minnesota mechanics training

Biodiesel 101 andBiodiesel 101 andTroubleshooting Filter Troubleshooting Filter

Plugging IssuesPlugging Issues

Presented by Hoon GePresented by Hoon GeSponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

TopicsTopics

History of DieselBiodiesel 101Biodiesel StandardsMaterials CompatibilityEmissionsOEMSupply and DemandBiodiesel Market Outlook

ULSD & Biodiesel

BQ-9000

Cold Flow Properties

2007/2010 Engines

Filter Plugging Issues

Biodiesel Handling

Useful Resources

History of DieselHistory of Diesel

Vegetable Oil for Fuel

High Sulfur Diesel

Low Sulfur Diesel

Biodiesel

ULSD

1900’s1900’s19201920199319931998199820062006

Machinery Exhibit – 1900 Machinery Exhibit – 1900 World’s FairWorld’s FairRudolph DieselRudolph Diesel demonstrated his compression demonstrated his compression

ignition engine, which at the request of the French ignition engine, which at the request of the French Government, ran on Government, ran on peanut oilpeanut oil. .

www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/1900fair.html - Jeffrey Howe

History of DieselHistory of Diesel

Diesel Engines ran on Vegetable oils until the 1920's

1920’s petroleum diesel fuel became easier to produce due to advances in the distillation process, and became the main fuel for diesel engines

Diesel From CrudeDiesel From Crude

Crude Oil - PetroleumCrude Oil - PetroleumA complex assortment of materials consisting of mixtures of hydrocarbons and other compounds containing variable amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and organometallics and whose physical properties may vary widely in volatility, specific gravity, and viscosity.

Demand For CrudeDemand For Crude1 barrel (bbl) = 42 gallons (U.S.)1 barrel (bbl) = 42 gallons (U.S.)

Globally about 85,000,000 bbl/dayGlobally about 85,000,000 bbl/day Over 17,000,000 bbl of crude oil processedOver 17,000,000 bbl of crude oil processed

every day in the US (714,000,000 gal/day)every day in the US (714,000,000 gal/day) 800,000,000 gal/day total product demand800,000,000 gal/day total product demand

360,000,000 gal/day gasoline360,000,000 gal/day gasoline 140,000,000 gal/day distillate140,000,000 gal/day distillate 68,000,000 gal/day jet fuel68,000,000 gal/day jet fuel

150 U.S. refineries with capacities ranging 150 U.S. refineries with capacities ranging from 15 mbbl/day (600,000 gallons/day) to from 15 mbbl/day (600,000 gallons/day) to over 500 mbbl/day (21,000,000 gallons/day over 500 mbbl/day (21,000,000 gallons/day and operate at 90+% capacityand operate at 90+% capacity

Five Basic Refinery Five Basic Refinery ProcessesProcesses Separation

Atmospheric and vacuum distillation Extractions (Solvent dewaxing)

Conversion Catalytic, thermal and hydrocracking Coking

Upgrading Reforming, alkylation, isomerization

Finishing or treating Hydrotreating and desulfurization

Blending

Diesel HDS UnitDiesel HDS Unit

The HDS Unit uses catalysts to remove substances like sulfur, nitrogen and aromatics. When diesel comes out of the HSD unit, it is finished diesel fuel/heating oil.

http://oilandgas.veoliawater.com/en/expertise/our_understanding/your_business/process_schematic/refinery_process_diagram/

High Sulfur DieselHigh Sulfur Dieselpre-1993pre-1993

High Sulfur DieselHigh Sulfur Diesel

Before 1993 sulfur content of diesel was unregulatedBefore 1993 sulfur content of diesel was unregulated

Sulfur in diesel fuel could be as high as 5000ppmSulfur in diesel fuel could be as high as 5000ppm

The Good:Sulfur is a natural lubricant and Anti-Microbial

The Bad:The Bad:

High sulfur fuel = High sulfur emission = ACID RAIN

Low Sulfur DieselLow Sulfur DieselPost-1993Post-1993

Low Sulfur DieselLow Sulfur Diesel 1993 when the EPA mandated the lowering of 1993 when the EPA mandated the lowering of

sulfur in diesel fuels to a 500ppmsulfur in diesel fuels to a 500ppm

This was done to reduce This was done to reduce these harmful emissionsthese harmful emissions

When sulfur was reduced When sulfur was reduced the fuel lost:the fuel lost:

Lubricity Lubricity Microbial protectionMicrobial protection

Biodiesel 101Biodiesel 101

History Of BiodieselHistory Of Biodiesel

Energy crunch of the 1970s stimulated biofuels research but federal research money disappeared in the 1980s.

