Biodiesel Fuel Quality

and Proper handling

Hoon Ge
Edward Gorr
 National Biodiesel Board
 Represents the biodiesel industry as the coordinating
body for research and development in the US.
 Founded in 1992 by state soybean commodity
groups.
 NBB’s membership is comprised of state, national,
and international feedstock and feedstock processor
organizations, biodiesel suppliers, fuel marketers and
distributors, and technology providers.
History of Biodiesel
Machinery Exhibit – 1900 World’s
Fairran on peanut oil.
Rudolph Diesel demonstrated his compression ignition engine, which at
the request of the French Government,

www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/1900fair.html - Jeffrey Howe

 History of Biodiesel

 Vegetable oils were used in

diesel engines until the
1920's when engines began
using diesel fuel
 History of Biodiesel
 Energy crunch of the 1970s
stimulated biofuels research
but federal research monies
disappeared in the 1980s.

 First literature use of the term biodiesel

is found in a Chinese paper published in
1988. The next paper using that term
appeared in 1991.
Biodiesel 101
 Biodiesel Defined
 Biodiesel, n. -- a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters
of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or
animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the
requirements of ASTM D 6751.

 Biodiesel blend, n. -- a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting

ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel
designated BXX, where XX is the volume percent of
biodiesel.
Definition of Biodiesel
 Chemically
 Mono Alkyl Ester

 Functionally
 Surrogate for petroleum distillates

 Nomenclature
 B100 = 100% pure Biodiesel, AKA
“neat”
 B20 = 20% Biodiesel & 80%
petroleum diesel
 5 Most Common
Methyl-Esters in Biodiesel
 Making Biodiesel
(Catalyst)

100 pounds + 10 pounds = 10 pounds + 100 pounds

Triglyceride Alcohol Glycerin Mono-Alkyl Esters
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____

Soy oil Methanol Biodiesel

- Raw Vegetable Oil is NOT Biodiesel!

- Other ‘biomass’ products aren’t Biodiesel
- Must meet ASTM D 6751
Biodiesel Raw Materials
Oil or Fat Alcohol
Soybean Methanol (common)
Corn Ethanol
Canola
Cottonseed Catalyst
Sunflower Sodium hydroxide
Beef tallow Potassium hydroxide
Pork lard
Used cooking oils
 Other Ingredients
 Alcohol
 Methanol is primary choice
 Ethanol is possible
 Isopropyl, any alcohol can be used in the reaction
 The decision to be made is the cost of the material, the reaction
time/vessel sizes, the cost/capability to recover the excess
 Catalyst
 Sodium Methylate is primary choice
 Potassium Methylate is possible
 NaOH/KOH, while they can be used introduce water to the reaction
 Fixed catalysts are being developed for efficiency in process
 No catalyst is required, but the yield is low, inefficient process
 The Biodiesel Reaction
In the presence of a catalyst

Combining Yields
Vegetable Oil Biodiesel
or (100 lbs.)
Animal Fat +
(100 lbs.) Glycerine
+
(10 lbs.)
Methanol or
Ethanol
(10 lbs.)
 Important Biodiesel Parameters
 Removal of Glycerin
 Insured through total and free glycerin tests
 Europe has a percent ester spec but ASTM chose not to do
 Will cause injector coking, filter plugging, sediment formation
 Shortens shelf life
 Removal of Catalyst
 Insured through sulfated ash test
 May cause injector deposits and/or filter plugging
 Important Biodiesel Parameters

 Removal of Alcohol
 Insured through flash point or GC tests
 May cause premature injector failure, safety concern
 Removal of Free Fatty Acids
 Insured through acid number test
 Will cause fuel system deposits and effect fuel pump
and filter operation
 Biodiesel Attributes
• High Cetane (avg. over 50)
• Ultra Low Sulfur (avg. ~ 2 ppm)
• High Lubricity, even in blends as low at 1-2%
• High Energy Balance (3.2 to 1)
• Low Agriculture Inputs: Soybeans
• 78% Life Cycle CO2 Reduction
• Renewable, Sustainable
• Domestically Produced
• Reduces HC, PM, CO in existing diesel engines
• Reduces NOx in boilers and home heating
 Biodiesel ASTM D6751
Property ASTM Method Limits Units

• Calcium & Magnesium, combined EN 14538 5 max ppm (ug/g)

