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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Storage Stability of 50% Biodiesel Blends and Neat Biodiesel Produced in North America

This study investigated aging of two petroleum diesel, seven B100, three B20 blends, and 14 B50 blends representing the full range of fuels in the North American market for 12-weeks at 43 degrees Celsius under the ASTM D4625 accelerated aging protocol. Twelve-weeks under D4625 aging represents approximately 12 months of storage time in clean, dry conditions. Samples were taken every two weeks for measurement of Rancimat induction period (IP), peroxide content, and TAN; and total insoluble were measured at the end of the 12-week test.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Re-additization of commercial biodiesel blends during long-term storage

Commercial biodiesel blends were aged at 43 degrees C while monitoring stability. The oxidation stability -- or oxidation reserve expressed as Rancimat induction period (IP) -- gradually decreased from its initial value. At a predetermined IP threshold, an antioxidant was used to restore IP to the ASTM D7467 specification minimum of 6 h, referred to as re-additization. At lower IP values, the amount of antioxidant required increased significantly, and the effectiveness tended to be reduced. Once IP fell to essentially zero, the acid content increased to above the allowable limit and insoluble material was also detected. Storage life was increased relative to the as-received fuels as evidenced by longer time to produce acids. Experience in the field may vary based on storage conditions; however, these results indicate re-additization can significantly increase storage life of biodiesel blends when used with regular monitoring of IP and acid number. An assessment of the storage stability of the as-received fuels showed that the initial IP did not predict storage behavior, although fuels above the specification minimum remained stable for >12 weeks accelerated aging (1 year simulated).

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Re-Additization of Commercial Biodiesel Blends During Long-Term Storage

Commercial biodiesel blends representative of the U.S. market were aged following procedure ASTM D4625, Standard Test Method for Middle Distillate Fuel Storage Stability at 43°C (110°F), with periodic monitoring of fuel properties indicative of oxidation. The oxidation stability—or oxidation reserve expressed as Rancimat induction period (IP)—gradually decreased from its initial value, as expected. At a predetermined IP threshold, an antioxidant was used to restore IP to the ASTM D7467 specification minimum of 6 six hours, referred to as re-additization. At lower IP values, the amount of antioxidant required increased significantly, and the effectiveness tended to be reduced. Once IP fell to essentially zero, the acid content increased to above the allowable limit. Insoluble material was detectable after the acid number increased out of specification. Storage life was increased with re-additization relative to the as-received fuels, as evidenced by longer time to produce acids. Experience in the field may vary based on storage conditions; however, these results indicate re-additization can significantly increase the storage life of biodiesel blends when used with regular monitoring of IP and acid number. An assessment of property changes during long-term storage showed the initial IP did not predict storage behavior, although fuels above the specification minimum remained stable for greater than 12 weeks of D4625 accelerated aging (1 one year simulated).

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Research to Address Technical Barriers to Expanded Markets for Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends (CRADA Final Report)

NREL and the Clean Fuels Alliance America (CFAA) will work cooperatively to assess the effects of biodiesel blends on the performance of modern diesel engines. This work will include research to understand the impact of biodiesel blends on the operation and durability of particle filters and NO x control sorbents/catalysts, to quantify the effect on emission control systems performance, and to understand effects on engine component durability. This research was performed at NREL Renewable Fuels and Lubricants (REFUEL) laboratory (an engine testing laboratory) as well as at third party labs paid directly by CFAA with NREL as part of the project management team. Also, research to develop appropriate ASTM standards for biodiesel quality and stability was conducted in NREL’s bench scale fuel chemistry laboratory. The cooperative project involved laboratory testing and research at NREL using biodiesel from a variety of sources and in collaboration with a broad range of other stakeholders. In addition, NREL will work with NBB to set up an Industrial Steering Committee to design the scope for the various tasks and to provide technical oversight to these projects. NREL and NBB will cooperatively communicate the study results to as broad an audience as possible. This research benefits the public by expanding markets for a domestically produced low-carbon intensity fuel for use in diesel engines.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Metals Analysis of Biodiesel Blends

The goal of this study was to compare metals analysis methods for biodiesel blends. Thirty-five B20 samples were collected from public stations and private fleets throughout the United States. All samples were analyzed for blend content and critical properties under the ASTM D7467 specification. Although not part of the specification, metals content, specifically Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P, is becoming an increasingly larger concern for industry. This study compared the metals content of the B20 samples using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) methods. All three techniques showed improvements over the current detection limits of 1 ppm for Na, K, Ca, and Mg, and 5 ppm for P. Some differences were found between methods, but agreement was generally acceptable at the very low levels present in these samples. The MP-AES technique showed good promise for future development for this type of analysis.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Consumer Guide to Biodeisel

Learn about biodiesel fuel and how, when combined with vehicles with diesel engines, it can be a green transportation choice. This fact sheet from Energy Saver also includes information on biodiesel blends, biodiesel performance, and downsides of biodiesel.

