B-100

Description of Bio Diesel B 100

B100 and other high-level biodiesel blends are less common than B20 and lower blends due to a lack of regulatory incentives and pricing. Biodiesel-compatible material for certain parts, such as hoses and gaskets, allow B100 to be used in some engines built since 1994. B100 has a solvent effect; it can clean a vehicle's fuel system and release deposits accumulated from petroleum diesel use. The release of these deposits may initially clog filters and require frequent filter replacement in the first few tanks of high-level blends.

When using high-level blends, several factors should be considered. Pure biodiesel contains less energy on a volumetric basis than petroleum diesel. Therefore, the higher the percentage of biodiesel (above 20%), the lower the energy content per gallon. High-level biodiesel blends can also impact engine warranties, gel in cold temperatures, and may present unique storage issues. B100 use could also increase nitrogen oxide emissions, although it greatly reduces other toxic emissions.

B100 requires special handling and may require equipment modifications. To avoid engine operational problems, B100 must meet the requirements of ASTM D6751, Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel (B100) Blend Stock for Distillate Fuels (summary of requirements). ASTM Specification D6751 includes a No.1-B and a No.2-B grade. The No.1-B grade has stricter limits on monoglycerides and filterability than the No.2-B grade. The No.1-B grade is a special-purpose biodiesel grade for use in applications where low temperature operability is needed.

Find Biodiesel Fueling Station Locations. Use Alternative Fuel Price Report to understand the cost of biodiesel.

What Is Biodiesel?

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.

It is the nation’s first domestically produced commercially available advanced biofuel.

A Technical Definition

Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications in order to ensure proper performance.

Biodiesel blends meet specifications for legal diesel motor fuel (ASTM D7467).

Also, B100 must meet the ASTM definition for biodiesel itself (ASTM D6751). Raw vegetable oil cannot meet these diesel fuel specifications and therefore is not considered biodiesel.

The technical definition of biodiesel is as follows

Biodiesel - a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D 6751.

Biodiesel Blend, n - a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel, designated BXX, where XX represents the volume percentage of biodiesel fuel in the blend.

Producing Biodiesel

Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products – methyl esters and glycerin.

Methyl ester is the chemical name for biodiesel and glycerin is used in a variety of products, including soap.

Growth of an Industry & Sustainability

Growth of an Industry

Biodiesel’s early growth was careful and deliberate, with a focus on sustainability for the industry. Biodiesel works seamlessly with existing infrastructure and vehicles, and the industry has spent significant time documenting and showcasing the fuel’s abilities. Today, more than 78 percent of diesel vehicles coming off production lines are approved for up to B20 use.

Sustainability

New land is not required for biodiesel production. Instead, this advanced biofuel uses readily available, diverse resources. And, that’s not all. Biodiesel has several environmental benefits when compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel

Reduces lifecycle greenhouse gases by 86 percent

Lowers particulate matter by 47 percent, reduces smog and makes our air healthier to breathe

Reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent

For every unit of fossil energy it takes to produce biodiesel, 3.5 units of renewable energy are returned.

What is Bioheat?

Bioheat fuel is a blend of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil. It is a simple choice and a smart solution that results in a better fuel for your home and the environment. Bioheat blends are the future of heating oil and are taking the industry by storm.

Dealers today are commonly delivering Bioheat blends from as little as B2 all the way up to even B100. Heating customers should consult their fuel dealer on the benefits of each, and on what type of Bioheat blend is best for their home.