First literature use of the term biodiesel is found in a Chinese paper published in 1988. The next paper using that term appeared in 1991.

Biodiesel DefinedBiodiesel Defined

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

Biodiesel blendBiodiesel blend, n. -- a blend of biodiesel fuel , n. -- a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the volume percent of biodiesel.volume percent of biodiesel.

Making Making BiodieselBiodiesel

TransesterificatiTransesterificationon

(Catalyst)(Catalyst)

100 pounds + 10 pounds = 10 pounds + 100 pounds100 pounds + 10 pounds = 10 pounds + 100 poundsTriglycerideTriglyceride Alcohol Alcohol Glycerin Mono-Alkyl Esters Glycerin Mono-Alkyl Esters

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soy oil MethanolSoy oil Methanol Biodiesel Biodiesel

- Raw Vegetable Oil is NOT Biodiesel!- Raw Vegetable Oil is NOT Biodiesel! - Other ‘biomass’ products aren’t Biodiesel- Other ‘biomass’ products aren’t Biodiesel - Must meet ASTM D 6751 - Must meet ASTM D 6751

Biodiesel Raw Biodiesel Raw MaterialsMaterials

Oil or Fat Alcohol

Soybean Methanol (common)

Corn Ethanol

Canola

Cottonseed Catalyst

Sunflower Sodium hydroxide

Beef tallow Potassium hydroxide

Pork lard

Used cooking oils

The Biodiesel ReactionThe Biodiesel Reaction

Vegetable Oilor

Animal Fat (100 lbs.)

+Methanol or

Ethanol(10 lbs.)

Biodiesel(100 lbs.)

+Glycerin(10 lbs.)

In the presence of a catalyst

Combining Yields

Biodiesel AttributesBiodiesel Attributes• High Cetane (avg. over 50)High Cetane (avg. over 50)• Ultra Low Sulfur (avg. ~ 2 ppm)Ultra Low Sulfur (avg. ~ 2 ppm)• High Lubricity, even in blends as low at 1-2%High Lubricity, even in blends as low at 1-2%• High Energy Balance (3.5 to 1)High Energy Balance (3.5 to 1)• Low Agriculture Inputs: SoybeansLow Agriculture Inputs: Soybeans• 78% Life Cycle CO78% Life Cycle CO2 2 ReductionReduction• Renewable, SustainableRenewable, Sustainable• Domestically Produced Domestically Produced • Reduces HC, PM, CO in existing diesel enginesReduces HC, PM, CO in existing diesel engines

Biodiesel ASTM D6751Property ASTM Method Limits Units

• Calcium & Magnesium, combined EN 14538 5 maximum ppm (ug/g)• Flash Point (closed cup) D 93 93 minimum Degrees C• Alcohol Control (One of the following must be met)

• Methanol Content EN14110 0.2 maximum % volume• Flash Point D93 130 minimum Degrees C

• Water & Sediment D 2709 0.05 maximum % vol.• Kinematic Viscosity, 40 C D 445 1.9 - 6.0 mm2/sec.• Sulfated Ash D 874 0.02 maximum % mass• Sulfur

• S 15 Grade D 5453 0.0015 max. (15) % mass (ppm)• S 500 Grade D 5453 0.05 max. (500) % mass

(ppm)• Copper Strip Corrosion D 130 No. 3 maximum• Cetane D 613 47 minimum• Cloud Point D 2500 Report Degrees C• Carbon Residue 100% sample D 4530* 0.05 maximum % mass• Acid Number D 664 0.50 maximum mg KOH/g• Free Glycerin D 6584 0.020 maximum % mass• Total Glycerin D 6584 0.240 maximum % mass• Phosphorus Content D 4951 0.001 maximum % mass• Distillation, T90 AET D 1160 360 maximum Degrees C• Sodium/Potassium, combined EN 14538 5 maximum ppm• Oxidation Stability EN 14112 3 minimum hours• Cold Soak Filtration Annex to 6751 360 maximum seconds

