Membership Agreement
Rev. 4/18/05
This form is an
agreement between the Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group (us) and you.
Your email, phone, and address are for Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group
only and will not be shared or released to anyone else.
Name: ________________________________________
Member # ___________________
Mailing Address:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Phone Number: ( ) ________ - ____________ Email:
__________________________
Biodiesel Use for B100: ___ As
a Fuel ___ As
a Solvent
___ Other
(Specify) ________________
Biodiesel Use for B20: ___ As
a Fuel ___ As
a Solvent
___ Other
(Specify) ________________
Biodiesel Use for Other blends (Specify) ___________:
___ As
a Fuel ___ As
a Solvent
___ Other
(Specify) ________________
Estimated Annual Use:
B100
____________________ (Gallons)
B20
____________________ (Gallons)
B____
(Specify) ____________________ (Gallons)
Vehicles, Vessels, or Equipment Using B100 Fuel:
Make ______________ Model ____________
Year ________ Engine Type ________
Make ______________ Model ____________ Year ________
Engine Type ________
Make ______________ Model ____________ Year ________
Engine Type ________
Make ______________ Model ____________ Year ________
Engine Type ________
(Continue on back if needed)
Vehicles, Vessels, or Equipment Using B20 Fuel:
Make ______________ Model ____________
Year ________ Engine Type ________
Make ______________ Model ____________ Year ________
Engine Type ________
Make ______________ Model ____________ Year ________
Engine Type ________
Make ______________ Model ____________ Year ________
Engine Type ________
(Continue on back if needed)
This agreement, and all terms mentioned herein, applies only to the above-mentioned
parties, and supersedes any previous versions. It is the responsibility
of the member to read all of the following information before purchasing
biodiesel and biodiesel blend fuels. The purchase and use of any developmental
fuel provided by Envira Fuels, LLC is done so at the sole risk of the purchaser
and user (above and beyond any liability covered by the fuel manufacturers
liability policy). Please call if you have any questions.
I. Member Owned Organization: Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group
is a member organization. Each member has a share in the organization and
is entitled to all the rights and benefits of membership including but not
limited to: the right to purchase fuel that is renewable, the right to lower
emissions, and the right to be informed on local biodiesel issues. There
is no cost of membership, however donations defray mailing and operating
costs.
II. Biodiesel: Quality of the fuel is very important to all of us.
Purchase only 100% biodiesel manufactured to ASTM D-6751 standards.
III. Membership Responsibility and Disclosure: It is the members
responsibility to provide the fuel vendors with any requested information
regarding the performance of biodiesel or any issues that the member observes
while using the fuel. This information is critical to allow the fuel vendor
to complete the required quarterly reports to the CA Department of Measurement
Standards.
IV. Precautions and Disclaimers: The following are facts concerning
biodiesel and its usage. You, as a user, must be aware of and responsible
for these qualities of biodiesel fuel:
a. Engine warranty: The use of biodiesel
and biodiesel blends has not been approved by all engine manufactures.
Your use of the fuel may affect your warranty; therefore you should check
your owners manual or with your engine manufacturer before using biodiesel
blends over B5. Be aware of this issue and use the fuel according to your
own judgment. See the link below to engine warranty statements.
b. Developmental Fuels: Biodiesel (B100) and biodiesel blends over
B-5 that do not meet ASTM D 975 petroleum specifications are sold as development
fuels in California. As such, the fuel vender and users must comply with
California Business and Professional Code and the DMS regulations. For
reference see http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/pdfs/PetroleumRegs.pdf
c. Solvent Properties: Biodiesel, in addition to being a fuel,
is an effective solvent, and will act accordingly. This means that:
i. Biodiesel will dissolve existing solids-created through usage
of petroleum (petroleum) dieselin your vehicles fuel system. These
solids will clog your vehicles fuel filter. When this happens depends
on many factors, but can be recognized by the following symptoms: power
loss, engine sputtering, difficulty starting and poor fuel mileage.
When you notice these symptoms, you will have to replace your vehicles
fuel filter (possibly more than once, depending on the amount of petroleum
solids in the fuel system). Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group recommends
keeping at least one spare fuel filter on hand at all times. Clogging
of fuel filters also occurs with old fuel storage containers that contained
petroleum diesel. When dealing with such large fuel tanks, fuel filters
may have to be changed many times, and cleaning of the tank before biodiesel
usage may be a more suitable alternative.
ii. Biodiesel will degrade rubber components in older vehicles
fuel systems faster than petroleum diesel. These components include
some hoses, seals and o-rings. Most diesel vehicles made after 1993
use synthetic components, elimination this problem. Please contact the
manufacturer for answers on specific parts.
iii. Biodiesel, will, over time, dissolve most types of paint.
For this reason, Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group recommends keeping
a clean, soft, dry rag on hand when fueling to gently wipe off any spillage.