• Flash Point (closed cup) D 93 93 min. Degrees C
• Alcohol Control (One of the following must be met)
• Methanol Content EN14110 0.2 Max % volume
• Flash Point D93 130 Min Degrees
• Water & Sediment D 2709 0.05 max. % vol.
• Kinematic Viscosity, 40 C D 445 1.9 - 6.0 mm2/sec.
• Sulfated Ash D 874 0.02 max. % mass
• Sulfur
• S 15 Grade D 5453 0.0015 max. (15) % mass (ppm)
• S 500 Grade D 5453 0.05 max. (500) % mass (ppm)
• Copper Strip Corrosion D 130 No. 3 max.
• Cetane D 613 47 min.
• Cloud Point D 2500 Report Degrees C
• Carbon Residue 100% sample D 4530* 0.05 max. % mass
• Acid Number D 664 0.50 max. mg KOH/g
• Free Glycerin D 6584 0.020 max. % mass
• Total Glycerin D 6584 0.240 max. % mass
• Phosphorus Content D 4951 0.001 max. % mass
• Distillation, T90 AET D 1160 360 max. Degrees C
• Sodium/Potassium, combined EN 14538 5 max ppm
• Oxidation Stability EN 14112 3 min hours
 ASTM - D6751 (B100)
 Review your fuel analysis to ensure incoming fuel meets
agreed upon specifications
 If either the biodiesel or generic diesel fuel fails to meet the
agreed specification, notify your fuel supplier immediately
 Retain samples (quart) minimum should analytical work be
required to evaluate future issues
Emissions
U.S. CO2 Emissions
Transportation Emissions Increasing
Biodiesel CO2 Cycle
Reduction in Emissions
 EPA HD Emissions Averages
Emission Type B100 B20 B2
Total Unburned Hydrocarbons -67% -20% -2.2%

Carbon Monoxide -48% -12% -1.3%

Particulate Matter -47% -12% -1.3%

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) +10% +2% +.2%

 Historical Overview of NOx

Issue
Up until early in 2005 it was widely accepted that B20 caused a small,
2%, increase in NOx
 Conclusion of EPA review published in 2002
 Based in large part on data acquired by McCormick and coworkers, Sharp and
coworkers, etc.

 In February of 2005 we tested 3 vehicles that showed NOx reduction

 Subsequent review of EPA’s analysis showed that nearly half of the

data reviewed were for one engine model

 Subsequent tests with a range of engine models are finding changes in

NOx that range roughly from about +5 to -5%
 Varieswith engine model
 Average change is zero
 Dataset is NOT representative of in-use vehicles
 NOx Emissions, Chassis Data
Bus Chassis Dynamometer Testing:
• Using B20 in City Suburban Heavy
Vehicle Cycle
• Cummins ISM 2000 Engine.
• Unexpected NOx REDUCTION of 5%
with statistical confidence of >99%.

• NOx emission changes are caused by

differences in test cycles and engine
technology.

Graph taken from NREL website: http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/npbf/pdfs/38296.pdf

Supply and Demand
 Biodiesel Demand
Biodiesel Demand

300,000,000

250,000,000
Biodiesel Tax
Incentive
200,000,000
Changes Bioenergy
150,000,000 to Program
EPACT
100,000,000

50,000,000

0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
 Heating Oil Market
 Almost as much heating oil is sold in the
Northeast as on highway diesel fuel
 5.1 billion gallons vs. 5.5 billion gallons
 Heating oil industry is attempting to remake
itself as more environmentally friendly and
renewable
 Could provide a good winter outlet for biodiesel
 Work is being done to integrate into
Underwriters Laboratory certification
If Every Trucker Used B2

The industry would

utilize 761 million
gallons of B100
annually.
 Fuel Availability

 Fuel available through direct shipment from over 1,956

petroleum distributors nationwide
 Over 1,234 retail filling stations nationwide
 648 locations are semi-truck accessible
 Movement towards biodiesel at the terminal – over 158 terminals
nationwide
Distribution Locations
Biodiesel Production Capacity
Production Locations (9/7/07)
 Size of Current Plants
165 Plants
70
62

