BIODIESEL USAGE. CONSIDERATIONS There are many positive benefits attributed to the use of B5, B10 and B20 BioDiesel fuel as compared to normal "Petro Diesel" fuel. The most mentioned are decreased emissions of various pollutants, increased engine life, reduced reliance on uncertain petro fuel sources, renewable fuel source and safety in handling. However, there are also a number of properties of BioDiesel fuel that potentially impact on equipment, storage and OEM warranty coverage. These considerations are detailed below. Fuel Filters: Fuel filters on the vehicles and in the delivery system should be checked frequently upon initial BioDiesel use and changed as necessary. BioDiesel and BioDiesel blends have excellent solvent properties and may affect cellulosic filters due to solubility of resin and binders used in those filters. Glass fiber based filters manufactured without the use of binders are probably not affected. Sediment: Use of 2D Diesel fuel can leave a deposit in the bottom of fueling lines, tanks, and delivery systems over time. The use of BioDiesel can dissolve this sediment and result in the need to change filters more frequently when first using BioDiesel until the whole system has been cleaned of the deposits left by the petrodiesel. Solvent Properties: BioDiesel is an excellent solvent. BioDiesel can, if left on a painted surface long enough, dissolve certain types of paints. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe any BioDiesel or BioDiesel blend spills from painted surfaces immediately. In addition, BioDiesel blends can soften and degrade certain types of elastomers and natural rubbers over time. There materials may be used in fuel systems. OEM's of vehicles/engines should be contacted for specific information and concerns in this area. Spontaneous Combustion: BioDiesel is made from vegetable oils and/or animal fats which can oxidize and degrade over time. The oxidizing process can produce heat. In certain environments a pile of oil-soaked rags can become hot enough to result in a spontaneous fire. BioDiesel soaked rags should be stored in a safety can or dried individually to avoid the potential for spontaneous combustion. Storage: All fuels have a shelf life. This is also true with BioDiesel and BioDiesel blends. Available data indicates that B5, B10 and B20 BioDiesel fuel should be used within six months of manufacture. Fuels determined to have a Total Acid Number (by ASTM D664-07) of greater than 0.25KOH/g are not recommended for use. OEM Considerations: The impact of BioDiesel use on warranty coverage varies by vehicle/engine manufacturer. Major engine manufacturers have all issued statements regarding the use of BioDiesel fuel as it pertains to their warranty coverage. BEFORE deciding to use B5, B10 and B20 fuel, prospective users should make sure they have checked with the manufacturers of their diesel equipment for considerations and concerns related to that usage. Copies of the major manufacturers’ statements regarding warranty impact of using BioDiesel may be obtained from the National BioDiesel Board at (000) 000-0000.
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BIODIESEL USAGE. CONSIDERATIONS There are many positive benefits attributed to the use of B5, B10 and B20 BioDiesel fuel as compared to normal "Petro Diesel" fuel. The most mentioned are decreased emissions of various pollutants, increased engine life, reduced reliance on uncertain petro fuel sources, renewable fuel source and safety in handling. However, there are also a number of properties of BioDiesel fuel that potentially impact on equipment, storage and OEM warranty coverage. These considerations are detailed below. Fuel Filters: Fuel filters on the vehicles and in the delivery system should be checked frequently upon initial BioDiesel use and changed as necessary. BioDiesel and BioDiesel blends have excellent solvent properties and may affect cellulosic filters due to solubility of resin and binders used in those filters. Glass fiber based filters manufactured without the use of binders are probably not affected. Sediment: Use of 2D Diesel fuel can leave a deposit in the bottom of fueling lines, tanks, and delivery systems over time. The use of BioDiesel can dissolve this sediment and result in the need to change filters more frequently when first using BioDiesel until the whole system has been cleaned of the deposits left by the petrodiesel. Solvent Properties: BioDiesel is an excellent solvent. BioDiesel can, if left on a painted surface long enough, dissolve certain types of paints. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe any BioDiesel or BioDiesel blend spills from painted surfaces immediately. In addition, BioDiesel blends can soften and degrade certain types of elastomers and natural rubbers over time. There materials may be used in fuel systems. OEM's of vehicles/engines should be contacted for specific information and concerns in this area. Spontaneous Combustion: BioDiesel is made from vegetable oils and/or animal fats which can oxidize and degrade over time. The oxidizing process can produce heat. In certain environments a pile of oil-soaked rags can become hot enough to result in a spontaneous fire. BioDiesel soaked rags should be stored in a safety can or dried individually to avoid the potential for spontaneous combustion. Storage: All fuels have a shelf life. This is also true with BioDiesel and BioDiesel blends. Available data indicates that B5, B10 and B20 BioDiesel fuel should be used within six months of manufacture. Fuels determined to have a Total Acid Number (by ASTM D664-07) of greater than 0.25KOH/g are not recommended for use. OEM Considerations: The impact of BioDiesel use on warranty coverage varies by vehicle/engine manufacturer. Major engine manufacturers have all issued statements regarding the use of BioDiesel fuel as it pertains to their warranty coverage. BEFORE deciding to use B5, B10 and B20 fuel, prospective users should make sure they have checked with the manufacturers of their diesel equipment for considerations and concerns related to that usage. Copies of the major manufacturers’ statements regarding warranty impact of using BioDiesel may be obtained from the National BioDiesel Board at (000) 000-0000.
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Samples: Agreement
