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Technical
Service Bulletin 06-1
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The Effects of Biodiesel On Fuel Filters
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 meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the volume percent of biodiesel.
Overview
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is rapidly growing in use. However,
biodiesel received a bad reputation after the problems that occurred 2005
when some states mandated the use of B2 biodiesel blend statewide. One
of the problems was very short fuel filter life. Further research revealed
that the problems encountered were not due to the use of the biodiesel
blend, but rather the use of biodiesel that did not meet the ASTM D 6751
specifications. The use of biodiesel that does not meet specifications
may cause problems within the fuel system. One false perception of biodiesel
is that it can be made by simply mixing raw vegetable oil or waste vegetable
with diesel fuel. Due to the high glycerin content in vegetable oil, these
feed stocks must be refined and catalyzed to make biodiesel that meets
the ASTM D 6751 specification.
Filter
Plugging
Biodiesel has some solvent properties and will act as a solvent in the
fuel. Blends greater than B20 may have enough of a solvent effect to break
down the varnish deposits on the walls of the existing fuel storage tanks
or fuel systems. The break-down of these varnish deposits will contaminate
the fuel with particulate, which can cause fuel filters to plug rapidly.
Once the contaminant is removed from the fuel, subsequent fuel filter
service intervals should return to normal. Biodiesel blends up to B20
should have minimal solvent effects on existing fuel systems and blends
below B5 should have no solvent effect above that of regular diesel fuel
meeting ASTM D 975 specification. Blends of B5 and below should also meet
the ASTM D 975 specifications for diesel fuel.
Filter plugging problems can be prevented by effectively cleaning storage tanks before introducing biodiesel. Filter plugging can also be minimized by using low blends of biodiesel and/or ensuring the biodiesel that you are using is from a quality source meeting the ASTM D 6751 specifications. BQ9000 is a quality certification that certifies biodiesel suppliers that provide quality biodiesel meeting the ASTM D 6751 specification.
Filter
Compatability
Most fuel filters currently used in petro-diesel applications are compatible
with bio-diesel blends up to B20. Check with your filter manufacturer
for verification.
Using
High Blends of Biodiesel
Filters that are used in special applications using high blends of biodiesel,
those near B100 or unblended B100, should use solvent resistant sealing
materials. Continued use of standard sealing materials commonly found
on most popular fuel filters may result in deterioration or swelling of
the material, which may cause leaks.
For more information
on biodiesel visit www.biodiesel.org
Website. This site is not affiliated with the Filter Manufacturers Council.
For additional information, contact:
Filter Manufacturers
Council
P.O. Box 13966
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3966
Phone: 919/406-8817 Fax: 919/406-1306
www.filtercouncil.org
Administered by Motor & Equipment
Manufacturers Association
Created April 2006
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