• For use in temps below -12°C Annex to 6751 200 maximum seconds

New ASTM Standards passed New ASTM Standards passed June 19, 2008June 19, 2008

Inclusion of B5 into the D975 specification for #2 Inclusion of B5 into the D975 specification for #2 diesel fuel diesel fuel

Inclusion of B5 into the D396 specification for Inclusion of B5 into the D396 specification for heating oilheating oil

Passage of a blended fuel spec for B6 to B20Passage of a blended fuel spec for B6 to B20 Addition to D6751 of a cold soak filtration test to Addition to D6751 of a cold soak filtration test to

eliminate cold filter plugging potential eliminate cold filter plugging potential

Just published October 2008Just published October 2008

B6-B20 ASTM D7467 B6-B20 ASTM D7467 SpecificationSpecification

Property ASTM Method Limits Units

Acid Number D 664 0.30 maximum mg KOH/g Viscosity, 104°F D 445 1.9 - 4.1 mm2/sec. Flash Point D 93 125 minimum Degrees F Cloud Point D 2500 Report Degrees F

Sulfur S 15 Grade D 5453 0.0015 maximum (15) % mass (ppm) S 500 Grade D 5453 0.05 maximum (500) % mass (ppm) Physical Distillation, T90 D 86 650 maximum Degrees F Ramsbottom Carbon Residue D 524 0.35 maximum % mass 10% residue Cetane Number D 613 40 minimum

One of the following must be met” Cetane Index D 976-80 40 minimum Aromacity D 1319-03 35 maximum % volume Ash D 482 0.01 maximum % mass Water & Sediment D 2709 0.05 maximum % vol. Copper Strip Corrosion D 130 No. 3 maximum Phosphorus Content D 4951 0.001 maximum % mass Oxidation Stability EN 14112 6 minimum hours Biodiesel Content D 7371 6-20% % volume Lubricity, HFRR @ 60°C D 6079 520 maximum micron

Materials CompatibilityMaterials Compatibility B100 may adversely affect some elastomers such

as natural or nitrile rubbers over time. Most elastomers used after 1993 are compatible

with B100 (Viton/Teflon). Blends (B20) effect is less, or non-existent. Normal monitoring of hoses and gaskets for leaks is

sufficient with B20. Consult with your parts supplier or

mechanical engineering partners.

Materials CompatibilityMaterials Compatibility

Biodiesel and biodiesel blends will form high sediment levels when in contact with the following metals:

-Brass, Bronze, Copper, Lead, Tin and Zinc

Biodiesel is compatible with:

-Stainless Steel, Aluminum

EmissionsEmissions

Biodiesel CO2 CycleBiodiesel CO2 Cycle

Reduction in EmissionsReduction in Emissions

Supply and Supply and DemandDemand

Biodiesel DemandBiodiesel Demand

0

100,000,000

200,000,000

300,000,000

400,000,000

500,000,000

600,000,000

700,000,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008700 million450 million250 million75 million25 million20 million15 million5 million2 million500,000

Biodiesel Tax Incentive

Gal

lons

If Every Trucker Used B2If Every Trucker Used B2

The industry would utilize 761 million gallons of B100 annually

U.S. Biodiesel Market U.S. Biodiesel Market OutlookOutlook

Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007

Renewable requirement for diesel must met by biodiesel.

500 million gallons used in 2009 1 billion gallons used in 2012

Demand For Diesel In The Demand For Diesel In The USUS

(In Millions Of Gallons)(In Millions Of Gallons)

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2015

Potential Demand For Biodiesel In The US

Demand should not be measured by total demand but by the fraction that represents a realistic blend.

The maximum potential rate is a B20 blend. B2 and B5 are very realistic.

Even at displacement rates of 2-5% potential demand far exceeds current and 10-yr production rates.

Growth In Diesel Growth In Diesel Automobile MarketAutomobile Market

According to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, there are currently more than 4.8 million diesel cars, pick-ups and SUV’s registered in the US.

J.D Power and Associates predict diesel sales to approximately triple in the next 10 years, accounting for more than 10% of US vehicles by 2015.

As of January 2008, 12 auto manufacturers had announced or introduced at least 13 diesel models to the US market. The following brands have diesel models:

Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo

Increasing Biodiesel UseIncreasing Biodiesel Use

The National Biodiesel Board has set a goal of replacing 5% of the nation’s on-road diesel with biodiesel by 2015.