60

50
Number of Plants

40
32
30 25
22
20
10 9
10 5

0
< 1,000,001

1,000,001 –

5,000,001 –

>30,000,000
10,000,001 –

15,000,001 –

20,000,001 –
10,000,000
5,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

30,000,000
Plant Size

Construction Capacity 1.38 billion gallons per year

Average Plant Size 16.3 million gallons per year
Biodiesel Plants Under Construction
and Expansion (9/7/07)
Size of Plants Under Construction &
Expansion
35 32

30

25
Number of Plants

20
15 15
15

10
6 6 6
4
5

0
< 1,000,001

1,000,001 –

5,000,001 –

>30,000,000
10,000,001 –

15,000,001 –

20,000,001 –
10,000,000
5,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

30,000,000
Plant Size

 Construction Capacity: 1.89 billion gallons per year

 Average Plant Size: 18.7 million gallons per year
 Production Capacity by State
(9/7/07)
300,000,000

275,000,000

250,000,000

225,000,000

200,000,000

175,000,000
Gallons

150,000,000

125,000,000

100,000,000

75,000,000

50,000,000

25,000,000

0
AZ
AL

WY
KY

NY
IA
WA

GA

AR

VA
CA

PA

LA

MA
WI

RI

HI
MO

CO
MI

NM
NJ
IL

FL

UT

CT
TX

MS

NE

ME

DE
NV

KS
IN

ID
ND

TN

MN

OH

SC

NC

OK

SD

OR

MD
 Production Capacity Trends
 The industry is tending towards larger facilities
 Vegetable oil facilities are larger than recycled cooking
oil plants
 Plants capable of handling multiple feedstocks are
becoming more common
 Production capacity does not equal production for
several reasons
 Some facilities are just starting up
 Some facilities choose to run less than 24/7
 Some facilities have no effectively debottlenecked their systems to
maximize their output
 Some facilities overestimate their capacity
 Blending
ULSD and Biodiesel
 ULSD and Biodiesel
• Biodiesel is slightly heavier than petroleum diesel with a
gravity value of 0.88 versus 0.85.

• Biodiesel should be introduced after diesel fuel and should

be agitated in the tank during splash blending procedures.

• Storage and blending of B100 should be maintained at

+10 degrees F above the B100’s cloud and pour point to
blend successfully.

• Blends will not separate in

the presence of water.
 Blending Options (Splash)
 The biodiesel and diesel fuel are loaded into a tank separately
with relatively little mixing occurring as the fuels are placed in the
tank.

 The tank is
usually the
actual
delivery
truck.

 The delivery truck movement as well as the physical drop at the

end user’s site provides adequate agitation to successfully blend
the fuels.
 Blending Options (In-Tank
Blend)
 Biodiesel and diesel fuel are loaded separately, or
at the same time through different incoming
sources, but at high speeds which sufficiently
mix without the need for additional mixing,
recirculation or agitation.
 Similar to splash blending but not dependent on
delivery activity to continue mixing procedures.
Blending Options (Bottom Loading)

 B20 is frequently blended in bottom loading

tank trucks
 Biodiesel loaded first, followed by diesel fuel
where mixing begins.
 Putting B100 into a cold empty truck can cause
the B100 to gel which prohibits mixing
properly
 Blend Options (In-Line Blend)

Biodiesel is added to a stream of diesel fuel as it travels through a pipe or

hose in such as way that the biodiesel and diesel fuel become thoroughly
mixed by the turbulence encountered in the pipe.
Why Blend Biodiesel into
ULSD?
• Compatible with the compression ignition
platform and with diesel fuel itself
• Greatly enhances lubricity of ULSD
• Compatible with 2007 diesel engine catalysts
• Aids with ULSD conductivity issues
• Reduces harmful emissions
• Power and performance virtually unchanged
• Seamless & transparent with existing
petroleum infrastructure, (liquid not gaseous)
• Promotes national energy security
• Renewable, non-toxic, green blend stock
option
ULSD
 ULSD & Lubricity
• Sulfur compounds are natural lubricants in diesel.
• ULSD regulations are causing major concerns
with diesel engine performance.
• ASTM lubricity requirement effective Jan 1, 2005
for diesel fuels.
• ASTM D 6079
-High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)
-Wear Scar Maximum = 520 micrometers
 Biodiesel Adds Significant
Lubricity to ULSD
Biodiesel at varying blends
600
HFRR Average Scar

500
400
(µm)

300
200
100
0
er

B1

B2

B5

1
el

.5
#1

#2

B1
s

B0
Diesel
Die

ed

ed
no
as

as
Mo

Diesel plus Additive

rb

rb

Diesel plus Biodiesel

te

te
Es

Es

The average lubricity of Biodiesel blends compare to lubricity additives.

