IK1200011 - Biodiesel Fuels

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IK1200011
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Created: 12/13/2006
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Title: Biodiesel Fuels
Applies To: Biodiesel Fuels
DESCRIPTION
This TSI applies to all diesel engines, except Green Diesel Technology (ultra low sulfur fuel
only).
Biodiesels are methyl or ethyl esters derived from a broad variety of renewable sources such
as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oils. They are oxygenated organic
compounds that can be used in compression ignition engines because some of their key
properties are comparable to those of diesel fuel. Soy Methyl Ester (SME) is the most common
compound used to make biodiesel within the United States.
Biodiesel (neat biodiesel) may be blended with petroleum-based diesel fuel. Such biodiesel
blends are designated as BXX, where XX represents the percentage of pure biodiesel
contained within the blend (e.g., B5, B20, and B100).
Depending on biomass feedstock and the processes used to produce the fuel, the fuel should
meet the requirements of either ASTM D 6751 or an approved European specification, such as
CEN 14214.
International 's stated opinion on the use of biodiesel follows the official position of the Engine
Manufacturers Association (EMA) on biodiesel fuel. Refer to the following web site for further
information (www.enginemanufacturers.org).

Low Biodiesel Blends (up to 5%)

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IK1200011 - Biodiesel Fuels

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The properties of these blends are within diesel specification limits and meet the ASTM D975
Diesel Standard. All blends up to B5 biodiesel should not cause engine or fuel system
problems. International Truck and Engine Corporation will warranty engines using fuels up to
and including the B5 blend.

Higher Biodiesel Blends (greater than 5%)
The characteristics of higher biodiesel blends are not within ASTM D975 diesel specifications.
A blend of 20% biodiesel and diesel fuel (B20) is typically used in commercial fleets that are
subject to environmental concerns in the urban environment. Work is underway within ASTM
to issue a specification for B20. Until then, the user must rely on the fuel supplier to properly
blend the components and insure quality.
B100 (neat biodiesel) is generally not recommended for use in engines. Special uses of B100
are considered (such as in National Parks), but these are the exception from common
commercial applications. B100 biodiesel costs more than diesel fuel and its availability is
limited.
International Truck and Engine Corporation's stated warranty policy does not deny warranty
coverage solely for the use of higher biodiesel blends, but only if the failure is attributed to
higher biodiesel blends.

Engine Performance and Durability of B100 and High Biodiesel Blends
Maximum power output using B100 is reduced by 5 - 7%.
 Low temperature viscosity of biodiesel is higher than viscosity of diesel fuel and some flow
impairment may occur in fuel filter and lines.
 Elastomers and various seal materials may harden or swell. Sealing materials must be
monitored when using biodiesel blends, especially in older engines.
 Thermal and oxidative stability of biodiesel blends is inferior to that of diesel fuel. In general,
fleets fueled by B20 must consume their fuel blend inventory within a 6 month period.
 Water separation efficiency when operating with higher biodiesel blends is inferior to that of
conventional diesel fuel. This may lead to corrosion of engine fuel supply and fuel injection
hardware. Furthermore, water may combine with biodiesel Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) to
create acids that greatly accelerate corrosion.
 The use of higher biodiesel blends may reduce the engine oil service life and drain interval.
Oil sampling and analysis may be used to determine the effect on engine oil service life.


Fuel Tank Care
Any residue or microbial growth in the tank will compound with the use of biodiesel. This can
cause serious plugging of filters and deposits in the fuel system. Fuel tanks should be
thoroughly cleaned and dried before operating with any biodiesel blends. Adding biocides will
help minimize growth.

Engine Emissions
The use of biodiesel blends may reduce smoke visibility and particulate emissions, which are

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of special concern for older diesel engines used in urban environments that do not meet EPA
quality standards. Biodiesel blends can achieve some reduction in HC (hydrocarbons) and CO
(carbon monoxide) emissions, due to the presence of oxygen in the fuel, however tend to
increase NO X (oxides of nitrogen).
In new low emission engines, the use of biodiesel does not have a practical emission reduction
benefit.
Statistical information about the effect of biodiesel blends on catalytic exhaust after treatment
devices is not yet known.

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