The biodiesel industry is committed to working with engine makers and exhaust after-treatment companies to do what it takes to boost automakers’ support of biodiesel blends with new diesel technology. That means ensuring that high quality fuel specifications exist, which recognize and adapt to important changes in diesel technology.

—Steve Howell, National Biodiesel Board Technical Director and Chairman of the ASTM Task Force on biodiesel standards

The new changes specifically address the potential effects of small levels of calcium and magnesium on particulate traps used as part of the diesel exhaust after-treatment systems. Previous changes to limit sodium and potassium, used as catalysts in the biodiesel manufacturing process, passed earlier this year. Particulate traps are needed to meet EPA 2007 emissions standards, which reduce particulate matter by more than 90% from new diesel engines.

Engine manufacturers were concerned that even very small amounts of minor compounds could build up in particulate traps and eventually cause the traps to clog. The new ASTM specification addresses these concerns and demonstrates the industry’s eagerness to work with manufacturers to ensure compatibility between the equipment and the fuel.

—Steve Howell

The new biodiesel specification was released the first week of October. The changes were part of nine ballot items on changes to the existing biodiesel specification that were voted on at the ASTM Petroleum Products and Lubricants D02 technical committee meeting the week of June 26, 2006 in Toronto, Ontario.

Although this specification covers pure biodiesel, the majority of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) view the adoption of an ASTM blended fuel specification as a key component for full, universal acceptance of B20.

A subcommittee vote on an ASTM B20 specification will happen in December. Depending on the results, final approval for biodiesel blend specifications could come as early as the spring or summer of 2007.

All major OEMs support B5 and lower blends, provided they are made with biodiesel meeting the ASTM standard. Use of blends higher than B5 will not necessarily void existing warranties.

Resources:

• ASTM D6751-06a: Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels