with a B20 blend or lower, you should not see any noticeable difference in performance where feedstocks are concerned. In the Southeast this difference is less of a problem due to mild winters.

Can I request feedstock-specific biodiesel from DE Energy or it is all multi feedstock?

Down to Earth Energy can produce biodiesel from virgin vegetable oil, waste vegetable oil, and animal fats. If you require our product be made with a certain feedstock, Down to Earth Energy will segregate this final product into a different holding tank so that you receive only what you have requested.

Source: National Biodiesel Board