biodiesel & bus fleets – fuel quality perspective

Biodiesel & Bus Fleets – Fuel Quality PerspectiveBiodiesel & Bus Fleets – Fuel Quality Perspective

Richard Nelson

National Biodiesel Board

800-841-5849

The National Biodiesel BoardThe National Biodiesel Board

Represents the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the United States. 

Founded in 1992 by state soybean commodity groups.

Today NBB’s membership is comprised of state, national, and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations, biodiesel suppliers, fuel marketers and distributors, and technology providers.

Renewable Fuel Standard - 2Renewable Fuel Standard - 2

Fuel Quality & StandardsFuel Quality & Standards

Industry-wide Fuel Quality Program BQ-9000 (www.bq-9000.org) Insures for “supply-chain management” (from feedstock

through fuel use)

ASTM Specifications exist for: B5 and lower

B6 to B20

B100 (ASTM D 6751-09)

Performance-based

Standards

Emissions & HealthEmissions & Health

MSHA (US Department of Labor – Mining Safety and Health Administration) recognizes biodiesel as the least expensive means for reducing underground worker exposure to DPM – this is a direct worker health issue

Emission Type B100 B20 B2

Total Unburned Hydrocarbons

-67% -20% -2.2%

Carbon Monoxide -48% -12% -1.3%

Particulate Matter -47% -12% -1.3%

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) +10% +/-2% +.2%

Accredited Producer Focus

A system for monitoring the production of biodiesel to the ASTM D 6751 specification.

Sampling Shipping Storage Retain Samples Testing

Certified Marketer Focus A system for the handling and

distribution of biodiesel that maintains the fuel properties at the ASTM D 6751 specification.

Sampling and Testing Shipping Blending Retain Samples Shipping Storage

Supply Chain Management

“cradle” “grave”

All major U.S. OEMs support at least B5 and lower blends, provided they are made with biodiesel meeting ASTM D 6751

Most OEMs recommending use of BQ-9000

More than 55% of U.S. manufacturers now support B20 or higher blends in at least some of their equipment

Several more OEMs completing testing toward B20 support

http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/oems

OEM Warranty Statements & Biodiesel

Case Study: Cincinnati Metro

Biodiesel pioneer…began with pilot tests in 90s

Has since used B5 – B99 in fleet of 340 buses

After Hurricane Katrina, Metro opted to switch to B99Stuck with B20 in winter

Supports green mission and generates positive press…Metro is talked about in press often

Many, many others: SF, KC, St. Louis, etc.