BIODIE SEL: FUEL QUALITY BE ST

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Biodiesel Preparedness, Biodiesel Blending Practices, Cold Weather

Handling, ASTM, BQ9000, and Administrative To-Do’s for Biodiesel
Distributors, Marketers and Users

Virginia

Virginia Clean Cities

June 2007
 TA BL E OF CONTEN TS

BI ODIESEL PREPAREDNESS 1

Getting Ready 1

Purchasing Fuel 1
Simple Tests to Quickly Evaluate Fuel 2

Fuel Sampling 3
Sampling Tips 3
Bottom Sample for Water and Sediment 4
How to Sample Home Tanks 4

Assessing “Problem” Home Tanks 5

Water and Sludge Accumulation in Tanks 5
Fuels Degrading in Storage 6

Storing Fuels 7
Tank Considerations 7
Piping Considerations 7
About Additives 7
Storage Tank Maintenance 7

Cold Temperature Operations and Biodiesel 9

Identifying Engine Shutdown and Tank Issues 10

Addressing Diesel Equipment Breakdowns 10

B100 Stability 11

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Warning 11

BI ODIESEL BL ENDING PRACT ICES & COLD W EAT HER HANDLI NG 12

Basic Properties and Blending Considerations for B100 12

Blending Biodiesel to Make B20 or Lower Blends 12

In-Tank Blending 14

B100 Cold Flow Properties 18

B20 Cold Flow 21

ASTM & BQ 9000 24

Quality Specifications 24

National Biodiesel Board BQ-9000 Quality Management Program 25

Program Accreditation 25
Accredited Producer 25
Certified Marketer 26

ii
ADMINISTRATIVE TO -DO ’S F OR BIODIESEL DISTRIBUTORS, MARKET ERS,
AND/ OR USERS 27
Fuel Quality Registration 27

IRS and State Blender's Permitting/Registration Requirements 27

Biodiesel Producer, Importer, and Blender Registration 27
Certificate For Biodiesel 28
Claiming Credits & Receiving Payment for Excess Credits 28
Other Items of Understanding 28
Application of These “Understandings” to a Practical Scenario 29

Complying with IRS Federal Fuel Excise Tax Regulations and any Applicable State Taxes 30

Biodiesel Training Checklist for New Biodiesel Marketers and Distributors 30

RESO URCES 32

TANK CLEANI NG DIRECTORY 33

iii
This guide was compiled by Virginia Clean Cities with support from the Virginia
Department of Mines, Mineral and Energy. Much of the content was adapted
from the National Biodiesel Board, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
the National Oilheat Research Alliance, Virginia regulatory agencies with
jurisdiction over biodiesel use, distribution and production, and opinions of
Virginia biodiesel producers, distributors, marketers and users.

NOTICE

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the

United States Government. The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and
Energy, nor the United States Government, nor any agency thereof, nor any of
their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal
liability of responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any
information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or that its use would not
infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial
product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or
otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation or favoring by the Virginia Department of Mines, Mineral and
Energy, or the United States Government, or any agency thereof. The views and
opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of
the Virginia Department of Mines, Mineral and Energy, or the United States
Government, or any agency thereof.

Clean Cities is a government-industry partnership designed to reduce

petroleum consumption in the transportation sector by advancing the use of
alternative fuels and vehicles, idle reduction technologies, hybrid electric
vehicles, fuel blends, and fuel economy.

Virginia Clean Cities is one of almost 90 coalitions across the U.S. that help meet
the objectives of improving air quality, developing regional economic
opportunities, and reducing the use of imported petroleum. Virginia Clean
Cities was incorporated in November 2001 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit
corporation

June 2007

iv
BIODIESEL PREPAREDNESS
Some of the information in this section of the manual was extracted from the National
Oilheat Research Alliance Fuel Quality Manual, the National Biodiesel Board and United
Soybean Board Fuel Quality and Performance Guide, and the National Biodiesel Board
Quality Assurance video. Additional information, including website links, from these
sources and additional sources are included in the “Resource” section of this manual.

Getting Ready

To make the transition to biodiesel a smooth one, follow Ric Hiller’s (Arlington
County) recommendations:

 Clean fuel storage tanks thoroughly before filling them with biodiesel. Due to
biodiesel’s solvent effect, it will scrub off any deposits in the tank and carry
them straight through to the pump and into your trucks’ fuel tanks. For a list
of companies that specialize in tank cleaning in preparation for biodiesel, see
the tank cleaning directory.
 Use 10-micron filters on fuel dispensers to catch tank deposits before they
reach vehicle tanks.
 Stock plenty of primary and secondary fuel filters for any equipment that will
use biodiesel. The cleansing property of biodiesel means filters will become
clogged more quickly (during the initial stages of transition) if the
equipment’s fuel tank and system contain sludge and sediment from years of
diesel buildup.
 Educate drivers, equipment operators and technicians. Make sure they
understand that if they notice any degradation in vehicle power, rough engine
idling, etc., they should bring the vehicle into the shop immediately to replace
the fuel filters. That will solve the problem 99.9% of the time. Expect
employees to blame everything on the biodiesel – even a blown headlight.

Arlington County’s transition to biodiesel was documented by an independent

consultant hired by Virginia Clean Cities, and can be accessed at
http://www.hrccc.org/biofuels/ArlingtonB20Study.pdf.

Purchasing Fuel

When purchasing fuel, ask for the fuel specifications and verify the fuel
properties are suitable for the intended use. When buying fuel in
the winter, ensure the cold weather characteristics are suitable for
local climate conditions. Additionally, always request a certificate
of analysis from your supplier to guarantee ASTM benchmarked
fuels. Another way to ensure you are starting with a quality
product is to obtain your biodiesel from BQ-9000 accredited
producers or certified fuel marketers.

1
Once quality fuel is obtained, it’s important to keep the fuel “on-spec.” Ensuring
fuel storage tanks are free of contamination (especially water) is critical. A good
way to inspect incoming fuel is to check for cleanliness and haze, which
sometimes indicates the presence of water or wax. Below is the protocol for the
distillate fuel haze rating standard using the ASTM clear and bright test. This test
is covered in the NBB Quality Assurance video.1

Simple Tests to Quickly Evaluate Fuel2

Clear and Bright Test (ASTM Method D 4176)

This is a quick and easy test that allows you to visually inspect the fuel supply you
are buying in the field. You can determine if there is suspended free water (haze)
and contamination with solid particles.

You need: 1-quart clear glass jar, 4—oz. Bottles

Bar chart and haze rating photos (see examples below, can purchase from NORA)

Method:
 Take sample of fuel from tank or truck and fill about 90% of jar
 Place bar chart behind jar. Compare the appearance of bar chart through the
sample with the standard photos (photos are in NORA Fuel Quality Manual –
see resource section). Look at the comparison of the lines and how they fade
gradually. Ignore the color differences. However, if the fuel is too heavily dyed
or the fuel is too dark to allow you to see through the jar, pour a smaller
amount of fuel into the 4—oz. bottle.
 Compare what you see to determine which of the example photos from the
NORA Fuel Quality Manual your sample resembles most.
 Hold the sample up to the light and check for haze or clarity. Swirl the sample
to produce a vortex and examine the bottom of the vortex for particles.
 Record the following observations:
o Was it clear and bright? Or not?
o Were there particles?
 Record the outdoor temperature or the fuel sample temperature if different.
 Record your observations if the fuel appears darker than usual.

The fuel should have no water or particles, and this is considered “clean and
bright.” When compared to your observations of typical fuels, the haze rating
could give you an indication of an unusual batch with contamination or off-
specification fuel.

If a sample is taken when the outdoor temperature is cold, small amounts of wax
particles may settle out and cloud the fuel; this should not be confused with a
water haze. These wax crystals will clog filter systems in your fuel delivery

1 NBB Fuel Quality and Performance Guide, p. 3

2 Source: The NORA Fuel Quality Manual, pg. 31.

2
system. Check for the Cloud Point (ASTM D 2500) and Pour Point (ASTM D97)
temperature of the fuel. The fuels you store and use should have cloud and pour
points well below the outdoor temperature in your geographic region. If they are
not, you can expect cold-weather operability problems.

Source: NBB Fuel Quality and Performance Guide

http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/FuelQualityandPerformanceGuide.pdf

Fuel Sampling

Proper fuel sampling techniques are demonstrated in the NBB Fuel Quality
Assurance video3 (we strongly encouraging watching this short video prior to
receiving your first biodiesel load).

The best method is to obtain a sample or mixture of several samples that

represent the material in a truck or storage tank. Depending on where you are
sampling from and for what purpose, there are several different types of devices
that can be used to collect a fuel sample.

Sampling Tips4

 Use clean sampling devices and containers.

 Always retrieve a minimum of one-quart sample of fuel and a backup sample
to be kept and retained for your own testing should it be necessary.
 Fill sample containers to a safe level, normally 80% of capacity, which allows
for expansion during transport to laboratories.
 Use the appropriate device for pulling bottom samples.
 Bulk samples are best rated when a top, middle and bottom sample (known as
a tank composite) is evaluated.
 Line samples are an option in bulk plants when tank samples are inaccessible.

3 “Biodiesel Quality Assurance.” National Biodiesel Board. Multimedia download, available:

http://www.biodiesel.org/multimedia/audiovideo/
4 NBB Fuel Quality and Performance Guide, p. 4. Available online:

http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/fuelqualityguide/viewstate.aspx?state=Virginia

3
 Dispenser and above ground storage tank samples are retrievable through the
top of the tank or at the fuel dispenser nozzle.
 Samples can be taken from the fuel delivery truck which represents what was
retrieved from the fuel terminal or manufacturing plant.
 An appropriate sample must be contained in a clean quality plastic container
(preferably fluorinated type container, available through ASTM testing
laboratories). All filled containers should have a tightly sealed cap, be inserted
into a plastic bag sealed with a conventional bag seal, then enclosed in
corrugated box for shipping to a lab of your choice.

Bottom Sample for Water and Sediment5

Check tank bottoms for settled water, sludge or microbes

(bacteria, yeast, fungi) by taking a sample with a Fuel Thief, or
Bacon Bomb sampler. Only a small sample size is required. This
consists of a stainless steel cylinder tapered at both ends and
fitted with an internal, plunger type valve. The valve opens
automatically when the sampler strikes the bottom of a tank and
closes when lifted.

This is preferable to using the water indicating paste on a stick,

as a sample can more easily be inspected visually. Unless there
is more than about 1/2-1” depth of water, it is hard to detect it
on the stick. An emulsion at the bottom (water and sludge
mixture) can also displace the water from the paste, which may Bacon Bomb with extension
appear as spots on the paste. This doesn’t mean there is an rods to sample from tank
bottoms. The (4 oz.) 1”
insignificant amount of water, as it doesn’t take much to cause diameter one is also referred
corrosion or support bacterial and fungal growth. A sample may to as the Pencil Bomb.
give evidence of rust flakes or a slimy type of microbial growth. Source: NBB

How to Sample Home Tanks6

Sampling from small residential tanks requires an accessible bung with an

opening of 2” diameter minimum. A bottom sample is most useful to assess the
cleanliness of the tank. Repeat calls or reports of issues may indicate problems
with heavy sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tank. Take a sample with a
fuel thief or a hand pump to look at the condition of the tank bottom. This will
tell you how much water, sediment, or rust there is.

5 The NORA Fuel Quality Manual, p. 40

6 The NORA Fuel Quality Manual, pps. 40-41

4
 Source: NBB Fuel Quality and Performance Guide
http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/FuelQualityandPerformanceGuide.pdf

Check the level and pitch of the tank. Pull a bottom sample from the low end of
the tank if possible. You may wish to take additional samples near the fuel supply
line or from the fill-pipe. Tanks are sometimes installed with a slight tilt to allow
water to collect in one end. Take note that when a sample is drawn from a port
not located at the low end of the tank, sludge or water may not be detected. For
large tanks it is recommended that samples be taken from more than one location
to ensure that water and any contaminants are detected.

Assessing “Problem” Home Tanks7

Many “problem” tanks share common causes, which greatly affect fuel quality.

Water and Sludge Accumulation in Tanks

 Condensation of hot, humid, air in the tanks can slowly add to the water
collecting at the bottom of the tank. This occurs as a tank “breathes” through
the vent during the filling operation, drawing of fuel from the tank, and
temperature changes experienced in outdoor tanks. Without periodic water
removal, the amount of water that could accumulate after many years could
be appreciable. Using a long measuring stick and water-indicating paste will
help you monitor the tank for water.
 Be aware that water can be introduced into tanks from other ways; water can
be delivered along with the fuel if it was already contaminated. Periodically
check for water and cleanliness of the fuels received from your supplier.
Sample to check that your tanker truck and/or bulk storage tanks are clean
and dry.
 Sludge is a mixture of water, gum formed from the aging of fuels, rust, and
microbes (bacteria and fungus). Repeat service calls due to sludge build-up

7 The NORA Fuel Quality Manual, p 45-47.

5
 require special attention. Sampling the tank bottom using fuel thief allows you
to assess its condition and how much build-up there is.
 Collect the bottom sample in a clear, glass jar and take note of what it looks
like.
 With many years of accumulation, the only effective means of removing
sludge is through mechanical cleaning.
 Physical cleaning or replacement of heavily contaminated tanks, and
replacement of clogged fuel supply lines, are the only effective means to solve
these types of service problems.
 A floating suction device used on the fuel supply line may help to reduce the
amount of sediment that gets picked up into the fuel delivery system. When a
floating suction is used it is essential to monitor and remove the water as it
accumulates. This should be done to prevent
internal corrosion of steel tanks and to
minimize microbial growth.

Fuels Degrading in Storage

 The most important factors affecting storage

stability of the fuel are the condition of the
tank, the amount of existing sludge, water or
microbial growth.
 Most of the incoming heating fuels from
major suppliers appear to have acceptable stability. Pipeline sources of fuel
tend to be more stable; barged fuels tend to be slightly less stable possibly due
to the added handling and transport, longer storage times, and potential
contamination.
 Generally, older tanks that have more overall accumulation of sludge show an
increased likelihood of service problems. When replacing a tank, do not
transfer old fuel into the new tank.
 Newer tanks with little water or sludge have fewer problems with microbial
growth and provided better fuel storage stability.
 High sludge content (measured as Bottoms Sediment and Water or BS&W, of
10% more) results in more clogging problems of the fuel line and filter. You
can detect large amounts of contamination at the tank bottom simply by
sticking the tank and using water-indicator paste. If the paste color appears
spotty, you likely have a mixture of water and heavy components of fuel (an
emulsion).
 Tanks with existing sludge problems do not improve with fuel stabilizing
additives. Stabilizers are typically designed for use with freshly refined, clean
fuels to slow down oxidation and natural aging of fuels.
 Some dispersant-type fuel additives show reduced sludge on filters and may
help to maintain cleaner fuel delivery system (supply line, filter, nozzle).
 To minimize fuel degradation during storage, keep outdoor tanks away from
direct sun; high temperatures during the summer can accelerate the fuel aging
process. Where possible install tanks in shaded areas, or on the north side of
homes.

6
Storing Fuels8

Tank Considerations

 An accessible port should be at the top of the tank to allow for periodic
inspection for water and sludge. Accumulated tank sedimentation and or
water should be removed on a routine basis so that it does not clog strainers,
lines, filters or nozzles and injectors.
 Locate outdoor tanks (AST) in cool, shaded areas if possible to minimize
exposure of the fuel to high temperatures from direct sun.
 Petcocks normally located on the bottom of both truck saddle tanks and bulk
storage tanks enable you to remove any bottom water and sediment that
accumulate during seasonal temperature swings.

Piping Considerations

 Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated

polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene, Teflon and most fiberglass.
Materials such as brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin and zinc may accelerate the
oxidation of your fuels and should be avoided.

About Additives

 B100 (neat biodiesel) cannot presently be treated successfully with

conventional winter fuel additives.
 Biodiesel blends can be adjusted with a combination of kerosene and cold
flow improvers designed for petroleum fuel.
 If storage of neat biodiesel or blended fuels is intended beyond six months it
is recommended that you add a fuel stabilizer. Biodiesel requires a specific
stabilizer which can be obtained through a reputable fuel additive supplier.

Storage Tank Maintenance

Fuels need to be protected in order for product quality to be maintained. This can
be accomplished by following some basic, but critical, fuel quality strategies.

 Keep tanks topped off whenever possible.

 Know the operability values of these fuels (cloud, pour, cold filter plugging
point).
 Monitor and eliminate water when it is present.
 Source an analytical lab for future fuel testing.
 Do not add additives to previously treated fuel (using more additives is not
helpful).
 Additives should not be used once a fuel meets or falls below its posted cloud
point.

8 NBB Fuel Quality and Performance Guide, p 6-9

7
 Ask for fuel specifications. For larger bulk tanks, at the very least have a top,
middle and bottom sampling performed to determine if the fuel maintains
specifications.
 Inspect fill and vapor caps for damage and missing gaskets, replacing if
necessary. Consider a desiccant dryer on vent pipes to limit moisture
contamination.
 It is a good idea to have a lab run a microbiological evaluation of your fuel at
least once per year to ensure that no contamination exists in your tanks.
 If storage of higher blends (more than B20) is intended beyond six months, it
is recommended that you add a fuel stabilizer. Biodiesel requires a specific
stabilizer that can be obtained through a reputable, experienced fuel additive
supplier.
 Have the tank periodically cleaned by qualified professional contractors as an
added safety measure (see biodiesel contractor directory).
 All biodiesel tanks exposed to cold outdoor conditions should be equipped
with heating elements, insulation and tank mixers for satisfactory cold
weather storage and distribution.
 A floating suction at the fuel intake may help reduce the amount of sediment
drawn into the supply line.

By the sample drawn above, this tank has a This sample contains heavy amounts of degraded
problem with excessive water accumulation. You fuel products and water.
can also detect this much water with water-
indicating paste on a stick.

8
 B100 Bulk Storage Considerations

Keep at 40-45F
Underground tanks reduce cold weather handling issues

Consider cloud point and cold filter plug point for biodiesel and petroleum diesel
when blending

Might be less costly to winterize petroleum

Some additives don’t work in biodiesel

Cold Temperature Operations and Biodiesel9

Biodiesel requires close attention when storing, blending and distributing in cold
weather markets.

Identify cold flow properties of the fuel you are buying. If you are dependent on
someone to blend your diesel fuels, make them accountable for winter operability
specification. You must advise that individual or company what temperatures you
wish the fuel to function to and depend on them to make it happen. Their options
will be to use kerosene, additives specific to the generic fuel, and control of
biodiesel blends to achieve your desired goals.

To successfully blend biodiesel, follow the tips below:

 Identify the cold flow protection anticipated by the customer.

 Obtain a generic fuel with the lowest “temperature operability value” possible
(cloud, cold filter plugging point and pour point).
 Use a proven additive, or kerosene to reduce the generic fuels operability
value to levels low enough to accommodate the percent of biodiesel desired by
the end user. Remember that a 20% biodiesel blend produced from soy
methyl ester will reduce your cold flow values by 10°F in some cases. Lower
blends reduce this value to a lesser degree.
 Blend biodiesel into diesel fuel and test the product for operability values.
 When splash blending is your only option, the hotter the biodiesel the more
likely you will have a successful blending experience. To eliminate the
possibility of the biodiesel flash freezing when introduced into a cold
aluminum tank truck, successful blenders have heated the fuel to
temperatures in excess of 100°F.

9 NBB Fuel Quality and Performance Guide, p 10-13

9
 In-line or injection blending requires that the biodiesel be kept at a minimum
of 10F higher than the cold operability properties of the biodiesel feedstock to
ensure successful blending into diesel or heating oil.
 Dilution blending with kerosene is also an option for biodiesel blends.
 Once you have blended biodiesel into the diesel fuel or heating oil following
the above general blending principals the fuels will stay blended.

Identifying Engine Shutdown and Tank Issues

Engine failures due to fuel starvation provide convincing evidence of how

important it is to manage your fuel systems and fuel quality. There is truth to the
statement, “you can pay me now, or you can pay me later.”

Addressing Diesel Equipment Breakdowns

 Drop bottom of tank contents through petcock relief. Bleed bottoms to review
tank bottom sedimentation and water.
 Verify that the fuel transfer pump is operating.
 Replace all in-line filters; normally two primaries and a secondary swap out
will be necessary.
 Take the questionable filter and turn it upside down, pouring out any
remaining liquids to determine if the problem revolves around waxing or
icing.
 If waxing is the primary issue, it might be necessary to heat the fuel or add
kerosene to regain operation. You must make provisions to allow the wax to
melt, which can be accomplished by indirectly heating the fuel. The safest way
to accomplish that is by garaging the vehicle in a heated space. Do not use
cold flow additives at this point because the fuel has reached its cloud point
and the performance of additives will be questionable at best.
 Moisture in fuel can stop fuel flow even before temperatures drop to the fuel’s
cold filter plug point.. If you find icing is blocking fuel flow, your only recourse
is to thaw out fuel or utilize emergency anti-icing additives that contain
alcohols and solvents which will immediately melt away the ice. These
additives should only be used in emergency situations and must be used
judiciously. Overdosing additives can cause fuel pump failure over the long
term by drying out elastomers that are used as sealing devices in the pump.
 There are approximately six feet of quarter inch fuel lines that travel from
saddle tank to the point of combustion. Along with this narrow piping, a
minimum of four 90◦brass fittings which carry the fuel may also become
restricted – affecting fuel flow. The only recourse you would have with
plugged lines in this case is to warm them up.
 Once up and running, you should package a quart of fuel retrieved from the
saddle tank and one from the bulk storage tank from which the truck was
fueled. Send it to a local laboratory to determine the cold flow properties,
cloud, pour, and cold filter plugging point. If you visually observed any black
slimy substance on the fuel filter media, ask them to have a microbiological

10
 evaluation done on the fuel as well. You can also bundle up a fuel filter for lab
reference on specific contamination found on the filter media.

B100 Stability10

Few users have reported stability problems with B20 or B100 in the United
States, but stability is a major issue for engine and fuel system manufacturers.
Stability is a broad term, but really refers to two issues for fuels: long-term
storage stability or aging and stability at elevated temperatures and/or pressures
as the fuel is recirculated through an engine’s fuel system. In the diesel fuel
arena, long-term storage stability is commonly referred to as oxidative stability
and thermal stability is the common term for the stability of fuels at elevated fuel
system temperatures. At this time there are no ASTM specifications for the
stability of either diesel or biodiesel (as of September 2006).

In biodiesel, fuel aging and oxidation can lead to high acid numbers, high
viscosity, and the formation of gums and sediments that clog filters. If the acid
number, viscosity, or sediment measurements exceed the limits in ASTM D6751,
the B100 is degraded to the point where it is out of specification and should not
be used. Biodiesel with high oxidation stability will take longer to reach an out of
specification condition, while biodiesel with low oxidation stability will take less
time in storage to reach an out of specification condition. Monitoring the acid
number and viscosity of B100 over time can provide some idea about whether the
fuel is oxidizing, with sampling at the receipt of the B100 and periodically during
storage providing the most useful data.

In some cases, deposits from the cleaning effect or solvency of B100 have been
confused with gums and sediments that could form over time in storage as the
fuel ages. While sediment can clog a filter in either case, care should be taken to
make sure the reason for the clogging is properly identified. For example, if the
acid number of the fuel is within specification, then sediment formation is most
likely due to the cleaning affect and not to fuel aging or oxidation.