 Lubricity
Lubricity Effects of Biodiesel

700
532
HFRR average scar

600
500
343 318
400
262 234
300
191
200
100
0
Diesel B 0.5 B1 B2 B5 B 11
% Biodiesel

Effects of Biodiesel on the Lubricity of Diesel fuel.

Cold Weather
Operability
 CFPP Testing of ULSD
Bio Blends
Sample CFPP °F, Base CFPP °F w/
Description Fuel Additive
ULSD -2 -22
B11 ULSD (3x) +1 -20
B20 ULSD(4x) +3 -17
B5 ULSD -1 -18
B2 ULSD -2 -20
B2 ULSD -2 -22
2007 Engines
 2007 Model Year Engines
• EPA regulations require reduced sulfur in diesel fuel for 2007
model year engines

• 80% of highway diesel fuel must be ULSD (< 15ppm sulfur)

beginning june1, 2006

• Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters

can eliminate 99% of solid particles
(soot & metals) and eliminate
>90% of semi-volatile
hydrocarbons.
Source: EPA
 Diesel Particle Filters (DPF)
• Diesel particle filters (DPF) are found in all 2007
model year diesel vehicles.
• What possible advantages or disadvantages may
result from using biodiesel blends in these
engines?
• The National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL) has conducting a study in order to define
these effects on DPFs.
 Indicators of DPF Performance
• Filter
regeneration rate
increased
significantly when
using blends as
low as B5. Lower
particulate
temperature and
less particulate
input contributed.

“Biodiesel Effects on Diesel Particle Filter Performance.” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, March 2006.
 Materials Compatibility
• B100 may adversely affect some elastomers such as
natural or nitrile rubbers over time.
• Most elastomers used after 1993 are compatible with
B100 (Viton/Teflon).
• Blends (B20) effect is less, or non-existent.
• Normal monitoring of hoses and gaskets for leaks is
sufficient with B20.
• Consult with your parts supplier or
mechanical engineering partners.
 Materials Compatibility

• Biodiesel and biodiesel blends will form high

sediment levels when in contact with the following
metals:
-Brass, Bronze, Copper, Lead, Tin and Zinc

• Biodiesel is compatible with:

-Mild and Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Biodiesel Position with OEM’s
Original Equipment Manufacturers:
• B100 Must Meet ASTM D 6751
• Most OEM HQ’s have B20 experience:
Won’t void warrantee
Problems caused by the fuel are the responsibility of
the fuel supplier
Want to see additional experience in the field
• Higher blends OK’d based on experience of OEM and
their technology
Housekeeping
• No matter where you are in
the supply chain both you
and your staff are
responsible for ensuring
optimum storage
environments for your fuels

• The three basic ways which

fuel may become
contaminated are air, water
and the fuel itself
 Exposure to Air
• Enters through vent pipes
and contains large amounts
of moisture.
• Generally displaces the fuel
as tank is emptied.
• It is not practical to keep air
from entering the tank.
• Will increase the oxidation of
fuel.
• Do not store fuels for long
periods of time in partially
empty tanks without
stabilizers.
• Consider desiccant dryers.
 Water
• Free water in the fuel system accelerates corrosion and
fuel degradation, it can also create a fertile growing place
for “bugs.”
• Poor tank design has made complete removal of water
impossible.
• Enters mostly as condensation from air. Vents and seals
that are poorly
constructed or
maintained can
allow water to
infiltrate the
storage tank.
 Exposure to Fuel Contaminants
 Stored fuel will degrade forming
insoluble materials.
 Insolubles will plug filters, foul injectors
and form combustion system deposits
which promotes fuel system corrosion.
 Fuel can bring in contaminants during
the delivery process, sand, dirt etc.
 Lack of housekeeping practices will
absolutely increase operational
headaches.
 Maintaining Your Fuel Quality

• Begin by specifying ASTM designed fuels, 6751 and 975

• Reference cold weather performance and other special
needs prior to ordering
• Be proactive with general housekeeping practices
• Maintain optimum storage conditions
• Execute a quarterly fuel analysis program to ensure good
preventative measures.
 Steps to Maintaining Fuel
 Store Fuel in Clean, Dry Dark Environment
 Keep Tank Topped off to eliminate head space
 Monitor hoses, fill/vapor caps, gaskets for leaks
 Storage in on-site tanks should be limited to less
than 6 months.
 Once a year send your fuel to lab to be tested
for microbial contamination
 Tips for Biodiesel Handling

 In the winter months, it’s important to use

appropriate additives to ensure good winter-
weather operability.