When the rag becomes soaked with biodiesel, put it in a dark, closed
storage container to await proper disposal. Do not leave fuel-soaked
rage crumpled up in the sun. Under such conditions, the rags are prone
to spontaneous combustion due to oxidation and the heat generated during
that process.
d. Cold Weather Properties: Depending on its feedstock, biodiesel
can gel at temperatures as high as 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher without
added anti-gel. If you operate in cold weather take precautions to prevent
gelling. These precautions can include blending with petroleum, or the
use of cold weather treatments. This is especially recommended for vehicles
with electronically-controlled, highlysensitive fuel injection systems,
such as those found in Volkswagen TDIs and Chevrolet/GMC Duramaxes.
e. Vehicle Emissions and Performance: Because every engine is different,
Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group makes no claims about the emissions
or performance when burning biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel will not have the
same effects on every vehicle. Because the BTU value of biodiesel is slightly
less than that of petroleum diesel no.2, a small loss of power and fuel
economy is to be expected, although this is mitigated by biodiesels higher
lubricity and cetane number.
f. Biodiesel Storage Etiquette: Biodiesel should not be stored
more than 6 months without topping off or cycling. Biodiesel can oxidize
when exposed to air and light for extended periods, resulting in a rancid
fuel that can have negative effects on your vehicles performance. Biodiesel
needs to be stored properly, in a dark container, away from air and water.
Use a filter with a water separator. Like diesel, biodiesel can attract
bugs and biological contamination. The potential for contamination should
be taken very seriously, and guarding against it is the members responsibility.
Large fuel containers must be vented properly. Old or rusty storage containers
may adversely affect biodiesel. Check the Materials Compatibility Guide
(below) for acceptable storage tank materials before using a container
for your fuel.
g. Fuel Additives: Biodiesel, in this document, is defined as 100%
biodiesel (B100) and biodiesel blends are identified by the blend concentration.
For example B20 contains 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. If you
would like to use an additive in your fuel, for whatever reason, we recommend
you contact Envira Fuels, LLC so they can share with you the benefit of
their experience. If you plan on blending biodiesel with petroleum diesel,
remember: the better quality the diesel, the better the blend. Environmentally,
if you must blend with petroleum diesel, use D975 specification fuel and
try to only use low sulfur fuel.
All information contained in this Membership Agreement is believed to be
accurate at the time of printing. If the application or any provision of
this contract should be held invalid, the remaining provisions thereof shall
not be affected thereby, but shall continue to be given full force and effect.
In addition to the above precautions and disclaimers, Envira Fuels Biodiesel
Users Group reminds you that many mechanics have not heard of biodiesel,
nor worked on vehicles using it as fuel. To save yourself time, money and
a headache, if you have problems, call us first.
Reference Resources: Download, read and retain these documents. They
provide important information for you as a biodiesel user.
Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines
http://www.eere.energy.gov/biomass/pdfs/biodiesel_handling.pdf
Generic Biodiesel MSDS http://www.nbb.org/pdf_files/MSDS.PDF
Biodiesel FAQ's http://www.nbb.org/pdf_files/RegulatedFleet_QA.pdf
Engine Warrantee Information
http://www.nbb.org/resources/fuelfactsheets/standards_and_warranties.shtm
I have read, understand and agree to the terms of the Membership Agreement.
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: __________________
Retain one copy for your records and mail or FAX original to:
Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group
P.O. Box 308
Monte Rio, CA 95462
707-490-6950
FAX 509-691-0232
info@envirafuels.com
www.envirafuels.com
Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc will oxidize diesel
and biodiesel fuels and create sediments. Lead solders and zinc linings
should be avoided, as should copper pipes, brass regulators, and copper
fittings. The fuel or the fittings will tend to change color and sediments
may form, resulting in plugged fuel filters. Affected equipment should be
replaced with stainless steel or aluminum. Acceptable storage tank materials
include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene,
and Teflon. Table 7 has some information on specific materials.
Material
BXX
Effect compared
to diesel fuel
Teflon
B100
Little change
Nylon 6/6
B100
Little change
Nitrile
B100
Hardness reduced
20%
B100
Swell increased
18%
Viton A401-C
B100
Little change
Viton GFLT
B100
Little change
Fluorosilicon
B100
Little change
in hardness
B100
Swell increased
7%
Polyurethane
B100
Little change
in hardness
B100
Swell increased
6%
Polypropylene
B100
Hardness reduced
10%
B100
Swell increased
8-15%
Polyvinyl
B100
Much Worse
B50
Worse
B40
Worse
B30
Worse
B20
Comparable
B10
Comparable
Tygon
B100
Worse
The effect of B20 on vulnerable materials is diluted compared to higher
blends. Some slow oxidation can occur, although it may take longer to materialize.
Biodiesel also can affect some seals, gaskets, and adhesives, particularly
those made before 1993 and those made from natural or nitrile rubber. It
is primarily for these reasons that vehicle and storage equipment are modified.
Most engines made after 1994 have been constructed with gaskets and seals
that are generally biodiesel resistant. Earlier engine models or rebuilds
may use older gasket and seal and present a risk of swelling, leaking, or
failure. Fuel pumps may contain rubber valves that may fail. The typical
approach is to create a maintenance schedule that checks for potential failures.
Users can also contact engine manufacturers for more information.
NREL/TP-580-30004 September 2001 14