Biodiesel Myths and Facts
Over the years there are many myths that have sprung up around Biodiesel, mainly because people are so used to using conventional fuels. Here we will try to separate the myths from the facts.
Myth: Biodiesel is experimental and is not tested
Not true! Thanks to several independent studies, Biodiesel is actually one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels available. Results have shown that biodiesel performs similarly to regular diesel through some 50 million road miles and countless off-road miles in all types of diesel engines. It has additional benefits for the environment and human health too. In fact, biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have completed the rigorous Health Effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act.
Myth: No standards exist for Biodiesel
Since the first biodiesel taskforce was formed with ASTM in 1994 (a global leader in the development of international voluntary consensus standards), the biodiesel industry has been active in setting standards for biodiesel. ASTM approved a standard for biodiesel specification way back in December 2001.
Myth: Biodiesel causes filters to block
Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modification being required to the engine or to the fuel system. However, a high percentage blend such as B100 does have a solvent effect that can clean and release older deposits that have accumulated on fuel tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel use, which can lead to a blockage. With blends of B20 or higher, the release of these deposits can clog filters initially, and so these should be replaced until the buildups are eliminated. This is less of a problem with B20 and lower blends.
Myth: Biodiesel degrades engine gaskets and seals
With the recent switch towards using low sulphur diesel, most engine manufacturers have switched to using components that are also suitable for use with biodiesel. However, high-percentage blends such as B100 can still soften and degrade certain natural rubber compounds through time, and these blends can impact fuel system components such as fuel hoses and fuel pump seals that contain elastomer compounds incompatible with biodiesel. This effect is less with lower blends, and B20 has been shown to cause no changes to gaskets, hoses, or the maintenance program are necessary.
Myth: Biodiesel has a poor shelf life
Most fuels these days are used within 6 months of manufacture, and petroleum companies do not recommend storing regular diesel for longer than this period anyway. Therefore the current industry recommendation is that biodiesel be used within six months, or re-assessed after this time to ensure the fuel still meets the ASTM standard.