That amount is roughly equal to the amount of diesel currently produced from ¼ of the crude imported from the Persian Gulf.

MinnesotaMinnesota

Currently has a mandate of B5 Effective May 1, 2009 May 1, 2012 Mandate increases to B10 May 1, 2015 Mandate increases to B20 5% of Feedstock must come from biological

resources rather than agricultural (algae, waste oils, tallow)

*B10 and B20 mandates are effective from April to October to address cold weather issues. B5 during the rest of the year.

B5 Usage in MinnesotaB5 Usage in Minnesota

Prevents 139 tons of particulate matterPrevents 139 tons of particulate matter Eliminate 330,000 tons of lifecycle greenhouse Eliminate 330,000 tons of lifecycle greenhouse

gasesgases

That is Equal to Taking That is Equal to Taking

55,000 Cars of the Road55,000 Cars of the Road

Biodiesel Biodiesel Production Production CapacityCapacity

Production Locations Production Locations (9/29/08)(9/29/08)

176 Plants

Production Capacity by Production Capacity by StateState (8/11/08)(8/11/08)

0

25,000,000

50,000,000

75,000,000

100,000,000

125,000,000

150,000,000

175,000,000

200,000,000

225,000,000

250,000,000

275,000,000

300,000,000

325,000,000

350,000,000

375,000,000

400,000,000

TX IA IL

MO IN AL

WA

MS

NJ

GA

ND

PA

TN

OH

KY MI

FL

AR

SC WI

MN

OK

VA

NC

NE

AZ ID NV

SD

CT

MD

WV RI

OR

KS

NY HI

NM

MA

MT

Ga

llon

s

Blending Blending ULSD and ULSD and BiodieselBiodiesel

Why Blend Biodiesel into Why Blend Biodiesel into ULSD?ULSD?

Compatible with the compression ignition platform and with diesel fuel itself

Greatly enhances lubricity of ULSD Compatible with 2007 diesel engine

catalysts Aids with ULSD conductivity issues Reduces harmful emissions Power and performance virtually

unchanged Seamless & transparent with existing

petroleum infrastructure, (liquid not gaseous)

Promotes national energy security Renewable, non-toxic, green blend

stock option

ULSD & LubricityULSD & Lubricity Sulfur compounds are natural lubricants in

diesel. ULSD regulations are causing major

concerns with diesel engine performance. ASTM lubricity requirement effective Jan 1,

2005 for diesel fuels. ASTM D 6079

-High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)

-Wear Scar Maximum = 520 micrometers

Biodiesel Adds Significant Biodiesel Adds Significant Lubricity to ULSDLubricity to ULSD

520

460

250220

180

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

ULSD Premium Diesel

Bio 2.0%

Bio 5.0%

Bio 11.0%

HFR

R A

vera

ge S

car

Properties of ULSD & Biodiesel Properties of ULSD & Biodiesel BlendsBlends

ULSD B2 B5 B20API Gravity 33.4 33.4 33.2 32.3

Distillation

IBP 326°F 326°F 327°F 336°F

10% 402°F 403°F 404°F 418°F

50% 509°F 510°F 510°F 550°F

90% 605°F 604°F 608°F 638°F

EBP 611°F 610°F 614°F 645°F

Cetane Index 42.7 42.7 42.8 44.4

Cloud Point 0°F 1°F 1°F 3°F

CFPP -26°F -26°F -24°F -20°F(3-4x Additive)

Cold Flow Cold Flow PropertiesProperties

Cloud & CFPPCloud & CFPP

Cloud Point – The temperature at which the first wax crystals form and are visible to the naked eye.

CFPP – The temperature under a standard set of test conditions (D6371) at which the filter plugs.

