Biodiesel can be used in any conventional diesel engine and is most commonly blended at 20% with petroleum diesel (B20*). B20 works in any diesel engine with no modifications and provides horsepower, torque, mileage and cold weather operability similar to petroleum diesel. Blends greater than 20% biodiesel (>B20) may require minor modifications to the fuel delivery system and require special considerations in colder climates.
Biodiesel provides many operational benefits when used to fuel diesel cars, trucks, tractors, construction equipment, boats and generators. Most notably, biodiesel offers exceptional lubricity for prolonged engine life. A B20 blend increases lubricity by 71% in off-road diesel (LSD 500ppm sulfur) and 196% in on-road diesel (ULSD 15ppm sulfur), and has only 2% less energy content than petroleum diesel, which is generally undetectable by drivers. Biodiesel has virtually no sulfur and is naturally high in oxygen and cetane, which provides more complete combustion and a cleaner burning fuel. The reduced particulate emissions (smoke) and lower carcinogens of biodiesel result in less eye irritation and respiratory issues for diesel equipment operators. This is particularly helpful for those operating in confined spaces and for school-age children aboard buses.
Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the market. Biodiesel has been proven to perform similarly to petroleum diesel in more than 50 million successful road miles in virtually all types of diesel engines, countless off-road miles and countless marine hours. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has used over 1 million gallons of B20 since 1999, and hasn•t reported a single incident with the fuel. Currently more than 300 major fleets use biodiesel. It can be stored wherever petroleum diesel is stored, except in concrete-lined tanks. It handles like diesel and uses the same infrastructure for transport, storage and use.
The U.S. Market for Diesel
To further understand the market for biodiesel, a basic understanding of the petroleum diesel market is helpful. The United States consumes approximately 60 billion gallons per year (Bgy) of diesel fuel. Petroleum based diesel is distilled directly from a barrel of crude oil and constitutes approximately 15% of the finished product by volume. Approximately 40Bgy is used by on-highway transportation vehicles (cars, buses, trucks, etc.) and 20Bgy is used in off-highway applications (residential and commercial heating, electric power generation, industrial boilers, marine vessels, railroad engines and farm equipment). A few additional facts:
- Diesel engines provide the power to move 94% of all freight in the U.S
- 95% of all transit buses and heavy construction machinery are powered by diesel engines.
- Every day, diesel power transports 14 million children to school, moves 18 million tons of freight and moves 14 million US commuters via bus.
- The typical diesel engine is 30% more efficient and 50% more durable than a comparable gasoline engine.
*Bxx refers to the percentage of biodiesel mixed with petroleum diesel to create a blend. B20, for example, is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% No. 2 diesel fuel.
In 2008 alone, biodiesel's contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions was the equivalent of removing 932,562 passenger vehicles from America's roadways.
Helpful Links:
| • Greenleaf FAQs |  |
| • NBB FAQs |
| • Diesel Fuel Lubricity |
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| • Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines, 2008 | |
| • Cold Weather Guide |