5.1 Myth: Biodiesel is an experimental fuel. Fact: Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the market. a number of independent studies have been completed with the results showing biodiesel performs similar to fossil diesel while benefiting the environment and human health compared to diesel. That research includes studies performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stanadyne Automotive Corp. (the largest diesel fuel injection equipment manufacturer in the U.S.), Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and Southwest Research Institute. Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have completed the rigorous Health Effects testing requirements of the clean Air Act. Biodiesel has been proven to perform similarly to diesel in more 50 million successful road miles in virtually all types of diesel engines, countless off-road miles and countless marine hours. Currently more than 300 major fleets use the fuel.
Myth: Biodiesel does not perform as well as diesel. Fact: One of the major advantages of biodiesel is the fact that it can be used in existing engines and fuel injection equipment with little impact to operating performance. Biodiesel has a higher cetane number than U.S. fossil diesel. In more than 50 million miles of in-field demonstrations, B20 showed similar fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, and haulage rates as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity.
Myth: Biodiesel causes filters to block. Fact: Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Note that gaskets, hoses and seals not compatible with biodiesel will have to be replaced with a suitable material if leaks occur. 100% biodiesel has a solvent effect, which will remove deposits accumulated on fuel tank walls and fuel lines from previous fossil diesel useage. Your fuel filter will gradually accumulate this dirt irrespective of the percentage of biodiesel you are using. From my experience, I had to replace my fuel filter after 900km’s when using a 20% blend. Indications were that the engine was running rough and when driving the engine seemed to miss now and then. Since replacing the fuel filter once, no other problems have been encountered. it is a good idea to carry a spare fuel filter with you, and have the tools and know-how to change it yourself.
Myth: Biodiesel causes degradation of engine gaskets and seals. Fact: the recent switch to low-sulfur diesel fuel has caused most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to switch to components that are also suitable for use with biodiesel. In general, 100% biodiesel can soften and degrade certain types of elastomers and natural rubber compounds over time. using high percentage blend can impact fuel system components (primarily fuel hoses and fuel pump seals) that contain elastomer compounds incompatible with biodiesel, although the effect is lessened as the biodiesel blend level is decreased. Experience with B20 has found that no changes to gaskets or hoses are necessary.
Myth: There is no biodiesel standard. Fact: The biodiesel industry has been active in setting standards for biodiesel since 1994 when the first biodiesel taskforce was formed within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM approved a provisional standard for biodiesel (ASTM PS 121) in July of 1999. the final specification (D-6751) was issued in December 2001. Copies of specifications are available from ASTM at astm.org.
Myth: Biodiesel does not have sufficient shelf life. Fact: Most fuel today is used up long before six months, and many petroleum companies do not recommend storing fossil diesel for more than six months. the current industry recommendation is that biodiesel be used within six months, or re-analyzed after six months to ensure the fuel meets the required standard. a longer shelf life is possible depending on the fuel composition and the use of storage enhancing additives.
Myth: Using biodiesel would void engine warranty. Fact: In South Africa, the use of biodiesel in diesel engines does not void parts, materials or workmanship warranties of any major vehicle manufacturer as long as the blend is B5 or less. other countries such as Germany, warrant their engines using a B20 blend and France a B30 blend.
Myth Biodiesel cannot be used in any diesel engine Fact Most diesel engines built after 1995 can be driven on 100% biodiesel. If you buy a new vehicle or diesel engine, you should start using biodiesel from the very first tank.
In the case of new vehicles and engines, biodiesel can be used without blending with fossil diesel. However, as a safety precaution, we recommend that you change your fuel filter after a few hundred kilometers.
In the case of used vehicles and engines, biodiesel does not need to be gradually blended with normal fossil diesel in your fuel tank. as above, we recommend that you change your fuel filter after a few hundred kilometers as the dirt that biodiesel has cleaned out of the inside of your tank will make its way to your fuel filter. you may have to replace your fuel filter more than once, until all the dirt has been removed from your fuel tank and fuel lines. so it is a good idea to keep a spare fuel filter in the vehicle or near the engine as the case may be.