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Biodiesel
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Biodiesel is
a mono-alkyl ester-based oxygenated fuel, produced from a
variety of renewable resources, including waste vegetable
oils, cooking oil, soybean oil and animal
fats. Biodiesel can be used in virtually any diesel engine, with no or few
considerations
to be addressed. Biodiesel acts like petroleum diesel, but produces
significantly less air pollution, is renewable, is biodegradable and
is safe for the environment.
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The
City of Tacoma uses biodiesel
in its refuse haulers and other diesel vehicles in its fleets.
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Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or blended with
petroleum diesel fuel. "Neat"
biodiesel, or B-100, refers to pure 100 percent biodiesel. The most commonly used form of
biodiesel is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum fuel, referred to
as B20. The use of B20 is essentially a balancing of the emissions
benefits with the cost, cold weather and solvency considerations noted
below.
Biodiesel can also be used as a
petroleum diesel fuel additive to provide increased lubricity.
Such an application is particularly valuable when using low and
ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels, as the reduction sulfur levels
results in decreased fuel lubricity. Even at a low percentage
blend, such as 2 percent, biodiesel will provide sufficient
lubricity. Using biodiesel in this manner eliminates
the inherent variability associated with the use of other
additives. Also, because biodiesel is compatible with diesel
engines at any blend, unlike
other lubricity additives, an accidental increase of biodiesel will
not be a cause for concern.
Biodiesel has the best
energy balance of any liquid fuel. Every unit of energy needed to produce biodiesel
results in 3.24 units of fuel energy. In contrast, petroleum diesel
yields 0.83 units of fuel energy for each unit of fossil energy
consumed, meaning that diesel requires more energy to produce than is
generated by the diesel fuel. The production and use of biodiesel
also results in 96% less hazardous waste than petroleum diesel
(0.018 vs. 0.41 g/bhp-hr). Of this, 70% of the hazardous waste from
the biodiesel life cycle comes from agricultural operations, but
this is due primarily to assumptions that petroleum diesel or
gasoline are used in farming operations. Biodiesel can result in
more nonhazardous waste than petroleum diesel, most of which results
from the crushing stage of the life cycle in which the feedstock,
such as soybeans, is crushed to remove the oils. However, the life
cycle analyses do not take into account the potential uses of this
crush material. The meal left after crushing mustard seeds, for
example, has great value as a fertilizer and fumigant which can be
re-used in agricultural operations, including use on the very fields
that grow the biodiesel feedstock.
Diesel vehicles have driven more than
forty million miles on biodiesel in the United States, even more in
Europe. Applications include: school and transit buses,
recycling and waste disposal trucks, heavy-duty freight hauling and
delivery trucks, construction equipment, and marine boats and tugs.
Performance: Engine
performance is typically unaffected, although some users of B100 have
experienced a slight power loss at the high end. A 20 percent blend of
biodiesel (B20) most often reduces no change in fuel economy, but use of
B100 may reduce fuel economy by up to 8 percent.
Biodiesel provides
lubricity, so even at low blends it will reduce wear and tear on the engine.
Fuel Standards: An ASTM
standard, D6751, has been developed to ensure biodiesel
quality. Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The
Departments of Transportation and Energy recognize biodiesel as an
alternative fuel. As an alternative fuel, biodiesel can be used to
comply with the mandates provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 1992
(EPAct).
Environmental & health benefits: The
emissions benefits of biodiesel include significantly lower emissions of carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons and particulate matter compared to petroleum diesel fuel.
Emissions also contain far lower levels of the toxic contaminants typically
associated with diesel fuel. Life-cycle reductions in
carbon dioxide are also significant. In addition, biodiesel has only trace amounts of
sulfur, resulting in significant reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions,
which contribute to the development of acid rain. Emission reductions are
achieved without the need for additional emissions control equipment, but
biodiesel is compatible with such equipment in new diesel engines or
after-market equipment, such as particulate filters, installed on older
diesel vehicles. Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic. As a result, biodiesel poses
minimal concerns related to soil and water contamination. The percentage of biodiesel used
in a blend will effect the extent of these benefits.
Safety characteristics: Biodiesel has a
higher flash point than gasoline and petroleum diesel and does not produce explosive
vapors, making it one of the safest fuels to use, handle and store. In addition, because it is biodegradable and non-toxic, biodiesel does not pose
the soil and water contamination concerns associated with gasoline and diesel fuels. The
percentage of biodiesel used in a blend well effect these characteristics.
Availability: Biodiesel is available in
the Puget Sound region. In fact, numerous producers and marketers of
biodiesel are capable of supplying biodiesel almost anywhere in the country.
Economics: Fuel prices vary significantly
depending on the feedstock and shipping costs. In Puget Sound, neat biodiesel (B100)
is currently selling at retail for over $3.00 per gallon, with a B20 blend
averaging 15 to 20
cents per gallon more than petroleum diesel. Despite the higher
cost, many are finding biodiesel to be the least-cost-means to address
vehicle emissions, particularly emissions from existing vehicles.
Biodiesel may also be a lower cost means of complying with the mandates of EPAct.
Additional considerations: In
general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum
diesel can be used for biodiesel. However there are a few issues that
should be addressed in certain circumstances:
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Like
all diesel fuels, biodiesel can gel at low temperatures.
For biodiesel blends, precautions beyond those employed for
diesel are not needed. Additional precautions may be
warranted with pure biodiesel, such as utilization of
insulation, fuel heaters or other measures for storage thanks
and storage of vehicle in or near a building.
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Biodiesel
can be stored about the same length of time as diesel.
Additives are recommended when storing biodiesel longer then 6
months.
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Biodiesel
has a solvent effect which may release deposits on tank walls
and pipes. Cleaning tanks prior to use or inspecting fuel
filters during the initial phase of use are recommended.
This affect is reduced when using biodiesel blends.
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Natural
rubbers can be degraded by 100 percent biodiesel, so its use in
older engines may require replacement of seals in fuel systems
with synthetic materials. Such precautions are generally
not needed with biodiesel blends.
Washington State provides tax incentives to encourage the development of in-state
production facilities, distribution services and retail sales
facilities for biodiesel fuel.
Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition strategies: The
biodiesel market has developed rapidly in recent years. Numerous fleets,
government and private, are using biodiesel, most as a 20% blend (B20) with
either standard diesel or with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Individuals are
also a significant element in the biodiesel market, obtaining the fuel through
public access stations or through neighborhood co-ops. Biodiesel is recognized
by many for its beneficial properties, including its relative ease of
implementation and use, reduced emissions, and domestic production. There is
also the potential for significant economic benefits with in-state production
facilities and the growth of feedstocks by the agricultural communities.
The following strategies will guide
the work of the Coalition in this area:
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Work to secure in-state production facility(ies). Continue to work with those interested in developing production facilities. Facilitate communication with key parties, such as economic development offices and those involved in permitting. Continue to demonstrate current and potential biodiesel market demand.
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Coordinate with agricultural community on the production of biodiesel
feedstocks.
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Increase distribution and fuel station network: Establish additional biodiesel supplies from marketers or producers to create competition. Work with owners of cardlock stations. Host educational forums with current cardlock fleet customers in order to encourage fleet use of biodiesel and thus have some guarantee of biodiesel sales for the station operator. Increase public access stations. Support the continued development of co-ops.
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Increase use in all markets (for example: on-road, marine, construction equipment, generators): Focus on B100, B20 and as low-level (1 to 2%) blend, and as lubricity additive in ultra-low sulfur diesel. Continue meeting with state agencies to discuss alternative fuels, with additional education concerning House Bill 1242, which encourages state agencies to use B20. Work to get biodiesel on the state contract. Coordinate with state agencies, such as University of Washington and the Washington State Ferries. Monitor, and assist as needed, in the implementation of House Bill 1243’s School District Biodiesel Pilot Program.
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Continue to provide education via website, workshops, and vehicle displays.
