04/19/23 1

Biodiesel Use in Engines

John Nowatzki

Extension Ag Machine Systems Specialist

North Dakota State University

204/19/23

Biodiesel Use in Engines Use in Engines Cold Weather Issues Warranties Emissions Storage

304/19/23

Biodiesel Fuel CharacteristicsBiodiesel

B100Biodiesel

B20Biodiesel

B5Petrodiesel

#2

BTU/gal 118,296 127,259 128,200 129,500

Cetane Number

55 50 48

CFPP(winter blend)

-10(winter blend)

-26(winter blend)

$ Value

(BTU content)

2.26 2.43 2.45 2.50

404/19/23

Biodiesel Use in Engines Petroleum diesel 140,000 Btu/gallon Biodiesel 130,000 Btu/gallon 1.1 Gallons of Biodiesel to do Same Work

504/19/23

Biodiesel Use in Engines Viscosity (Thickness)

Water - 1 cP (centipoise) Summer Blend Diesel - 3 cP Biodiesel - 5 cP Crude Vegetable Oil – 40 cP

Poor Atomization Deposits - Piston Rings, Valves and

Injectors.

604/19/23

Biodiesel Use in Engines Solvency

Removes Deposits in Fuel System Plug Fuel Filters Deposits to Accumulate in Fuel Tanks

704/19/23

Biodiesel Use in Engines Lubricity

Mix with Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel 1 % with No. 2 Diesel 2 % with No. 1 Diesel

804/19/23

Cold Weather Issues Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) Cloud Point

Soybean Biodiesel ~ +30° F No. 1 Diesel ~ -35° F

When Biodiesel Nears the Cloud Point: Anti-gel Additives or No. 1 Diesel Fuel-Line or In-Tank Heaters Insulate Fuel Lines and Filters Store Equipment in Heated Buildings

904/19/23

Engine Warranties B5 Blends ASTM Standards

1004/19/23

Engine Emissions Generally Fewer Harmful Emissions

Hydrocarbon - 67 percent less Particulate Matter and Carbon Monoxide

48 percent less Nitrogen Oxide – 10 percent more Carbon Dioxide – 60 percent Less

1104/19/23

Storing Biodiesel

6-12 Months Cold Storage – Big Problem! High Solvency – Loosens Tank Deposits Prevent Water Contamination Store in Dark Conditions Analyze if Stored for Longer Period

1204/19/23

Summary

Excellent Fuel for Diesel Engines 8 % Less Energy Fewer Harmful Emissions Higher Viscosity Some Solvency Problems Good Lubricating Qualities Serious Cold Weather Issues

1304/19/23

More Information

John NowatzkiExtension Ag Machine Systems Specialist

North Dakota State University

Telephone: 701-231-8213

Email: John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu

http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/energy_efficiency