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Warning

How can ULSD cause fuel pump failure?

Both biodiesel and most petroleum highway diesel sold before the fall of 2006
cause pump seals to swell, but ULSD, which was introduced in most US markets
around October 2006 causes the seals to shrink. If the seals shrink enough, the
fuel pump will leak fuel and/or suck in air. The symptom of pump failure in
Turbo Diesel Injection (TDI) engines has been difficult or unable to start because
of air that entered fuel lines through the leaky seals. Chevron acknowledges that
ULSD can cause seals to fail:
http://www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/fuels/diesel/ulsd.shtml#A14

10 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines. March 2006. US DOE. p 21

11
BIODIESEL BL ENDING PRA CTICES & COLD WEAT HER HAN DL IN G
Basic Properties and Blending Considerations for B10011

The considerations for storing, handling, blending and using B100 are very
different than for B20 or lower biodiesel blends. If you are interested in using or
handling finished B20 or lower biodiesel blends, you may want to skip the B100
section and go directly to the B20 section.

1. B100 is a good solvent. It may loosen and/or dissolve sediments in fuel

tanks and fueling systems left by conventional diesel over time. If your
system contains sediments, you should clean your existing tanks and fuel
system before handling or using B100.
2. B100 freezes at higher temperatures than most conventional diesel fuel.
Most soy-based B100 starts to cloud at around 35°F, so heated fuel lines
and tanks may be needed even in Virginia’s moderate climate. As B100
begins to gel, the viscosity also begins to rise, and it rises to levels much
higher than most diesel fuel, which can cause increased stress on fuel
pumps and fuel injection systems. Improved cold weather properties are a
major reason many people use biodiesel blends instead of B100.
3. B100 is not compatible with some hoses and gaskets. B100 may soften and
degrade certain types of rubber compounds found in hoses and gaskets
(i.e. buna N, nitrile, natural rubber) and may cause them to leak and
become degraded to the point they crumble and become useless. This
could cause a fuel spill on a hot engine, could ruin a fuel pump, or could
result in filter clogging as the hose material gradually wears away. If using
B100, extreme care should be taken to ensure that any part of the fuel
system that touches the fuel is compatible with B100. Some systems
already have biodiesel resistant materials (i.e. Viton™) but many do not
because these materials are usually slightly more expensive (typically
vehicles manufactured after 1994 are safe).
4. B100 is not compatible with some metals and plastics. Biodiesel will form
high sediment levels if contacted for long periods of time with copper or
copper containing metals (brass, bronze) or with lead, tin, or zinc (i.e.
galvanized surfaces). These high sediment levels may cause filter clogging.
Diesel systems are not supposed to contain these metals, but sometimes
they can occur anyway. In addition, B100 may permeate some typical
types of plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene) over time and they should
not be used for storing B100.

Blending Biodiesel to Make B20 or Lower Blends12

If you are planning to blend your own fuel, if you are a distributor planning to
blend fuels for your customers, or if you are just interested in more details, the
11 Biodiesel
Handling and Use Guidelines. March 2006. US DOE. p 8.
12 Biodiesel
Handling and Use Guidelines. March 2006. US DOE. p 37-42; Biodiesel Blending
Options. PowerPoint Presentation. Virginia Clean Cities, February 1, 2007.

12
section below will go over the options and considerations for blending biodiesel
into petrodiesel.

Biodiesel blending depends on a variety of factors, including the volume of B100

required to make the blend, the finished blend level, the volume of blended
products being sold, tankage and space availability, equipment and operational
costs, and customer requirements for blends, both now and in the future. It
should be noted that biodiesel is a fuel for diesel applications only and
biodiesel is not to be blended with gasoline.

At the time of the writing of this document, biodiesel is blended into diesel fuel
via three primary means:

1. B100 splash blended with diesel fuel by the distributor at the time the delivery
truck is loaded. Blending only at the end-users tank is not recommended unless
thorough precautions are taken to ensure adequate mixing.
2. Pre-blended (via a variety of means) by a jobber or distribution company in
bulk storage tanks and offered for sale as a finished blend, often B20 or B2.
3. Blended at a petroleum terminal with automated equipment. This method,
though not yet offered in very many locations (One terminal in Virginia has
announced plans to offer rack injection blending as of June 2007), ensures
complete blending and reduces handling costs for distributors.

The chemical nature of biodiesel allows it to be blended with any kind of

distillate, or diesel fuel. This includes light fuels such as jet fuel, kerosene, No.1
diesel, or military fuels (JP8, JP5), as well as normal diesel fuel like No. 2 diesel
for diesel engines or gas turbines, and heating oil for boilers or home heating.
Once biodiesel is blended thoroughly with diesel fuel, it stays together as one fuel
and does not separate over time (assuming the fuel is maintained at temperatures
above its cloud point). Once blended, B20 and lower blends should be treated
exactly like conventional petrodiesel.

In the early days of biodiesel blend use, volumes were not high enough for the
conventional petroleum infrastructure to carry and handle the fuel economically.
Most of the B20 used in these early days was splash blended by the user after
receiving B100 from a biodiesel supplier. As volumes increased, customers began
to request B20 pre-blended from their existing supplier of petrodiesel. These
petrodiesel suppliers would then receive and store the B100 and would blend the
biodiesel with petrodiesel and supply a finished blend to the customer. In some
cases, the petrodiesel supplier might carry B100 and petrodiesel in separate
compartments in one truck and blend the two on the customer’s site as the truck
is unloaded. This is not a recommended blend practice and can result in
improperly blended fuel, especially in cold weather conditions.

More recently, as demand increases, petroleum terminals are installing biodiesel

blending capability so that jobbers and distributors can receive a biodiesel blend
directly at the rack and store and distribute only the blended biodiesel. This

13
finished blend can then be sold to fleet or other applications that have on-site
storage. Even more recently, there are an increasing number of public pumps and
unattended refueling sites that are carrying biodiesel blends for individual users
or fleets who do not have their own on-site storage capability.

There are many blending options available to the user or distributor depending
on your area. As the market matures and volumes continue to increase, it is
highly likely that the actual point of blending will occur further and further
upstream in the distribution system where it is most efficient and economical.
This is likely to be especially true with lower blends of biodiesel, such as B2. Most
users find blending their own fuel to be time consuming and sometimes messy, so
there are an increasing number of users who are requesting that their petroleum
supplier make finished blends available. As noted, in the marketplace today,
there are three avenues to blend biodiesel into petrodiesel. They are described in
general terms below. Any of these options can be used to blend biodiesel into
diesel fuel. All three options are commonly used in practice today.

Splash Blending

An operation where the biodiesel and diesel fuel are loaded

into a common vessel from the same or separate sources,
with some mixing occurring as the fuels are pumped into a
common tank. The vessel is usually an individual fuel tank
on a fuel delivery truck (or a drum or tote). Once the fuels
are splash-blended onto a delivery truck, additional mixing
occurs as the truck travels to customers. This approach can
be successful if agitation is adequate, but is not
recommended practice, especially in cold weather. Little or
no mixing can occur if biodiesel is loaded first into an
empty delivery truck tank on a very cold day.

In-Tank Blending

In-tank blending is often just another form of splash blending. In-tank blending
is where the biodiesel and diesel fuel are loaded separately, or, in some cases at
the same time through different incoming sources,
but at a high enough fill rate that the fuels are
sufficiently mixed without the need for additional
mixing, recirculation, or agitation. In some cases
this is similar to splash blending but without the
need to drive up and down the road. In other
cases, the blended fuel in the tank may need to be
recirculated or further mixed in order to get the
two fuels thoroughly blended.

14
 Blending in Customer’s Tank

Prohibited by military and others

More flexible for small quantity deliveries

Follow same protocol as blending in truck tank

More risky in extreme cold

Pre Blending

The biodiesel and diesel fuel are blended by the distributor and bulk-stored in
that blended form before loading onto a delivery truck.

