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Frequently Asked Questions - Myths
& Facts
Myth:
Biodiesel is an experimental fuel and has not been thoroughly
tested.
Fact:
Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels
on the market. A number of independent studies have been completed
with the results showing biodiesel performs similar to petroleum
diesel while benefiting the environment and human health compared
to diesel. That research includes studies performed by the US
Department of Energy, the US Department of Agriculture, Stanadyne
Automotive Corp. (the largest diesel fuel injection equipment
manufacturer in the US), Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute,
and Southwest Research Institute. Biodiesel is the first and
only alternative fuel to have completed the rigorous Health
Effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. Biodiesel
has been proven to perform similarly to diesel in more 50 million
successful road miles in virtually all types of diesel engines,
countless off-road miles and countless marine hours. Currently
more than 300 major fleets use the fuel.
BACK TO THE TOP
Myth:
Biodiesel does not perform as well as diesel.
Fact:
One of the major advantages of biodiesel is the
fact that it can be used in existing engines and fuel injection
equipment with little impact to operating performance. Biodiesel
has a higher cetane number than U.S. diesel fuel. In more than
50 million miles of in-field demonstrations, B20 showed similar
fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, and haulage rates as conventional
diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity and it has
the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel (falling in
the range between #1 and #2 diesel fuel).
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Myth:
Biodiesel doesn't perform well in cold weather.
Fact:
Biodiesel will gel in very cold temperatures,
just as the common #2 diesel does. Although pure biodiesel has
a higher cloud point than #2 diesel fuel, typical blends of
20% biodiesel are managed with the same fuel management techniques
as #2 diesel. Blends of 5% biodiesel and less have virtually
no impact on cold flow.
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Myth:
Biodiesel causes filters to plug.
Fact:
Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine
with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system.
Pure biodiesel (B100) has a solvent effect, which may release
deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel
fuel use. With high blends of biodiesel, the release of deposits
may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken to
replace fuel filters until the petroleum build-up is eliminated.
This issue is less prevalent with B20 blends, and there is no
evidence that lower-blend levels such as B2 have caused filters
to plug.
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Myth:
A low-blend of biodiesel in diesel fuel will cost too much.
Fact:
Using a 2% blend of biodiesel is estimated to
increase the cost of diesel by 2 or 3 cents per gallon, including
the fuel, transportation, storage and blending costs. Any increase
in cost will be accompanied by an increase in diesel quality
since low-blend levels of biodiesel greatly enhance the lubricity
of diesel fuel.
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Myth:
Biodiesel causes degradation of engine gaskets
and seals.
Fact:
The recent switch to low-sulfur diesel fuel has
caused most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to switch
to components that are also suitable for use with biodiesel.
In general, biodiesel used in pure form can soften and degrade
certain types of elastomers and natural rubber compounds over
time. Using high percent blends can impact fuel system components
(primarily fuel hoses and fuel pump seals) that contain elastomer
compounds incompatible with biodiesel, although the effect is
lessened as the biodiesel blend level is decreased. Experience
with B20 has found that no changes to gaskets or hoses are necessary.
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Myth:
No objective biodiesel fuel formulation standard
exists.
Fact:
The biodiesel industry has been active in setting
standards for biodiesel since 1994 when the first biodiesel
taskforce was formed within the American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM). ASTM approved a provisional standard for
biodiesel (ASTM PS 121) in July of 1999. The final specification
(D-6751) was issued in December 2001. Copies of specifications
are available from ASTM at http://www.astm.org.
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Myth:
Biodiesel does not have sufficient shelf life.
Fact:
Most fuel today is used up long before six months,
and many petroleum companies do not recommend storing petroleum
diesel for more than six months. The current industry recommendation
is that biodiesel be used within six months, or reanalyzed after
six months to ensure the fuel meets ASTM specifications (D-6751).
A longer shelf life is possible depending on the fuel composition
and the use of storageenhancing additives.
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Myth:
Engine warranty coverage would be at risk.
Fact:
The use of biodiesel in existing diesel engines
does not void parts and materials workmanship warranties of
any major US engine manufacturer.
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Myth:
The U.S. lacks the infrastructure to prevent
shortages of the product.
Fact:
There are presently more than 14 companies that
have invested millions of dollars into the development of the
biodiesel manufacturing plants actively marketing biodiesel.
Based on existing dedicated biodiesel processing capacity and
long-term production agreements, more than 200 million gallons
of biodiesel capacity currently exists. Many facilities are
capable of doubling their production capacity within 18 months.
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Myth:
There is no government program to support
development of a biodiesel industry.
Fact:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced
in January 2001 the implementation of the first program providing
cost incentives for the production of 36 million gallons of
biodiesel. Bills supporting the use of biodiesel and ethanol
were also introduced to the U.S. Congress in 2003, including
one that would set a renewable standard for fuel in the U.S.
and one that would give biodiesel a partial fuel excise tax
exemption. More than a dozen states have passed favorable biodiesel
legislation.
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