Biodiesel Blends
Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel produced from vegetable oils and animal fats through a chemical reaction and meeting ASTM D 6751. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with heating oil. It can be used in home heating oil systems safely with no modifications to the fuel tanks, pumps or burners in concentrations up to 20% biodiesel with only minimal precautions (see conditions for use section). For higher Bioheat blends than 20% biodiesel, special precautions are needed (see materials compatibility).Using biodiesel blends requires little or no engine modification and maintenance costs are comparable to those of conventional diesel vehicles. Neat biodiesel costs range from $1.95 to $3 per gallon, depending on the feedstock and supplier. In general, B20 will cost $.20 to $.40 per gallon more than conventional diesel. For more information, download the Alternative Fuel Price Report from the AFDC.
Other articles:
Biodiesel Australia - Biodiesel Centrifuge
Most engine and vehicle manufacturers allow biodiesel blends in concentrations up to five percent provided the biodiesel meets accepted (ASTM) fuel quality standards. Biodiesel blends are mixtures of petroleum-based diesel fuels and fuels produced from soybean oil, waste cooking grease, or other organic matter. These fuels may contain biodiesel in concentrations ranging from two percent to levels approaching 100 percent by volume.) To ensure proper quality, consumers should use only biodiesel-ULSD fuel blends that are properly mixed by a qualified biodiesel blender. Consumers should not create their own biodiesel blends by adding biodiesel to ULSD fuel in a vehicle’s fuel tank.