In-Line (Injection) Blending

The biodiesel is added to a stream of diesel fuel as it travels through a pipe or

hose in such a way that the biodiesel and diesel fuel become thoroughly mixed by
the turbulent movement through the pipe—and by the additional mixing that
occurs as the fuels enter the receiving vessel. The biodiesel is added slowly and
continuously into the moving stream of diesel fuel via a smaller line inserted or
‘Y’ in a larger pipe, or the biodiesel can be added in small slug or pulsed
quantities spread evenly throughout the time the petrodiesel is being loaded. This
is similar to the way most additives are blended into diesel fuel today and is most
commonly used at pipeline terminals and racks. Some distributors carry B100

15
and petrodiesel in separate truck compartments and blend the two fuels with
separate metered pumps operating simultaneously at high speeds. These
methods offer superior consistency and lower operational costs.

In general, blending biodiesel is not difficult if you keep a couple of

basic facts in mind:
• The more mixing the better
• Biodiesel is slightly heavier than diesel fuel

Biodiesel has a specific gravity of 0.88 compared to No. 2 diesel at 0.85 and No. 1
diesel at 0.80. So if you put the biodiesel in an empty tank and then pour diesel
fuel slowly on top, it may not blend properly, if at all. Since the biodiesel is
heavier, it may stay in the bottom of the tank in a layer of mostly biodiesel. Most
pumps draw from the bottom of a fuel tank, and if not properly mixed this
bottom layer can contain high concentrations of biodiesel. The problems
generally manifest themselves in cold months, as the high concentration biodiesel
fuel starts to freeze, plugging filters and forming a gel layer at the bottom of
tanks. This concentration of near B100 in improperly blended fuel also can foster
leaks from hoses and gaskets that are compatible with B20 but not with higher
blends. Because the freezing problems may not manifest themselves in the
summer and any adverse affects on hoses and gaskets associated with higher
blends may take some time to develop, users may go for many months without a
problem. But over a long enough period of time, or during cold weather,
improperly mixed fuels are guaranteed to cause problems. One additional issue
this can create is that a concentrated layer of biodiesel could also start to dissolve
tank sediments, which might not be affected by B20, resulting in filter clogging.

There are two simple tests that can be performed to see if a tank has been
thoroughly mixed.

16
 1. A top, middle, and bottom sample of the tank (see ASTM D405712 for
the proper way to take a representative sample of a tank) can be taken and
analyzed for the percent biodiesel using infra-red spectroscopy or by
measuring the specific gravity or density. This can be done with any of the
conventional means of measuring density or specific gravity that are
readily available (i.e. digital density meter, hydrometer). If the values do
not vary by more than 0.006 specific gravity units from top to bottom, the
mix is probably adequate. There are several instrument companies who
are currently offering relatively inexpensive equipment to measure the
percent biodiesel in the field, similar to that used for ethanol in gasoline.
See the National Biodiesel Board at www.biodiesel.org for further details.

2. Put the samples from the three layers in a freezer with a thermometer
and check every 5 minutes until the fuel in one of the samples begins to
crystallize. Record that temperature. Then, check every couple of minutes
or so until all three samples show crystallization. Compare the
crystallization temperatures on all three samples, they should be within 5-
6°F (3°C). If not, the fuel will require agitation to mix thoroughly.

So what is the best option for blending biodiesel and diesel fuel? It depends on
your volume, your investment, and your needs.

 Drums and totes are typically mixed by splash or in-tank blending or by

adding B100 on top of diesel fuel in a storage tank. Disperse the biodiesel as
much as possible with this approach by spreading it evenly over the diesel fuel
surface. If an even distribution of the biodiesel over the surface of the diesel
fuel cannot be obtained, or the addition of the biodiesel is not sufficient to get
it thoroughly mixed, further agitation or recirculation may be needed.
 B20 is frequently blended in bottom-loading tank trucks. The biodiesel is
loaded into the tank truck first, followed by the diesel fuel and some mixing
occurs. The fuels continue mixing as the truck moves to the delivery point, so
long as the roads are not straight and level and the route is not too short.
When the fuels are pumped from the truck into the B20 storage tank at the
point of use, a final mixing occurs. This is generally enough mixing except in
cold weather. Putting B100 into a cold empty tank truck can cause the B100 to
gel. Then the two fuels mix poorly or not at all. In cold weather, it is better to
load half of the diesel, then the biodiesel is loaded, followed by the rest of the
diesel fuel. This will help prevent the biodiesel from freezing to the internal
parts of the tank truck. The gel point of the B100 and the ambient
temperatures will tell you if this practice is necessary and there is additional
research planned to further understand this phenomenon.

In-line blending uses two metered pumps and a dual fuel injection system, but
requires an investment in equipment. This approach is the most accurate and
reliable for guaranteeing a specific fuel blend.
Regardless of your blend technology, blenders need to answer the following
questions to figure out their blending strategy:

17
 How is the B100 arriving, particularly in the winter months (B100, B50 or
B20)? Can your supplier handle all or just some of those options? Are summer
deliveries different, and if so, how? How does that affect your blending and
storage system?
 What products are you making, B20 only or B20, B2, and B100?
 How much tankage do you have or can you afford? How much space? Is it
worth the space or tankage for small volume blends?
 How much do you want to spend on equipment, heat, pumping, labor,
training, problem solving?
 Do your customers have requirements? Customers will test to determine
whether or not the specified blend level is being delivered. Can your blending
strategy meet that standard time after time, with personnel turnover?

Cold weather blending is a concern in climates where the diesel fuel temperature
falls below the cloud point of the B100 you are blending with. The first thing to
keep in mind is that there should not be a problem if the diesel fuel temperature
is above the cloud point of the final blend. If crystals do form during blending,
they should go back into solution so long as the temperature of the blended fuel is
above the cloud point of the blend. This process can be assisted by blending
equipment that agitates the two fuels during blending. That agitation helps
disperse the fuels and crystals more uniformly and can provide some energy to
help the crystals dissolve. Additional work in this area is planned also.

It is best to store the B100 as B20 or some kind of blend as soon as possible
regardless of the season. B100 does not store as long as blends and there are
always cold weather factors to consider. If you have just a few B100 customers,
you might consider setting aside a tote of B100 indoors or storing some
underground or in heated tanks, depending on your climate.

It is always a good idea to retain a sample (one gallon) of the diesel and the B100
before blending the fuels (see BQ-9000). Once the customers have run through
the current batch of fuel with no problems, you can dispose of these samples by
mixing them into the new batch of fuel. If any problems arise, these samples will
help you determine whether they were caused by the fuel or by something else.

B100 Cold Flow Properties13

The cold flow properties of biodiesel and conventional petrodiesel are extremely
important. Unlike gasoline, petrodiesel and biodiesel can both start to freeze or
gel as the temperature gets colder. If the fuel begins to gel, it can clog filters or
can eventually become too thick to pump from the fuel tank to the engine. There
are three tests used to measure the cold flow properties of fuels for diesel

13 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines. March 2006. US DOE. p 16-20

18
engines: cloud point, cold filter plug point, and pour point. They are described in
more details below.

Cloud Point: The temperature at which small solid crystals are first visually
observed as the fuel is cooled. This is the most conservative measurement of cold
flow properties, and most fuel can be used without problems below the cloud
point but above the cold filter plug point.

Cold Filter Plug Point (CFPP): The temperature at which fuel crystals have
agglomerated in sufficient amounts to cause a test filter to plug. The CFPP is less
conservative than the cloud point, and considered by some to be a better
indication of low temperature operability.

Pour Point: The temperature at which the fuel contains so many agglomerated
crystals it is essentially a gel and will no longer flow. This measurement is of little
practical value to users, since the fuel has clogged the filter long before reaching
its pour point. Distributors and blenders, however, use pour point as an indicator
of whether the fuel can be pumped, even if it would not be suitable for use
without heating or taking other steps.

