I just got out of a seminar mainly on the future of biodiesel and ULSD. A scientist/representative from a local bio plant in Iowa came to discuss where the future of biodiesel might be taking us. He had some very interesting news on the bio side:

Firstly, he was sure that the cold temps that will be seen during the winter months will threaten the representation of the fuel. We already have problems with it jelling now, but mix in ULSD (which already has problems in cold temps) and it will be close to a nightmare.

That part I'd believe. We don't any % of bio in the winter because it is too much of a pain.

Secondly, this gentleman stated that most of the bio plants fail to meet the standard for quality fuel and that those fuels are (may be) unresponsive to additives. He did not state which plants did not meet the (BQ9000?) standards.

He also said that #1 will pretty much be extinct because it does not meet the ULSD mandate.

Another fact that I thought was interesting that I didn't know was that it takes approx 4% increased volume to get the same energy as D2, but it evens out because bio has better combustion characteristics. (I guess I'm defending the assumption like its not like ethanol).

I wish I would have written down the facts because he had actual number on this stuff. Its been a long day so correct me if I'm wrong on any of this stuff. It is interesting so I thought I'd pass along to ya guys.

 

Did he say what they planned to do to replace D1? Without it it would pretty much shut the whole country down in the winter due to all the stalled diesel engines.

 

He did not answer that directly. However, he mentioned something about Jet (A)? fuel that does not meet the reccomended sulfer level for planes and said that it is exempt to some degree.

He mentioned how Minn. established the rule saying bio had to be used in all trucks up there and it caused a ton of problems for people.

IL was smart and gave farmers the the tax break if the used 10% or more..

The government can't go back now on ULSD.. people would pry line up all over the capital.

This was his opinion too.. but its very reliable.

 

I can see it now Kwik, diesel prohibition, and "fuel runners"

 

I'm sure someone from Minn could chime in and tell us if that problem up there really existed.

 

Hey FARM69 check this sight out www.technol.com they have a product called B-100 they claim lowers the cloud point 30degrees. FABMANDELUX on the alternative fuel site is going to run some tests on this product might be worth checking on. I live in southern Indiana and am using B100 that I make so I will be looking for results from fabman on the technol product. Jeep1947