 If any biodiesel is spilled, it is important to clean

it up quickly. Pure biodiesel may remove paint
from equipment.
 Tips for Biodiesel Handling

When switching from diesel fuel to biodiesel

blend, it may be necessary to change the fuel
filter an extra time or two.
Quality Issues
 Biodiesel Issue
Monoglyceride Build-up (rare)

 Monoglyceride is one substance that can

precipitate out of fuel if the glycerin levels
are too high in the biodiesel used in the
blend
 Other Issues We have Seen
Paraffin Wax
 High level of paraffin material could be from the way
ULSD is processed.
 When the temperature of the fuel is at or below its cloud
point, paraffin material will precipitate out and collect on
the bottom of the tank.
 Paraffin build-up does not come from biodiesel fuel.
Icing of the filter
Since the temperatures of engines are warm, any
moisture picked up within the engine can be
brought back to the fuel lines. This moisture can
freeze overnight in low ambient temperatures.
 Sediment/Rust build-up
Some of the filters had solid sediment within the folds and
solid particles in the filter casing.

Sediment present in the fuel or rust particles from

within the engine can collect over time and plug the
filter even when there are not necessarily problems
with the fuel.
Oxidation
Because many newer engines run at higher
temperatures, there may be a black “asphaltene”
type material collecting on the filter.

This phenomenon has been seen all around the

country, often in newer engines.
 Microbial Growth
 Several filters showed high content of live microbial
organisms or a build-up of dead microbial material. The
filters with microbial contamination often had an odor
different from the normal fuel smell.

 The lack of sulfur in biodiesel and ULSD aids in the build-

up of such organisms since sulfur is a key component of
many biocides and is a natural inhibitor of bacterial and
fungal growth.
 What Are Microbes?

Microbes are bacteria or fungus that live and

propagate in fuel.
They live at the fuel/water interface.
The hydrocarbons in the fuel provide the food and
the water provides the oxygen.
This environment is needed for living,
growth, and reproduction.
 Where Do They Come
From?

Air
 Contains airborne microorganisms, yeast and mold spores,
and dirt particles that can enter through tank vents.

Water
Water, unless sterilized, can contain a variety
microorganisms.
 Treatment and Prevention
Biocides
Three major groups: Fuel soluble, Water soluble, and
Universally soluble.
Need to be EPA registered and compatible with the
lubricant.

Preventing Fuel Contamination

Preventing contamination from air and water
requires proper tank maintenance and cleaning
 Biocide: Universally Soluble
Stable in both fuel and water.
Primarily fuel soluble with sufficient water solubility to
perform in both phases.
Can be transported throughout the fuel system and be
effective against biofilms and bottom water
microbes.
Contains sulfur.
Relatively expensive.
 Preventing Contamination:
Tank Cleaning

Can be expensive and disruptive.

Needs to be used in conjunction with a biocide treatment.
The biocide should be used after the tank is clean, then
fuel should be added (to eliminate microbes collected on
the bottom of the tank).
As a preventative measure, it is important to keep tanks as
full of fuel as possible, and to keep the amount of air in
the tank minimal.
 Renewable Fuel
Standard and RINs
 How it all began
Energy Policy Act of
2005 (EPAct05)
provides for a
renewable fuels
requirement.

The RFS Program

took effect
September 1, 2007
 Renewable Identification Numbers
(RINs)
 RINs are generated by renewable fuel producers
and importers and assigned to batches that they
transfer
 Represent volumes of renewable fuel produced.