Neither ASTM D975 nor ASTM D6751 has a specific requirement for the
maximum cloud point, but the cloud point should be provided to the customer.
This can be confusing to someone new to using diesel fuel or biodiesel. How can
something be in the specification but not have an exact required value? The
answer is that the cold flow properties needed for the fuel depend on where it is
being used (i.e. Michigan or Texas) and what time of year the fuel is being used
(i.e. January or July). A petrodiesel or biodiesel fuel with a cloud point of 20°F
may be just fine for a Texas summer, but would not be fine for a North Dakota
winter.

There is a set of maps in the back of ASTM D975 that identify the 10th percentile
minimum temperature for the central and northern tier states for the various
months of the winter. These maps can be used as a guide for the user or
distributor. The 10th percentile temperature is that temperature at which only
10% of the days got colder during that month on average over the last 50 years or
so. Some users and distributors use the 10th percentile as the target for their cold
flow properties, some use 10 degrees higher than that as their target, while some
use cloud point as their measurement and some use CFPP. Still other users do
not monitor cold flow properties at all, and rely on their distributor to make sure
the cold flow properties are managed.

These guidelines should be followed for storing biodiesel (B100) in winter:

 B100 should be stored at temperatures at least 5°F to 10°F higher than the
cloud point of the fuel. A storage temperature of 40°F to 45°F is fine for most
B100, although some B100 fuels may require higher storage temperatures.
 B100 can be stored underground in most cold climates without additional
considerations because underground storage temperatures are normally

19
 above 45°F. Above ground fuel systems should be protected with insulation,
agitation, heating systems, or other measures if temperatures regularly fall
below the cloud point of the fuel. This precaution includes piping, tanks,
pumping equipment, and the vehicles. Many small-scale B2 blenders store
B100 in drums or totes indoors during winter months.

The cloud point of B100 starts at 30°F to 32°F for most of the vegetable oils that
are made up primarily of mono- or poly-unsaturated fatty acid chains and can go
as high as 80°F or higher for animal fats or frying oils that are highly saturated.
Some examples of the cloud, pour, and cold filter plug point of B100 made from
various sources can be found in Table 4. It should be noted that the pour point of
B100 is usually only a few degrees lower than the cloud point, so once biodiesel
“begins to freeze,” gelling can proceed rapidly if the temperature drops only a few
degrees further.

Cloud Point Cold Filter

Pour Point
Test Method ASTM Plug Point
ASTM D97
D2500 IP 309
B100 Fuel °F °C °F °C °F °C
Soy Methyl Ester 38 3 25 -4 28 -2
Canola Methyl Ester 26 -3 25 -4 24 -4
Lard Methyl Ester 56 13 55 13 52 11
Edible Tallow Methyl Ester 66 19 60 16 58 14
Inedible Tallow Methyl Ester 61 16 59 15 50 10
Yellow Grease 1 Methyl Ester -- -- 48 9 52 11
Yellow Grease 2 Methyl Ester 46 8 43 6 34 1
Source: Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines. March 2006. p 18.

B100 tanks and fuel lines should be designed for the cold flow properties of the
biodiesel being used and the climate they will see. Make sure that fuel pumps,
lines, and dispensers are protected from cold and wind chill with properly
approved heating and/or insulating equipment. Fuel in above ground tanks
should be heated in a range that fluctuates between 5°F to 10°F above the fuel
cloud point.

Once crystals begin to form, they should go back into solution as the fuel warms
up. However, that process could be slow if the fuel warms only marginally or very
slowly. Crystals formed in biodiesel or diesel fuel can drift to the bottom of the
tank and begin to build up a gel layer. Slow agitation can prevent crystals from
building up on the tank bottom or, once present in the fuel, agitation can help to
dissolve crystals back into solution. If B100 has gelled completely, it may be wise
to bring the B100 temperature up to 100°F to 110°F to melt the most highly
saturated biodiesel components if the fuel needs to be used right away. Lower
temperatures can be used if enough time is provided for the mixture to come to
its equilibrium cloud point. Further work is occurring in this arena.

20
Some additive manufacturers have data that show their cold flow additives can
reduce the pour point of a B100 by as much as 12°C (30°F), but the treat rate is in
excess of 10,000 ppm. At more typical treat rates (1000 ppm), benefits were
about 3°C, which are within the variation in the test method.

B100 found in the United States cannot be effectively managed with current cold
flow additives like some petrodiesel or European rapeseed oil based biodiesel.
The U.S. oils and fats contain too high a level of saturated compounds for most
additives to be effective. Cold flow additive effectiveness can also change
dramatically depending on the exact type of biodiesel and the processing it has
undergone; much like the situation found with diesel fuel. Cold flow additives
have been used much more successfully with biodiesel blends. Contact the major
additive manufacturers and work directly with them on this issue.

There are efforts underway to design new additives specific for U.S.-based B100,
and there are processes which serve to winterize biodiesel by removing some of
the saturated compounds. At present the cost of these approaches makes them
undesirable. As time goes on, and biodiesel volumes increase, expect to see more
progress in this area.

B20 Cold Flow14

This is probably the largest concern for blenders and users alike. Blending
biodiesel with petroleum diesel moderates cold flow problems by dilution. The
blend also makes the use of cold flow additives practical, since these are effective
in the petroleum portion of the blend. When biodiesel is blended with diesel fuel,
the key variables are the cold flow properties of the diesel fuel you blend with, the
properties of the biodiesel, the blend level, and the effectiveness of cold flow
additives.

B100 cold flow properties depend on composition, which affects the cold flow
properties of blends (See Biodiesel Use and Handling Guide for data). The same
is true of diesel fuel. No. 2 diesel fuel may have cloud points that range from –
10°F to 10°F on average (some fuels can be higher or lower than these figures).
No 1 diesel, jet A, or kerosene may have cloud points that range between –40°F to
–60°F.

Blends of No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel are frequently used to meet customer cold
flow specifications (Figure 16). Adjusting the blend of kerosene (or No. 1 diesel)
in the diesel fuel alone or with additives can modify the cloud and pour point
temperatures of B20. An accurate estimate of how B20 will perform in the winter
months will require mixing the biodiesel with the winter diesel typically delivered
in your area and testing the mixture. Your petroleum distributor or refinery may
already be blending No. 1 and No. 2 diesels in the winter, using cold flow

14 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines. March 2006. US DOE. p 31, 37

21
additives, or both. So ask your diesel distributor to provide some samples of
winter diesel.

The University of Minnesota Center for Diesel Research tested soy B20 made
with various diesel fuels available in their region. The database of biodiesel
blends (0%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 100%) shows how different diesel fuels and soy
biodiesel blends alter cold flow properties (cloud, pour, and CFPP). Some of the
data are shown on the following page (Figure 17, all in °F)

No. 1 diesel fuel typically costs more than No. 2, so blenders may prefer to use
additives depending upon their particular situation. Many cold flow additives are
available for diesel fuel. Most reduce the size of crystals or inhibit crystal
formation in some way. Most have a limited effectiveness on B100, but work with
varying degrees of effectiveness with B20.

Additive manufacturers have struggled to develop cold flow additives for

biodiesel. They have observed that some additives may work quite well with
European rapeseed biodiesel but not with soy biodiesel. They have also observed
that some additives have performed differently among the same kinds of
biodiesel (from one type of rapeseed biodiesel to another). They theorize that the
way some oils are produced can change how the additives perform. Oils are
typically either crude or have undergone some kind of pretreatment before they
are converted into biodiesel. Pretreating oils removes minor compounds that may
affect the performance of cold flow additives. Because of these factors, there is no
better way to test additive packages than to use your B100, your winter diesel,
and a selection of possible additives.

Laboratory testing should be done on the winter fuel, biodiesel, and the additive
at realistic temperatures before starting a fleet wide program with biodiesel and
additives. In other words, experiment with the additive with cold diesel fuel (in
the range you would expect diesel to be on a cold winter day), biodiesel, and the
additive. Remember, even the truck or tank you mix the fuels in may be cold.
We’ve seen additives freeze in fuel tanks before the fuels could be blended in.
We’ve also seen biodiesel gel in very cold truck tanks if it goes in first.

Some people have specified feedstocks in their purchasing contracts, such as soy
biodiesel. This may lock you into a certain price range for your biodiesel but can
also assure biodiesel with specific cold weather characteristics. You might
consider the cost trade-offs of using less expensive biodiesel that might be higher
in saturates with extra No. 1 diesel or additives versus soy biodiesel and No. 2
diesel.

Your current supplier may be willing to switch from higher saturated feedstocks
in the summer to a more unsaturated feedstock in the winter. If cold flow
problems occur, you could use 10% biodiesel in the winter and 30% biodiesel in
the summer. If you are using biodiesel to meet EPAct requirements, this
approach may not work because EPAct requires users to use B20 or higher blend

22
levels. Examine your reporting requirements to see if this might work for you. As
a last resort, you could limit your biodiesel use to the warmer months.

B20 users are generally pushing all these issues onto the fuel distributor and
blender’s shoulders with contractual language. Users may simply specify that
they need a fuel to remain crystal free at temperatures down to -14°F for
December, January, and February. Then the blender will work with the biodiesel
and diesel suppliers and the additive firms to address these issues independently
of the user.

23
ASTM & BQ9000
Quality Specifications15

The American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM)

specification for biodiesel (B100) is ASTM D6751-03. It is summarized in the
table below. This specification is intended to insure the quality of biodiesel to be
used as a blend stock at 20% and lower blend levels. Any biodiesel used in the
United States for blending, should meet ASTM D6751 prior to blending. ASTM is
a consensus based standards group comprised of engine and fuel injection
equipment companies, fuel producers, and fuel users whose standards are
recognized in the United States by EPA and most government entities, included
states with the responsibility of insuring fuel quality.

For a description of the intent of each fuel quality requirement in the table below
and further discussion on ASTM, please visit the Biodiesel Handling and Use
Guidelines: http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/npbf/pdfs/40555.pdf.

Property ASTM Limits Units

Method
Flash Point D93 130.0 min °C
Water and Sediment D2709 0.050 max. %vol.
Kinematic Viscosity 40°C D445 1.9 - 6.0 mm2/s
Sulfated Ash D874 0.020 max. % mass
Sulfur* D5453 0.0015 max (S15) % mass
0.05 max (S500)
Copper Strip Corrosion D130 No. 3 max
Cetane Number D613 47 min.
Cloud Point D2500 Report to °C
Customer
Carbon Residue** D4530 0.050 max. % mass
Acid Number D664 0.80 max. Mg
KOH/g
Free Glycerin D6584 0.020 max. % mass.
Total Glycerin D6584 0.240 max. % mass.
Phosphorus Content D4951 0.001 max. % max.
Distillation Temperature, 90% D1160 360 max. °C
Recovered (T90)***
*Sulfur content of on-road diesel fuel to be lowered to 15 ppm in 2006
**Carbon residue shall be run on the 100% sample
***Atmospheric equivalent temperature

15 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines. March 2006. US DOE. p 10

24
National Biodiesel Board BQ-9000 Quality Management Program16

The National Biodiesel Accreditation Program is a cooperative and voluntary program

for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel called BQ-9000. The
program is a combination of the ASTM standard for biodiesel (ASTM D 6751) and a
quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping,
distribution, and fuel management practices.

BQ-9000 is open to any biodiesel manufacturer, marketer or distributor of biodiesel and

biodiesel blends in the United States and Canada.

Program Accreditation

Accreditation under the Program is open to all companies actively producing,

distributing or marketing, or planning to produce, distribute or market, biodiesel
fuel either in its neat form or for use in blending with a petroleum diesel fuel (or
similar fuel). Accreditation is held for a period of two years, at which time, a
company would need to undergo a recertification audit for another two year
accreditation term.

Accreditation is awarded following a successful formal review and audit of the

capacity and commitment of the applicant to produce or market biodiesel fuel
that meets the ASTM D-6751 Specification for Biodiesel Fuel (B100) Blend Stock
for Distillate Fuels. The accreditation process is comprehensive and includes a
detailed review of the applicant’s Quality System documentation, followed by a
formal audit of the applicant’s conformance to its System.

Accredited Producer
This category is for companies that produce biodiesel fuel to the ASTM
D 6751 standard. The program ensures a production company is using
a system for monitoring the quality of their biodiesel, including:
 Sampling
 Testing
 Storage
 Retain samples
 Shipping

16 BQ-9000Quality Management Program. “Program Description.”

http://www.bq9000.org/description/

25
Certified Marketer
This category is for distribution companies who sell biodiesel and biodiesel
blends. This is an important designation, because proper handling of biodiesel is
as critical to fuel quality as proper production.

Visit the BQ-9000 website for more information:

http://www.bq-9000.org/

26
ADM INISTRAT IVE TO-DO’S F OR BIODIESEL DISTRIBU TORS,
MARKET ERS, AN D/OR USERS

Fuel Quality Registration

Issues that need to be addressed when looking at producing biodiesel for

commercial sale in the US:

Registration with EPA as a biodiesel fuel producer: In the US, EPA governs fuel
and fuel additive registration and anyone selling biodiesel must first be registered
with them.

In most cases, each fuel supplier must first be registered in the state in which the
fuel is being sold and suppliers must be properly licensed, bonded, and insured.
Contacting your local Department of Revenue is a good starting point.

Incorporated fuel quality assurance procedures to guarantee the fuel meets

ASTM D6751 specifications. The full specification has to be ordered through
ASTM, www.astm.org.

Along with the ASTM standard for biodiesel, the industry also has in place a
quality assurance program called BQ-9000. The program is a unique
combination of the ASTM standard for biodiesel, ASTM D 6751, and a quality
systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping,
distribution, and fuel management practices. There are two classes of
accreditation in the BQ-9000 program, Accredited Producers and Certified
Marketers. Accredited Producers are business units that commercially produce
biodiesel. Certified Marketers are business units that undertake to commercially
sell or resell biodiesel or biodiesel blends. For more information,
http://www.bq-9000.org/.

IRS and State Blender's Permitting/Registration Requirements

The following information was extracted from the National Biodiesel Board’s
Issue Brief: Biodiesel Tax Credit Implementation:
http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxincentive/Biodiesel%20Tax%20Credit%20N
BB%20Issue%20Breif.pdf

Biodiesel Producer, Importer, and Blender Registration

Biodiesel producers or importers of biodiesel must register with the IRS and have
their application approved by the IRS prior to commencing production. The
application and approval process may be a lengthy process.

Application for registration is to be done via IRS Form 637. The Service has
updated its Form 637 and has developed two (2) new Activity Letters under

27
 which a producer/importer will register as either one or both depending on
whether they produce “biodiesel” or agri-biodiesel.” The updated Form 637 is
available on the Forms and Publications page of the IRS website: www.irs.gov.

Companies who are both biodiesel producers and blenders of biodiesel/agri-

biodiesel into diesel fuel will have a combination of Activity Letters on their Form
637 registration that denotes production and blending.

Blenders must receive a 637 M designation from the IRS by applying for it on
Form 637.

Certificate For Biodiesel

The JOBS Act states that a biodiesel mixture credit is not allowed unless the
producer of the mixture (i.e. blender) obtains a certificate from the biodiesel
producer that identifies the product as “biodiesel” or “agri-biodiesel”, that it is
properly registered as a fuel with the EPA and that it meets the requirements of
ASTM D 6751.

For more information and guidance on all the various distribution and inventory
storage scenarios, visit http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxincentive/ and
download “Blender Tax Credit—General Overview.”

Claiming Credits & Receiving Payment for Excess Credits

IRS Notice 2005-62 clarified that a “biodiesel mixture” is a mixture of biodiesel

and diesel fuel containing t least .1 percent (by volume) of diesel fuel. Thus, for
example, a mixture of 999 gallons of biodiesel and 1 gallon of diesel fuel is a
biodiesel mixture.

