Cold Weather Biodiesel Blends

/// Guest post by contributor Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group

In anticipation for cooler weather, our team hosted its annual Cold Weather Biodiesel Handling and Storage webinar in late September.  The 40-minute online meeting included a quick federal biodiesel policy update and extensive tips on managing biodiesel in cooler climates. You can request a copy of our slides here.

For travel centers and diesel fuel suppliers located in cooler weather climates, cold weather diesel engine operability is the key to year-round biodiesel blending success.  Recently, we participated in a Clean Cities fleet workshop in Chicago and heard CommonWealth Edison, the city’s utility, promote their year-round use of B20 in their fleet.  Illinois is home to many year-round B20 fleets because distributors and retail fuel sites understand biodiesel and its handling characteristics.  Read about more B20 blend examples here.

The biodiesel industry continues to enhance its quality programs. Since the 1990s, the NBB has promoted continued quality enhancement with involvement in ASTM.  The industry’s most recent step is a response to requests for a more restrictive monoglyceride specification.    A new voluntary No. 1-B specification will soon be added to the current ASTM D6751 specification for biodiesel.

The current specification will remain in effect and can be referred to as the No. 2-B biodiesel specification.  Read more about the dual biodiesel specifications here.

Some biodiesel producers, like Renewable Energy Group, have been offering quality specifications above and beyond the No. 2-B quality limits for several years.  Our REG-9000 brand biodiesel already meets the No. 1-B specification as REG has been committed to being on the forefront of product quality since inception.

Fleet customers may ask your opinion about what blend percentage to use in the winter.  In an operating engine, fuel can be used in temperatures below its cloud point. We consider cloud point is a conservative limit for engine operation.  As a general rule, a biodiesel blend should not be stored lower than 10 °F above its cloud point.  Some exceptions include a tank that is used frequently and consistently, or one that can be re-circulated or heated and/or insulated. Read more about quality control here.

Our technical services department often receives requests for additive recommendations. While many additives have been shown to be effective at minimizing winter operability challenges with both standard diesel and biodiesel blends, REG does not recommend any particular additive. We do offer two pieces of advice 1) use an additive from a reputable supplier that has been developed specifically for biodiesel blends and 2) remember that an additive that is successful for 100% petrodiesel might not be effective for your biodiesel blend.

For travel centers looking to make biodiesel a part of their year-round fuel offerings, handling and storage are important but offering high quality biodiesel year-round can offer economic advantages for travel centers and help customers meet sustainability and “green” goals. 

/// Read more guest posts on biodiesel posts here. 

{Guest Post} Guest post provided by NATSO Chairman's Circle member Jon Scharingson, Renewable Energy Group. Renewable Energy Group^® is a leading North American biodiesel producer with a nationwide distribution and logistics system. With more than 210 million gallons of owned/operated annual production capacity at biorefineries across the country, REG is a proven biodiesel partner in the distillate marketplace. Learn more about Renewable Energy Group.

The opinions and advice given by guest post contributors are not necessarily those of NATSO Inc. The posts should not be considered legal advice. Qualified professionals should be sought regarding advice and questions specific to your circumstances.