 RINs are the tools obligated parties utilize to

demonstrate compliance with their annual
renewable fuel volume obligations.
 RIN Codes
The Renewable Identification Number (RIN) is a 38-character numeric code in the
format:

KYYYYCCCCFFFFFBBBBBRRDSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEE

K RIN assignment code (1=assigned, 2=unassigned)

YYYY Year batch is produced/imported (when it leaves the facility)
CCCC Company registration ID
FFFFF Facility registration ID
BBBBB Producer assigned batch number
RR Equivalence Value for the renewable fuel
D Renewable type code (1=cellulosic; 2=non-cellulosic)
SSSSSSSS RIN Block Starting Number
EEEEEEEE RIN Block Ending Number
 Equivalence Values
 The Equivalence Value indicates how many gallon-RINs can be
generated for each gallon of renewable fuel
 The EPA has specified the Equivalence Value for several
renewable fuels using volumetric energy content in comparison
to ethanol (adjusted for renewable content)

 Corn-ethanol: 1.0
 Cellulosic biomass ethanol: 2.5
 Biodiesel (alkyl esters): 1.5
 Renewable diesel: 1.7
 Biobutanol: 1.3
Compliance by Marketers/Producers

 Biodiesel Producer or Importer:

 Must attach RINs to volumes of fuel and transfer those
RINs for any blends greater than B80 (on-road)

 An assigned RIN cannot be transferred to another

party without simultaneously transferring a volume of
renewable fuel to that same party.

("Transfer" means a change in ownership, not custody; Change

in custody but not ownership has no RIN responsibilities)
 Compliance
 At the end of each quarter:
 Cannot own any more assigned RINs (with K = 1) than
gallons of renewable fuel (adjusted for its Equivalence Value)

Sum of assigned
gallon-RINs
≤ Volume of renewable fuel owned X
Equivalence Value per volume

 This requirement ensures that, at least quarterly, RINs

have been transferred with volume and obligated
parties have opportunities to get RINs
 Quarterly Reporting
RIN Generation Report:
 Each facility owned by a renewable fuel producer must report information
pertaining to the RINs generated and attached to a “batch” produced; or
imported.

RIN Transaction Report:

 Any transaction where biodiesel produced is sold to a second party will
need a separate report submitted to document change of ownership
transactions
(including providing registration information for 2nd party)

RIN Activity Report:

 Summary report for RIN related activity during a quarter for RINs owned by
the reporting party. Includes status (assigned or separated); volumes of
renewable fuel owned at the end of a quarter; current year RINs owned at
start of quarter; etc.
 Annual Reporting
Attest Engagement:
 Annual “attest engagement” completed by a CPA or
certified internal auditor to verify the accuracy of the
information contained in the reports submitted to EPA
by covered entities.

 Due Date: Attest Engagements are due May 31st of the

year following compliance year. (Ex. May 31, 2009 for
compliance year 2008).
 Registration with the EPA

 Any entity that owns or intends to own biodiesel

with RINs attached is required to register with
the EPA.

 Registration with the EPA is required prior to

owning fuel with RINs attached.

 www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/rfsforms.htm.
 Additional RFS Resources
 Renewable Fuel Standard Regulations
www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/rfs-finalrule.pdf.

 Compliance Help Information

www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/index.htm.

 PMAA is working with their state associations in an effort to

disseminate information to their member marketers as quickly as
possible to help educate them on their compliance requirements.
BQ-9000
 BQ-9000
“Quality Assurance Program”
“Specifies requirements for a quality assurance
program where an organization needs to
demonstrate its ability to provide product that
meets ASTM D 6751… and applicable regulatory
requirements, and to address quality assurance
through the effective application of the program…”

HELPS ENSURE THAT END-USER IS

GETTING HIGH-QUALITY BIODIESEL!!
 NBB Fuel Quality Policy
• The National Biodiesel Board is a strong proponent of
ASTM D-6751.

• The National Biodiesel Board created the National

Biodiesel Accreditation Commission in 2000 and charged it
with developing a certification program for quality
biodiesel producers and marketers. The resulting
certification program is BQ-9000.

• NBB will encourage active enforcement of D6751 by the

IRS, the EPA, the US Department of Agriculture, and
individual state Weights and Measures Bureaus.
http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/fuelqualityguide/files/NBB%20Fuel%20Quality%20Policy%20.pdf
 Fuel Quality
• Fuel quality is of the utmost concern and importance to
the biodiesel industry.

• ASTM D 6751 is the specification for biodiesel fuels

irrespective of the feedstock source and/or processing
method.

