Washington State Department of Agriculture Spooked by Biodiesel? Fuel Quality October 29, 2015 Tim Elliott, Motor Fuel Quality and Enforcement Manager
Topics to be covered Fuel Quality Overview Laws, Regulations, and Standards Motor fuel quality compliance testing Biodiesel Labeling Quality BQ-9000 The Past, The Present, The Cleaning Power Proper Storage Cold weather considerations http://pansci.asia/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bcartoon1.jpg 2
Laws and Regulations Washington State Laws and Regulations RCW 19.112 Motor Fuel Quality Act RCW 19.94 Weights and Measures WAC 16-662 Weights and measures national handbooks WAC 16-657 Retail pricing of motor and heating fuel NIST Regulations and ASTM Standards NIST Handbook 130 Cites ASTM standards for motor fuel quality ASTM D975 Blends less than or equal to 5% biodiesel ASTM D7467 Blends greater than 5% and less than or equal to 20% ASTM D6751 B100 blend stock 3
4 WSDA Biofuels Quality Program
Motor Fuel Quality testing Fuel tests are done through a contracted laboratory. Testing preformed When a complaint is made Random monthly samples taken Testing is done to protect the customer, and ensure a fair marketplace. Test panels to cover different fuels Routine screening tests for key characteristics Gasoline, Diesel(including B5), B6 B20, B21 B99, B100, and Flex fuel. Extended test for other characteristics Considers seasonal changes Onsite Testing Water & visual Blend determination Water in storage tanks 5 http://www.springboardbiodiesel.co m/files/pictures/biodiesel-hand.jpg
6 Labeling
Past Quality issues Early supplies of biodiesel quality varied greatly Substandard biodiesel leads to long-term and short-term issues Unfortunately this gave Biodiesel a bad name. Fortunately BQ9000 was developed and currently the Biodiesel being produced commercially in Washington is from BQ9000 producers https://www.lsuagcenter.com/nr/rdonlyres/2277f4cd-03bf- 4195-B35C-9ED28FD48CF2/63925/Fig1_Iqbal_w200.jpg 7
BQ-9000 The National Biodiesel Accreditation Program voluntary program for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel called BQ-9000. Combination of: ASTM D6751 Biodiesel Blend stock (B100) Quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management practices. Goals: To promote the commercial success and public acceptance of biodiesel. To help assure that biodiesel fuel is produced to and maintained at the industry standard, ASTM D6751. 8
Quality issues Biodiesel needs to come from a quality producer that test their product s quality. Complete reaction The biodiesel is washed well The biodiesel is dry enough Residual Methanol http://www.home-made-biodiesel.com/imagefiles/appleseed-biodiesel-processor.jpg 9
Good Detergent (maybe too good) Significantly higher solvent properties then petroleum diesel. Clean biodiesel into an older system with residue, build-up, or sediment, you will end up with dirty fuel and problems. http://www.rsc.org/images/b702833d-395-for-tridion_tcm18-86864.jpg 10
Switching to Biodiesel Should be cleaned before introducing biodiesel and/or Start with low level blends and work up Change and Monitor fuel filters The fuel system between the filter and injectors can have some deposits so transition over time. 11
Storage Water Microbial growth Corrosion (acid formation) Higher levels can hold water Water finding paste Oxygen Sunlight Time 12 http://breakingenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/07/dodge-fame1.jpg
Cold Weather Operation Winterization additives generally work only on Petroleum part of the diesel blend Storage and vehicle tanks can be insulated and heated. Feed stocks affect cold flow properties Soy based biodiesel at 20 F http://www.utahbiodieselsupply.com/blog/running-biodiesel-in-the-cold/ Winter performance characteristics B2 B50 B100 13 Petroleum Diesel Biodiesel
Conclusion WSDA Regulates the sale of Motor fuel including biodiesel. Labeling Quality Quality biodiesel shouldn t cause problems when best practices are followed Transitioning Cold weather Storage 14
Washington State Department of Agriculture Thank You! Questions? telliott@agr.wa.gov (360) 902-1984