CFPP Testing of ULSD Bio CFPP Testing of ULSD Bio BlendsBlends

Sample Description

Cloud Point °F, Base Fuel

CFPP °F w/ Additive

ULSDULSD -2-2 -22-22

B2 ULSDB2 ULSD -2-2 -22-22

B5 ULSDB5 ULSD -1-1 -18-18

B11 ULSD (3x)B11 ULSD (3x) +1+1 -20-20

B20 ULSD(4x)B20 ULSD(4x) +3+3 -17-17

CFPP Testing of No 1 ULSD with No 2 ULSD

Sample Description

Cloud Point °FBase Fuel

CFPP °F Base Fuel w/additive

ULSD 0 -20

ULSD 10/90(10% No 1 & 90% No 2)

-4 -25

ULSD 20/80 -7 -30

ULSD 30/70 -11 -34

ULSD 40/60 -15 -38

ULSD 50/50 -18 <-40

CFPP Testing of B5 with No 1 ULSD

Sample Sample

DescriptionDescriptionCloud Point Cloud Point °F°F

Base FuelBase FuelCFPP CFPP °F °F

Base Fuel w/additiveBase Fuel w/additive

ULSD 0 -22B5 2 -20

B5 (10% # 1 / 85% # 2 / 5% bio)

-2 -27

B5(20% # 1 / 75% # 2 / 5% bio)

-5 -31

B5(30% # 1 / 65% # 2 / 5% bio)

-9 -38

Manufacturers Manufacturers Policies on Policies on BiodieselBiodiesel

Biodiesel Position with Biodiesel Position with OEM’sOEM’s

Original Equipment Manufacturers: B100 Must Meet ASTM D 6751

Most OEM HQ’s have B20 experience: Won’t void warranty Problems caused by the fuel are the responsibility

of the fuel supplier Want to see additional experience in the field

Higher blends OK’d based on experience of OEM and their technology

Manufacturers Manufacturers Approving B100Approving B100

■ Case IH – nearly half of all models■ Fairbanks Morse■ New Holland

Manufacturers Manufacturers Approving B20Approving B20

Arctic CatArctic Cat BuhlerBuhler Case IH – 90% of all modelsCase IH – 90% of all models CumminsCummins Caterpillar – on several modelsCaterpillar – on several models John DeereJohn Deere ToroToro

Manufacturers Manufacturers Approving B5Approving B5

FordFord CaterpillarCaterpillar General MotorsGeneral Motors IsuzuIsuzu MackMack VolkswagenVolkswagen

Detroit DieselDetroit Diesel ChryslerChrysler InternationalInternational KubotaKubota Mercedes BenzMercedes Benz VolvoVolvo

BQ-9000BQ-9000

BQ-9000 BQ-9000 Accreditation or Accreditation or

CertificationCertification•Accreditation or Certification given by the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission under NBB.•BQ-9000 accredits companies, not fuel.

There is no such thing as “BQ-9000 Biodiesel”. BQ-9000 does, however, help ensure the biodiesel being produced and sold will meet D6751

Quality ControlQuality Control In 2006, 41% of B100 samples tested met In 2006, 41% of B100 samples tested met

ASTM D6751 specification.ASTM D6751 specification.

In 2007, 90% of B100 samples tested met In 2007, 90% of B100 samples tested met ASTM D6751 specification.ASTM D6751 specification.

In 2007, 100% of BQ-9000 certified fuel met In 2007, 100% of BQ-9000 certified fuel met ASTM D6751 specifications.ASTM D6751 specifications.

Currently, 75% of U.S. biodiesel production Currently, 75% of U.S. biodiesel production is BQ-9000 Certified.is BQ-9000 Certified.

www.bq-9000.org www.biodiesel.org www.nbb.org

BQ-9000 Information BQ-9000 Information Through the NBBThrough the NBB

Find information Find information on the on the requirements for requirements for the program and the program and a list of a list of accredited accredited producers and producers and marketers on the marketers on the NBB website.NBB website.

2007/2010 2007/2010 EnginesEngines

2007 Model Year Engines2007 Model Year Engines EPA regulations require reduced sulfur in diesel fuel for

2007 model year engines

80% of highway diesel fuel must be ULSD (< 15ppm sulfur) beginning June 1, 2006

Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters can eliminate 99% of solid particles(soot & metals) and eliminate >90% of semi-volatile hydrocarbons.

Source: EPA

Diesel Particle Filters (DPF)

Diesel particle filters (DPF) are found in all 2007 model year diesel vehicles.

What possible advantages or disadvantages may result from using biodiesel blends in these engines?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has conducting a study in order to define these effects on DPFs.

NEVER Put anything but ULSD into a Diesel Vehicle NEVER Put anything but ULSD into a Diesel Vehicle fitted with a Particulate Filter (2007+)!!!!fitted with a Particulate Filter (2007+)!!!!