• BQ-9000 Assures “cradle-to-grave” fuel quality

“cradle” “grave”
 Who and What are Accredited

 Two accreditations possible for companies:

 BQ-9000 Accredited Producer
 BQ-9000 Certified Marketer
 BQ-9000 accredits companies, not fuel
 There is no such thing as 'BQ-9000 Biodiesel'
 BQ-9000 does, however, help insure that biodiesel produced
and sold will meet D 6751
 Benefits of BQ-9000
 Provides the biodiesel users (individuals, fleets,
government agencies, etc.) with a feeling of
confidence

 Improved consistency saves biodiesel producers

and marketers time and money by minimizing
problems with out of specification fuel

 Your competitive position within the industry is

strengthened as you gain a market advantage
through recognition of quality
BQ-9000 Initial Registration

• Complete the Application

 Submit Quality Manual

 Pay $1000 application fee

 Provide proof of EPA Registration

 BQ-9000 Accreditation

The Commission reviews the application

and application materials:

 Applications considered administratively

complete shall be accepted for processing
and audit.
 $ 2,500 Certification Audit Fee
 BQ-9000 Accreditation

• Auditor is assigned, establishes the audit

schedule with applicant.
 Desk audit to verify written compliance
 On-site audit to verify compliance.
• The Commission reviews results of audits,
votes on the company’s status.
• If applicant passes audit, Commission
grants accreditation for 2 years.
 Accreditation Timeline
Avg.
Length
(days) Accreditation Step
Quality Manual, Application & Audit Fees Received
7-10 Quality Manual from NBAC to Auditor
10 Desk Audit
180 Set Onsite Audit Date & Resolve Desk Audit Issues
(scheduled 6 months from implementation date of all
elements of quality system)
1.5 Registration Audit
30 Resolve Nonconformances
10 Final Report & Recommendations
10-21 NBAC Meets & Approves
249-263 Total
 ALWAYS BUY PRODUCT
FROM BQ-9000 CERTIFIED
PRODUCERS OR
MARKETERS!!!
 Accredited Producers (19)
Seattle Biodiesel

FUMPA BioFuels
Minnesota Soybean Processors Soymor
Cargill
AGP Stepan Company
Western Iowa Energy
Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
Peter Cremer

Griffin Industries

FurtureFuel Chemical Company

Carolina Biofuels, LLC
Imperial Western Products
Peach State Labs

Huish Detergents
Johann Haltermann Ltd
Organic Fuels, LLC Purada Processing, LLC
 Certified
BQ-9000Marketers
Certified Marketers
9/20/07
(9)
Canadian Bioenergy Corp

FUMPA BioFuels
Sprague Energy Corp
REG
Metro Fuel Oil Corporation

Peter Cremer NA

Western States Petroleum, Inc.

Pro Petroleum, Inc

TransMontaigne, Inc.
(9) BQ-9000 Marketers
 BQ-9000 Information
Through the NBB
www.bq-9000.org www.biodiesel.org www.nbb.org

Find information
on the
requirements for
the program and
a list of
accredited
producers/marke
ters on the NBB
website.
Biodiesel Resources
 Educational Resources
• BEN: Biodiesel
Education Network
• Web-based resource
specifically for
petroleum marketers
• Partnership between
NBB/PMAA
• www.pmaa.org
• www.biodiesel.org
NBB Resources: www.biodiesel.org

•Technical Library •Technical Resources

•Biodiesel Bulletin •Educational Videos Available
•Informational Resources •On-line Database & Spec Sheets
 Other Biodiesel Resources

• www.bbibiofuels.com

• Biodiesel Magazine
A ‘MUST HAVE’
magazine

• Biodiesel Industry
Directory On-Line
 Biodiesel Help-line
Established to:

 Provide triage for fuel problems

problems not adequately addressed by distributors/producers
 Diagnose/analyze/assist with problems from:
 customers
 fleets
 fuel distributors
 Provide assistance through chemical analysis
 Through the use of third party Lab
 Help provide assistance to users to ensure the
image/integrity of Biodiesel is maintained.
 Contact Information
 The National Biodiesel Helpline is:
 For when you cannot get help elsewhere.
 Not meant for General guidance issues.

You should always begin by asking your fuel supplier, they

will most likely be able to answer your question more
accurately.

800-929-3437
952-473-0182
Questions