Eligible entities are currently able to file claims with the Service for credits
and/or payments. Climants must follow the procedures outlined in Notice 2005-
04 and Notice 2004-62 which include the following mandatory steps:
1. Blenders must use Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Form; and Form
8849 to claim their credit(s) and payment for the excess sum of their credit(s)
above their excise tax liability.
2. Blenders must use for 4136, Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels; or Form 8846
Biodiesel Fuels Credit when claiming an income tax credit.

Other Items of Understanding

IRS Notice 2005-62 provided further clarification regarding the definition of

“agribiodiesel” to state the list of eligible feedstocks in the JOBS Act is not an
exclusive list and that for example biodiesel derived solely from virgin oils
includes esters derived from palm oil and fish oils.

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Heating Oil. Heating oil is considered a taxable fuel that is exempt from taxation.
Because of this, blending biodiesel and agri-biodiesel into heating oil would be
considered as an eligible activity upon which the blender could make a Biodiesel
Mixture Credit claim.

B100 used as a fuel. The IRS Notice 2005-04 addresses this in section 2 (e) on
page 4. The guidance states that use of unblended B100 as a fuel qualifies for the
income tax credit but not the excise tax credit. Entities should refer to Rev. Rul.
2002-76 for additional information regarding taxation of biodiesel. As is noted in
that ruling, biodiesel is not included in the definition of a taxable diesel fuel
(because it contains less than 4% normal paraffins). Tax is imposed on biodiesel
when it is either a) blended into non-exempt taxable diesel fuel, or b) when B100
is delivered as fuel directly into the tank of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or a
diesel-powered train. An entity that delivers B100 as a fuel directly into the tank
of a vehicle may claim a nonrefundable income tax credit.

It is important to note that entities that blend biodiesel into undyed diesel fuel
MUST report and remit the 24.4 cent per gallon tax on Form 720. As mentioned
previously, the claimant may claim the applicable credit against their tax liability.
Failure to report and remit taxes could result in substantial penalties including
fines and imprisonment.

Application of These “Understandings” to a Practical Scenario

When a blender reports a tax liability (ie. blending into undyed diesel), it would
utilize Form 720 reporting the gallons of biodiesel/agri-biodiesel blended,
calculate the total tax, and claim the value of their Biodiesel Mixture Credits to
offset their tax liability.

Claims requesting a refund of the excess value of Biodiesel Mixture Credits above
a blender’s excise tax credit should be able to be made prior to the end of the
quarter utilizing Form 8849.

When a blender has no tax liability to report (ie. blending only into dyed diesel),
it would utilize Form 8849 to make a claim for their excess biodiesel mixture
credits.

IMPORTANT - Blending undyed biodiesel/agri-biodiesel into dyed diesel fuel:

Blenders must take necessary action to ensure the finished blend meets required
federal dye concentration specifications. If not, the blended fuel would be subject
to taxation.

New fuel fraud provisions in Section 854(c) of the JOBS Act require that all dye
added to diesel fuel must be added by tamper-proof, mechanical injection. This
provision becomes effective 180 days after the final regulations are issued. Final
and temporary regulations were issued on April 26, 2005 and become effective
on October 24, 2005. The new regulations are clearly susceptible of an

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interpretation that they require the mechanical injection of dye only in cases of
removals of diesel and kerosene from terminal racks and bulk transfer facilities.
However in conversations with IRS Office of Chief Counsel, the regulations were
not intended to be interpreted as applying only to dyeing at terminal racks or
bulk transfer facilities. The IRS may well answer questions regarding whether,
and under what circumstances, the mechanical dyeing requirements apply below
the rack. Therefore to date, the applicability of this requirement below the rack
remains an open question.

Complying with IRS Federal Fuel Excise Tax Regulations and any
Applicable State Taxes

Contact the excise tax division of your state department of revenue for more
specific information on any requirements they may have.

Contact Tammy West, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, to ensure you are
meeting state registration and fuel tax requirements: [email protected].

Additional contacts at the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles for questions about
taxes:
(804) 367-2657 Candy Williams
(804) 367-4328 Jackie Dunn

Biodiesel Training Checklist for New Biodiesel Marketers and

Distributors

In House Training
New biodiesel distributors and marketers should provide some in-house training
prior to beginning a new biodiesel program. Here is a simple checklist of staff
which should be provided with basic training to ensure a seamless integration of
biodiesel into your product line.

Sales Force: Ensure your sales force knows biodiesel. Conduct a short workshop
which covers the basics of biodiesel, including technical information regarding
storage, blending and cold weather operability. Contact Virginia Clean Cities if
you are unsure what kind of information should be included in this training.

Office Staff: Your office staff should be knowledgeable enough to field questions
from customers. Provide your staff with quick guides or an FAQ manual which
can be accessed easily. Keep track of customer inquiries and investigate
thoroughly to ensure accurate information is being disseminated.

Accounting: There are several biofuels credits available to biodiesel blenders and
distributors. Educate your accounting staff on biodiesel tax incentives and
credits, as well as all applicable state and federal taxes.

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Drivers: Drivers are an important piece of the seamless transition to biodiesel. As
of this writing, many of the problems associated with biodiesel experienced by
fleets in Virginia have been associated with improper biodiesel handling &
blending practices (especially cold weather blending). Provide drivers with a
short tutorial on proper handling and blending practices, and resources they can
keep on hand if questions arise. Contact Virginia Clean Cities if you are unsure
what kind of information you should provide drivers with.

Customers
Customers can make or break your new biodiesel program. An outreach and
education campaign should be initiated prior to biodiesel roll-out. Educate
customers on the benefits of biodiesel, and why you have begun to carry it. Be
careful as to what information you provide customers with. If they receive a long
list of problems to anticipate, chances are they will refuse to try the new product.

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RESOURCES
National Oilheat Research Alliance Fuel Quality Manual
Order online: https://www.norastore.org/online_shop.cfm#c20 (Item # NORA-
FQM)

Fuel Quality and Performance Guide (2006)

National Biodiesel Board and United Soybean Board
http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/FuelQualityandPerformanceGuide.pdf

Quality Assurance video (May 2006)

The National Biodiesel Board
http://www.biodiesel.org/multimedia/audiovideo/
This video is an excellent resource, and can be used as an employee educational
tool.

Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines (September 2006)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/npbf/pdfs/40555.pdf

Business Management for Biodiesel Producers (July 2004)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Jon Van Gerpen
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/36242.pdf

National Biodiesel Board Fuel Quality Policy

http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/20060621_TAB_11_Fuel_Qu
ality_Policy.pdf

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: Licensing and Fuel Taxes

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/commercial/taxact/license.asp - Who
must be licensed

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/ft213.pdf - Application

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/commercial/taxact/payments.asp - Paying
fuel taxes

Contact Tammy West, Va DMV, to ensure you are meeting state registration and
fuel tax requirements: [email protected] (804) 367-0883

All producers & blenders must register with the IRS under Form 637

Biodiesel Testing Labs

http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/fuelqualityguide/testinglabs.shtm

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TA NK CLEAN ING DIRECTORY
Virginia Clean Cities highly recommends hiring a professional tank cleaning
service to handle preparing your current infrastructure for biodiesel delivery.
Older tanks tend to accumulate sediment and sludge from years of diesel storage.
Furthermore, the solvent properties of biodiesel will likely dissolve and loosen
the sediment causing a variety of problems downstream.

The following tank cleaning services are located in Virginia, and have been used
by one or more Virginia Clean Cities’ stakeholders prior to their biodiesel
transition and first delivery

Reco Biotechnology
710 Hospital Street, Richmond, VA
http://www.recobio.com/
Contact: Charles Firth
(804) 644-2800

Oil Equipment Sales & Service Co Inc

4331 Bainbridge Boulevard, Chesapeake, VA
www.oessco.com
Contact: Meg Laning
(757) 543-3596

Gec Environmental
13880 Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville, VA (Northern Virginia)
(540) 882-4669

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