biodiesel, vehicles, transportation, diesel engine↗
DOE OSTI2017

Biodiesel Basics

This fact sheet (updated for 2017) provides a brief introduction to biodiesel, including a discussion of biodiesel blends, which blends are best for which vehicles, where to buy biodiesel, how biodiesel compares to diesel fuel in terms of performance, the difference between biodiesel and renewable diesel, how biodiesel performs in cold weather, whether biodiesel use will plug vehicle filters, how long-term biodiesel use may affect engines, biodiesel fuel standards, and whether biodiesel burns cleaner than diesel fuel. The fact sheet also dismisses the use of vegetable oil as a motor fuel.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Biodiesel Basics

This fact sheet (updated for 2017) provides a brief introduction to biodiesel, including a discussion of biodiesel blends, which blends are best for which vehicles, where to buy biodiesel, how biodiesel compares to diesel fuel in terms of performance, the difference between biodiesel and renewable diesel, how biodiesel performs in cold weather, whether biodiesel use will plug vehicle filters, how long-term biodiesel use may affect engines, biodiesel fuel standards, and whether biodiesel burns cleaner than diesel fuel. The fact sheet also dismisses the use of vegetable oil as a motor fuel.

biodiesel, blends, B5, B2, B100, B20, ASTM D975, A↗
DOE OSTI2023

Statistical Treatise on Critical Biodiesel (B100) Quality Properties in the United States from 2004-2022

The quality of neat biodiesel (B100) is critical for ensuring biodiesel blends used in diesel-powered vehicles do not adversely impact engine performance. In the United States, B100 is required to meet ASTM International's purity and fuel property requirements in D6751, "Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels." Here we review the development of this standard for the different grades of B100. The BQ-9000 program, which currently covers over 90% of U.S. and Canadian production volumes, is also described. Engine and original equipment manufacturers have expressed a desire for credible, third-party data on values of various ASTM B100 properties in the commercial market to inform their efforts to address future emissions and durability requirements. To address this need, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory published data from analysis and testing of monthly samples from BQ-9000 producers from calendar years 2017-2022, resulting in 300-500 data points (i.e., individual fuel samples) per year. These data and a statistical evaluation of properties including the average, mean, standard deviation, and 95th or 5th percentile are presented. The results show very consistent and high-quality B100 produced in this time frame. Additionally, we review the results of earlier quality surveys conducted in the United States between 2004 and 2011, revealing how quality has changed over time in response to ASTM standard revisions, as well as the significant overall improvement in quality for modern biodiesel production.

ASTM standard↗
DOE OSTI2023

Decarbonization of Liquid Heating Fuels

Annually, residential and commercial buildings use about 5 billion gallons (18.9 billion liters) of distillate fuel for space and water heating. There is considerable interest in decarbonizing these markets through a combination of heat pumps and a future, carbon-free grid. An alternate approach that offers rapid and cost effective decarbonization involves substitution of low-carbon biofuels for fossil fuels within this market. Heating fuel marketers in North America and Europe are aggressively moving to achieve market penetration of biofuels. Processes for this include fuel specification standards, development of manufacturer-approved burners and all system components, development of standards for equipment listing, installation code changes, and generation of performance data. There has been considerable progress in these areas and each of these are reviewed in this paper. Currently, the most important biofuel for this market is biodiesel with a U.S. production capacity of 2.4 billion gallons (9.1 billion liters) and approximately a 75% reduction in GHG emissions. The biodiesel industry has stated a vision for dramatic increases in biodiesel production over the next decades. Fuel and equipment standards are in place to enable use of biodiesel blends to 20% and this blend is now widely used. Standard changes to extend this to as high as 100% biodiesel are nearing completion. Several states have implemented requirements for minimum levels of biodiesel in heating oil with these levels increasing over time.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Influence of biodiesel decomposition chemistry on elastomer compatibility

Here, the compatibility of biodiesel blends with five common elastomers (acrylonitrile rubber or NBR, fluorocarbon, neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer or EPDM, and silicone) was assessed using Hansen solubility parameters. A solubility analysis was performed over the full diesel blend range and the model used methyl hydroperoxide, acetaldehyde, and formic acid to represent the decomposition products of biodiesel. An empirical study was also conducted to determine the efficacy of the approach to predict the volume swell of elastomers. This study included the influence of biodiesel with acetaldehyde and formic acid. The solubility model showed good agreement with measured volumes for fluorocarbon, neoprene, EPDM, and silicone. However, solubility curves for NBR did not reflect the measured volume changes, and therefore the solubility parameters used for NBR in this study are not considered reliable. The results showed that formic acid caused higher swelling in NBR, fluorocarbon, neoprene, and silicone than did acetaldehyde. For EPDM, the measured volume decreased with both biodiesel concentration and the addition of formic acid.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Water Contamination Impacts on Biodiesel Antioxidants and Storage Stability

Biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) can oxidize in storage to form acids and gums that negatively impact engine performance and durability. Antioxidant additives are used to increase biodiesel storage stability, and previous studies that evaluated the effectiveness of antioxidants demonstrated that more polar antioxidants tend to be the most effective (provide the largest improvement in stability per unit of antioxidant added). However, polar antioxidants have significant water solubility, and diesel fuel storage tanks are commonly contaminated with water (forming a layer of water under the fuel). This study investigates whether nonpolar antioxidants, which are less effective in dry environments, might be more effective under wet conditions simulating real-world storage. Biodiesel blends treated with polar and nonpolar antioxidants were subjected to accelerated aging using the ASTM D4625 protocol (storage at 43 °C, open to air, for up to 24 weeks) both with and without added water. Fuels treated with polar/higher-effectiveness compounds and stored in contact with water (simulating water in a storage tank) or high humidity showed accelerated loss of stability compared to dry storage. The same fuel treated with a nonpolar antioxidant and stored in the same conditions did not exhibit accelerated stability loss and thus had higher storage stability over the long term despite treatment with an initially less effective additive. Analysis of the fuels during aging showed that this loss of stability was not due to oxidation but rather extraction of the polar antioxidant into the water layer. Antioxidant additives that are incompatible with wet or humid storage conditions were found to cause faster-than-anticipated loss of stability, which was preventable with use of nonpolar additives.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Engineering Pseudomonas putida KT2440 for chain length tailored free fatty acid and oleochemical production

Abstract Despite advances in understanding the metabolism of Pseudomonas putida KT2440, a promising bacterial host for producing valuable chemicals from plant-derived feedstocks, a strain capable of producing free fatty acid-derived chemicals has not been developed. Guided by functional genomics, we engineered P. putida to produce medium- and long-chain free fatty acids (FFAs) to titers of up to 670 mg/L. Additionally, by taking advantage of the varying substrate preferences of paralogous native fatty acyl-CoA ligases, we employed a strategy to control FFA chain length that resulted in a P. putida strain specialized in producing medium-chain FFAs. Finally, we demonstrate the production of oleochemicals in these strains by synthesizing medium-chain fatty acid methyl esters, compounds useful as biodiesel blending agents, in various media including sorghum hydrolysate at titers greater than 300 mg/L. This work paves the road to produce high-value oleochemicals and biofuels from cheap feedstocks, such as plant biomass, using this host.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Performance with Biodiesel Formulations

Biodiesel (i.e., mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils and animal fats) is a renewable diesel fuel providing life-cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions relative to petroleum-derived diesel. With the expectation that there would be widespread use of biodiesel as a substitute for ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), there have been many studies looking into the effects of biodiesel on engine and aftertreatment, particularly its compatibility to the current aftertreatment technologies. The objective of this study was to generate experimental data to measure the effectiveness of a current technology diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) to oxidize soy-based biodiesel at various blend levels with ULSD. Biodiesel blends from 0 to 100% were evaluated on an engine using a conventional DOC. In the steady-state performance test where fuel dosing rate was increased at fixed DOC inlet temperature, B20 performed similarly to ULSD at the lowest flow rate or exhaust temperature over 340 degrees C for medium and high flows. B50 blends performed nearly as well under most conditions. Higher blends exhibited reduced thermal efficiency and DOC outlet temperature with increasing dosing rate under most conditions and required exhaust temperatures over 400 degrees C to achieve or nearly achieve performance similar to ULSD. In the steady-state light of test where fuel dosing rate is fixed but exhaust temperature is increased incrementally, B20 generally performed similarly to ULSD at the highest inlet temperature, with only minor deficiencies at lower temperatures. Higher blends exhibited lower thermal efficiency and did not achieve as high DOC outlet temperatures. In the transient light-off test light-off temperature for ULSD was typically less than 225 degrees C, while for B100 it ranged from 290 degrees C to 330 degrees C. Based on the data set, it can be concluded that biodiesel fuels have a higher light-off temperature primarily because of their higher boiling points, with a minor secondary impact of their lower energy content.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2019

B20 to B100 Blends as Heating Fuels

Biodiesel is mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from naturally occurring oils or fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with traditional distillate type petroleum-based fuels such as diesel fuel or home heating oil (petrodiesel). Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel by volume contained in the blend (i.e.: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petrodiesel). Biodiesel offers a near-term opportunity to displace petroleum-based heating oil with a low carbon, renewable fuel. Biodiesel can be made from a variety of domestically produced oils and fats such as commonly available vegetable oils or animal fats as well as other oils such as used frying oils, reclaimed distillers corn oil from ethanol plants, algal oils, etc. In the US, about half the biodiesel is made from soybean oil, with the remainder about evenly split between canola oil, animal fats, used cooking oils, and distillers corn oil.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide: Sixth Edition

This document serves as background and a guide for those who blend, distribute, and/or use biodiesel and biodiesel blends. It provides basic information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel in compression ignition engines, home heating oil systems, boilers, and other applications. This guide is intended to help users, fleets, blenders, distributors, and others understand handling and use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Information on the environmental benefits of biodiesel is also provided.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