I've been reading about the "B" numbers, but really don't understand what they mean. What is "B100" and "B20"? What is better for an older vehicle, or with high milage?

Thanks in advance.

 

The number after the "B" is the percentage of Biodiesel: B-100=100% biodiesel, B-20=20% biodiesel. The higher the percent of Bio the better your diesel will run.

I use B-100 in every diesel on my farm except in winter when I use B-80 because of the higher cloud and gell point. I have a 91 Dodge Cummins with over 500,000 miles on it and it loves the stuff! I also use it in a 1948 HD-6 Dozer with over 16,000hrs on it and it too runs great. It takes out the "diesel-rattle" and runs much smoother too.

FABMANDELUX.

 

Thanks! Now I understand the rating system, but why isn't all the Bio 100%? Is it a money issue? Does B100 cost more than lesser percentages? What is the Bio cut with, regular Diesel?

Thanks!

 

There are a couple of reasons that blends are more readily available than B-100.

First.
No engine maker recommends greater than B-5. That has to do with some still unanswered questions about the long term consequences of using BD, there just hasn't been enough research done to be certain it is safe for the engine. B-5 blend meets the current ASTM standard for regular (Petro based) diesel so engine makers consider it safe. Some engine makers will tacitly approve B-20 but warn that warantees will be void if any problems can be traced to the use of it. Standards are currently being developed aand research is in progress to answer these questions.

Second
BD has a higher "cloud point" than regular diesel, that means it will crystalize and start plugging up filters at a higher temperature, which can cause problems in colder parts of the country. This problem can be resolved by blending in some reg #2.

Third
The BD production capacity, in the US, is still in its infantile stage. It would be impossible for it to keep up with demand if everyone started using B-100.

Note
As clean air regs demand cleaner burning fuel you may see an acceleration in the use of BD. It decreases CO2 emissions, reduces particulate emissions, and it is extremely low sulphur yet lubricates better than high sulphur content fuel.

 

Thanks! So if all you could get was B100, would it be advisable to cut it with #2 by at least half?

 

Cutting it is not necessary. Fabman and several others here run B-100 except in cold weather then switch to B-80.

I am in the process of assembling my reactor when I get done I will probably run a blend just so I dont have to spend all my spare time making BD.

 

Bingo. I'll start with B50 simply because it doubles my production. One 25 - 30 gallon batch of bioD becomes a 55 gallon barrel of B50. Two batches (definitely do-able in a weekend) makes two barrels - enough to keep me going for almost a month. My reactor is finished; gotta get the washer/dryer setup assembled. Hope to have all this completed this weekend. Be kinda cool to run the first batch thru on Memorial Day.

 

Ok, over the past few days since I originally posted this question I have noticed guys talking about all kinds of different numbers. Like someone was talking about B99, B24, B25, etc. Why all the different ratios? I mean, why would someone or company go to the trouble of making B99 when they could just go all the way? I understand the "need" for a B5 if that's what the manufacturer will approve of, but why all the different (and sometimes so little difference) numbers??

Perplexed!

 

Several reasons, availibility of Biodiesel to mix with dino-diesel being the biggest. Followed by the $1.00/gal Fed rebate to the "blender" of anything less than B-100. No Fuel company in their right mind would sell B-100 at $3.00/gal when they can sell B-99 for $3.00/ gal and get $.99 back from the Fed Gov!

FABMANDELUX.

 

Ahhh!!!! Of coirse, POLITICS!! I should have known. So then, as you say, "no fuel company in their right mind" would sell B100 for the same price as B99, since they wouldn't get their "rebate" from the feds. Is the B100 people speak of really B99, or is it sold at a much higher price to offset the "loss" of not getting the federal money?

 

B100 refers to the home made unblended stuff