The Sulfur Will poison the catalyst in filterThe Sulfur Will poison the catalyst in filter

Filter Cost: $8,000Filter Cost: $8,000

ULSD and Particulate ULSD and Particulate FilterFilter

Exhaust Gas Exhaust Gas RecirculationRecirculation

EGR is a common technology to reduce EGR is a common technology to reduce NOx emissions. Recently cooled EGR NOx emissions. Recently cooled EGR has been used to achieve has been used to achieve

further NOx reductions. further NOx reductions.

EGR alone cannot meet EGR alone cannot meet

2010 emission 2010 emission

requirements.requirements.

EGR system cycles a EGR system cycles a

portion of the engine’s portion of the engine’s

exhaust gases back into exhaust gases back into

the engine’s cylinders. the engine’s cylinders.

Mixing recirculated exhaust Mixing recirculated exhaust

with the engine’s intake air with the engine’s intake air

lowers peak combustion lowers peak combustion

temperatures, which, in turn, temperatures, which, in turn,

limits the generation oflimits the generation of

nitrogen oxides.nitrogen oxides.

Exhaust Gas Exhaust Gas RecirculationRecirculation

Cooled EGR Advantages Does not require additional onboard hardware Does not require the use of an additional fluid No loss of payload No impact on service intervals No driver intervention necessary for compliance

Cooled EGR Trade-Offs Increases heat rejection, creating need for greater

cooling capacity Decreases power density, fuel efficiency Potential engine durability and oil degradation issues Less combustion efficiency produces increased

particulate matter, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide

NOx ReductionsNOx Reductions

For 2010, the focus

Shifts back to NOx.

The regulations set

maximum NOx emission

levels at 0.2 gram/brake

horsepower hour

2010 Engines2010 EnginesChoice Between Two Competing Technologies Choice Between Two Competing Technologies

Selective Selective CatalyticCatalyticReductionReduction

NOx NOx AbsorptionAbsorptionSystemSystem

Selective Catalytic Selective Catalytic ReductionReduction

The appeal of the SCR system is relative simplicity. Nothing else gets added to the vehicle other than a small tank of urea – a liquid compound composed of 34% ammonia and 66% water – along with extra wiring and sensors to manage the injection flow of urea into the truck’s exhaust stream to convert harmful NOx emissions into water vapor.

SCR removes NOx by injecting — or dosing — a non-toxic diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) composed of water and urea into the exhaust before it enters a catalyst. A chemical reaction in the catalyst breaks down the NOx into nitrogen and water vapor.

NOx AbsorptionNOx Absorption

NOx absorbers are the major alternative to NOx absorbers are the major alternative to SCR systems. They work by absorbing SCR systems. They work by absorbing NOx from the exhaust and converting it to NOx from the exhaust and converting it to non-polluting nitrogen during a non-polluting nitrogen during a regeneration cycle. Absorber technology regeneration cycle. Absorber technology offers considerable NOx reduction offers considerable NOx reduction capabilities but performance issues related capabilities but performance issues related to durability, operating range and to durability, operating range and decreased fuel economy have so far decreased fuel economy have so far limited their real world viability.limited their real world viability.

Filter Plugging Filter Plugging IssuesIssues

Breakdown of Filter Plugging Breakdown of Filter Plugging SourcesSourcesFilter Plugging Issues Addressed by the

Minnesota Diesel Hotline

Microbial Only 36% 18%Water 21% 34%High Water & Microbial 21% 8%Oxidation 7% 8%Paraffin falling out of ULSD 4% 20%Too much Additive 4% 2%No problem found 3% 8%Biodiesel Contaminants 0% 2%

Sept 2007 to Feb 2008

Sept 2008 toFeb 2009

Microbial Microbial GrowthGrowth

What Are What Are Microbes?Microbes?

Microbes are bacteria or fungus that live and Microbes are bacteria or fungus that live and propagate in fuel.propagate in fuel.

They live at the fuel/water interface.They live at the fuel/water interface. The hydrocarbons in the fuel provide the food The hydrocarbons in the fuel provide the food

and the water provides the oxygen.and the water provides the oxygen. This environment is needed for living, growth, This environment is needed for living, growth,

and reproduction.and reproduction. The filters with microbial contamination often

had an odor different from the normal fuel smell.

