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GUIDELINES TO PROPER HANDLING OF BIODIESEL
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URBANDALE,
Iowa - Biodiesel use among Iowans has expanded
greatly in recent months. Due to Iowa’s unpredictable
weather, it is important to know how to properly handle
and store biodiesel. Like conventional diesel fuel, biodiesel
and biodiesel blends should be handled properly to ensure
that equipment runs well. As the weather turns colder, users,
distributors and blenders of biodiesel must take action
to prevent future obstacles.
Cold Temperature Operations
Like diesel fuel, biodiesel requires close attention when
being stored, blended and distributed in cold weather. Biodiesel
blends up to B20 (a blend containing 20 percent biodiesel)
can be used successfully in cold weather. The first step
to successful use of biodiesel in cold weather is to identify
cold flow properties or gel points of the fuel in use. If
an outside blender is used, make him or her accountable
for the winter operability requirements. Common winterizing
practices include adding No. 1 grade diesel or kerosene
to the diesel fuel. B100 (pure biodiesel) cannot presently
be treated successfully with conventional winter fuel additives.
Additives only lower the gel point of petroleum diesel fuel
in order to make room for the biodiesel blend. The combination
of diesel fuel, biodiesel and a winterizing agent will perform
the necessary modification to effectively use up to a B20
biodiesel blend in most cold weather environments.
Storage Tank Maintenance and Ensuring Biodiesel Storage
Quality
When storing biodiesel or petroleum diesel, it is important
to follow practical tank management steps. Petroleum-based
diesel fuel and biodiesel need to be protected in order
for its quality to be maintained. Protecting fuel can be
accomplished by following these basic, but crucial, fuel
quality guidelines: |
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| 1) |
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Keep storage
tank topped off. |
| 2) |
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Monitor and eliminate
water or condensation |
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Obtain an analytical
lab for future fuel testing or problem-solving. |
4)
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Do not add additives
to previously treated fuel; using more additives is
not always beneficial. Follow guidelines of reputable
fuel distributors. |
| 5)
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Additives should not
be used once a fuel meets or falls below its posted
cloud point. |
| 6)
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Inspect the fill and
vapor caps for damage and missing gaskets, be sure to
replace when necessary. Consider using a desiccant dryer
or filter on vent pipes to limit moisture contamination. |
| 7)
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Consider replacing generic
paper-based fuel pump tank filters with synthetic glass
based biofilters. |
| 8)
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It is a good idea when
storing fuel to have a lab run a microbiological evaluation
of the fuel at least once per year to ensure that no
contamination exists in the tank. |
| 9)
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If storage of higher
blends (more than B20) is intended beyond six months,
it is recommended that you add a fu el stabilizer. Biodiesel
requires a specific stabilizer that can be obtained
through a reputable, experienced fuel additive supplier. |
| 10)
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Lastly, be prepared.
The ultimate success in purchasing, storing, blending,
using and shipping biodiesel starts with knowing what
is bought, keeping supply sources accountable for upholding
quality and learning about biodiesel basics. |
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To receive a complete copy of the Biodiesel Fuel Quality and
Performance Guide, contact the Iowa Soybean Association at
1-800-383-1423 or CLICK
HERE to download.
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The Iowa Soybean Association develops
policies and programs that help farmers expand profit opportunities
while promoting environmentally sensitive production using the soybean
checkoff and other resources. The Association is governed by an
elected volunteer board of 21 farmers. |
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Funded by soybean checkoff dollars. |
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