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Provide technical assistance to companies/consumers wanting to use and/or store biodiesel: Explore potential of Tiger Team assistance in developing WA State specific handling and use
guidelines.
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Partner with other biodiesel interest groups, such as NW Biodiesel Network, Pacific NW Biofuels Network and others.
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Coordinate with EPA workgroup on aggregated purchasing of biodiesel by the federal fleets in the NW region.
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Financial Assistance: Explore use of SEP funds for fuel stations and other opportunities such as CO2 mitigation funds.
Additional Resources:
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The U.S.
Department of Energy provides additional information on
biodiesel.
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National
Biodiesel Board The NBB is the national
trade association representing the
biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in
the United States. The NBB website offers detailed information about biodiesel
fuel, current biodiesel users, access to numerous reports, and updates on
federal legislation affecting biodiesel and biodiesel users.
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World Energy
is the largest marketer of biodiesel in the United States. The company provides
guaranteed national delivery, handles all tax, storage and hauling logistics
and pre-blends its fuel for its customers.
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Spokane
County Conservation District The SCCD has been investigating the
agricultural and economic feasibility of biodiesel production in the
state, particularly the potential benefits to Spokane County. The
District also operates the 'Clean Green Bio Machine', a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle powered by
a
turbo diesel engine and fueled with 100% biodiesel. The 'Bio
Machine' or 'Bio Bug' is part of the District's educational efforts to help
increase awareness of biodiesel and its positive impacts on the
environment and public health.
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Custom
Fuel Comparison Tools The Department of Energy provides a
variety of tools that allow users to select fuels and compare their
properties side-by-side.
Documents to Download:
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Biodiesel: The Clean Alternative to Diesel Fuel
A fact sheet developed by the Puget Sound Clean Cities
Coalition that answers the most common questions about biodiesel,
including How is Biodiesel Used? Does biodiesel affect fuel economy
or engine performance? Are there any special handling or safety
considerations?
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Biodiesel Handling and Use
Guidelines A field guide for biodiesel
users and distributors, with information on biodiesel quality, blending,
storage, safety, and incentives. Available in hardcopy from the Alternative Fuels Data
Center at 800-423-1363.
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Biodiesel: On the Road to Fueling the
Future Provides information on biodiesel lubricity, formulation, and handling,
as well as success stories. Prepared by the National Biodiesel
Board. Hardcopies available by calling 573-635-3893.
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Biodiesel Offers a Better Alternative to
Petroleum Diesel
An overview of the technology, economics and health
and environmental advantages of using biodiesel, plus success stories.
Hardcopies available from the Alternative Fuels Data Center at 800-423-1363.
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Reporting
Biodiesel Fuel Use Credits This fact
sheet from the U.S. Department of Energy provides details on how covered fleets
can meet their Energy Policy Act (EPAct) alternative fuel vehicle purchase
requirements through the use of biodiesel.
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Biofuels
for Your State
A 4-page overview of
the economic and environmental benefits of building ethanol and
biodiesel industries in your state and increasing the use of these
fuels. Information provided includes benefits to agricultural
sectors, job creation, benefits in greenhouse gas and air pollution
reduction, and resources for additional information.
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Frequently
Ask Questions About Biodiesel in Underground Storage Tanks
This focus sheet, developed by the Washington State
Department of Ecology, provides information on: what is biodiesel,
how do Washington's Underground Storage Tank Regulations apply, what
if you change the use of a tank, and who to contact.
Picture Credits: 1)
Biodiesel reduces the soot associated with diesel exhaust (World Energy); 2) Soybeans are a common feedstock for biodiesel (Bob Allen);
3) 1982 International 10-ton dump truck fueled by biodiesel at Pictured Rocks
National Lakeshore (National Biodiesel Board); 4) Transit bus powered by
biodiesel made from soybeans (Nebraska Soybean Board); 5) Utility vehicle operating on biodiesel (National Biodiesel Board);
6) Tanker fueling
with biodiesel (National Biodiesel Board).
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