Water ConcentrationsWater Concentrations Biodiesel Can Hold More Water than ULSD

B100 reaches saturation at approximately 1200ppm

ULSD reaches saturation at approximately 200-300ppm

A B2 blend has the same saturation as ULSD

The higher the biodiesel blend, the higher the saturated point

As temperatures decrease, there is lower solubility which means water will drop out of solution

High Water High Water ConcentrationConcentration

Icing of the filterIcing of the filter

When there is excess free water in fuel, it can form ice on the filter and cause filter plugging in cold temps. A filter which has been plugged but is clean and new at room temperature indicates that icing is the likely cause.

Since the temperatures of engines are warm, any moisture picked up within the engine can be brought back to the fuel lines. This moisture can freeze overnight in low ambient temperatures. .

Free water

Paraffin WaxParaffin Wax

Paraffin WaxParaffin Wax High level of paraffin material could be from the

way ULSD is processed.

When the temperature of the fuel is at or below its cloud point, paraffin material will precipitate out and collect on the bottom of the tank.

When warmed to room temperature the paraffin wax will turn back into liquid.

Paraffin build-up does not come from biodiesel fuel.

OxidationOxidation

OxidationOxidation Filters with a black and shiny surface but no

microbial growth odor or gel or sediment indicate they may be plugged by oxidation build-up.

Because many newer engines run at higher temperatures, there may be a black “asphaltene” type material collecting on the filter.

This phenomenon has been seen all around the country, often in newer engines.

EnginesEnginesHot Fuel ReturnHot Fuel Return

HotHot

Coking Fuel

New Technology delivers the unused fuel from the engine block back to the

fuel tank much faster.

This hot fuel will cause degradation and oxidation of the fuel, which in turn

can plug filters.

GlycerinGlycerin

Monoglyceride Build-upMonoglyceride Build-up

This filter tested positive for high concentrations of saturated monoglyceride material.

Monoglyceride is one substance that can precipitate out of fuel if the glycerin levels are too high in the biodiesel used in the blend.

Glycerin does not turn back into a liquid until heated to temperatures of 150°F or more.

Sediment/Rust build-upSediment/Rust build-up

Sediment/Rust build-upSediment/Rust build-up

Some of the filters had solid sediment within the Some of the filters had solid sediment within the folds and solid particles in the filter casing. folds and solid particles in the filter casing.

Sediment present in the fuel or rust particles Sediment present in the fuel or rust particles from within the engine can collect over time and from within the engine can collect over time and plug the filter even when there are not plug the filter even when there are not necessarily problems with the fuel.necessarily problems with the fuel.

Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ChecklistChecklist

Microbial Growth – Exposure to air and water Icing of Filter – Excess water in tank Oxidation – Hot fuel return to fuel tank Monoglyceride Build Up – Off specification of

Total & Free Glycerin Paraffin Wax – Temperature at or below cloud

point

Steps to Maintaining Steps to Maintaining FuelFuel

Store Fuel in Clean, Dry Dark Environment Keep Tank Topped off to eliminate head space Monitor hoses, fill/vapor caps, gaskets for leaks Storage in on-site tanks should be limited to less

than 6 months. Once a year send your fuel to lab to be tested

for microbial contamination

Useful InformationUseful InformationResourcesResources

NBB Resources: NBB Resources: www.biodiesel.orgwww.biodiesel.org

•Technical LibraryTechnical Library•Biodiesel Bulletin Biodiesel Bulletin •Informational ResourcesInformational Resources

•Technical Resources Technical Resources •Educational Videos AvailableEducational Videos Available•On-line Database & Spec SheetsOn-line Database & Spec Sheets

MN Diesel HotlineEstablished to:Established to:

Provide triage for fuel problems not adequately addressed by problems not adequately addressed by distributors/producers distributors/producers

Diagnose/analyze/assist with problems from: customerscustomers fleetsfleets fuel distributorsfuel distributors

Provide assistance through chemical analysis Through the use of third party Lab Through the use of third party Lab

Help provide assistance to users to ensure the image/integrity of Biodiesel is maintained

Contact InformationContact Information

The MN Diesel Hotline is: For general guidance issues Fuel related problems

763-746-3452800-929-3437

Email: info@megcorpmn.com

Questions?Questions?