Biodiesel  
 
 

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel source made from vegetable oils, animal fats or used cooking oils.  Biodiesel is non-toxic, biodegradable and cleaner burning than petroleum diesel.  It is not a new fuel source.  In fact, the first diesel engine was originally designed to operate on peanut oil. 

Pure, or neat, biodiesel is called B100 (100-percent biodiesel) and can be blended with conventional diesel at various concentrations, typically between B5 (5-percent biodiesel, 95-percent conventional diesel) and B20 (20-percent biodiesel, 80-percent conventional diesel) in conventional diesel fuel. 

 

Key points for biodiesel include:

  • Biodiesel blends up to 5% are allowed under warranty for all newer vehicles.
  • Vehicles can switch from diesel to lower blends of biodiesel (up to B20) without worry, but because biodiesel is a solvent, fuel filters should be changed within two weeks of starting to use biodiesel.
  • Biodiesel use reduces most pollutant emissions and because it is made from plants or animals and represents a lifecycle net reduction in greenhouse emissions.
     

Benefits of Biodiesel:

Biodiesel is cleaner burning than petroleum diesel, thereby reducing vehicle emissions, including unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.  Depending on the feedstock, over its lifecycle B100 can provide a 64 to 92-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from domestic agriculture products or residue from agro-industry, including tallow, non-food grade virgin oils and surplus crops.  Therefore, biodiesel reduces dependence on imported oil, generates new markets for local industry, and diverts residue previously destined for landfills.

     
   
     
 
 
 
 
 

Vehicle Availability:

Any diesel engine can operate on low-level blends of biodiesel (B5 or less) and most engines can operate up to a B20 level with no modifications to their engine or fueling systems.  Pure or ‘neat’ biodiesel (B100) can also be used in most new vehicles, however some engine modifications may be required to avoid maintenance and performance issues.  If you are operating a vehicle covered by a warranty, it is recommended you consult your engine warranty or contact the original engine manufacturer (OEM) prior to using blends above a B5 level. 

     
   
     

Biodiesel is a mild solvent.  In high-concentrations it will dissolve sediment that has accumulated in the fuel system, requiring more frequent replacement of fuel filters and fuel system components.  This is especially true when using biodiesel in older or poorly maintained equipment where thick layers of sludge and sediment have built up.  Fuel filters trap the majority of the sediment, however in severe cases, the dissolved residue may cause problems with the vehicle’s fuel injector.  The solvency of B20 is fairly dilute, decreasing the incidence of major problems with blends of 20% or lower.  

In addition, due to its solvency, higher blends (above B20) may degrade fuel system components made of natural rubber, nitrile, polypropylene, polyvinyl, or Tygon materials, such as fuel gaskets, seals and hoses.  Most vehicles manufactured after 1993 contain components that are compatible with biodiesel.    However, if you plan on using a B20 or higher blend in your vehicle, it is recommended that you contact your original engine manufacturer to determine if any engine modifications are required. 

 
 
 

Vehicle Availability:

Currently there are no retail fuelling stations for biodiesel in Manitoba.

 

Performance:

Biodiesel is an excellent lubricant and when blended with petroleum diesel, even in small quantities, it can reduce engine wear and extend the life of the engine and its components.  Biodiesel also has a higher cetane rating than petroleum diesel, which can improve starting and decrease smoke emissions.  

The energy content of pure biodiesel is roughly 10-percent less than petroleum diesel, meaning that you need 1.1 volumetric units of biodiesel for every 1.0 volumetric unit of conventional diese.  For a B20 blend, for example, the energy content would be only 2-percent less than its petroleum counterpart. 

As mentioned above, biodiesel is a mild solvent.  At higher concentrations, this fuel will clean out the fuel system.  In extreme cases, the sediment flushed out by the biodiesel can cause fuel injector failure.  Similarly, at high level blends (greater than B20) fuel hoses and pump seals may be negatively impacted. The potential for such problems is greater with high blends and older equipment.  All diesel fuels are prone to gelling in cold temperatures.  In the winter months, precautionary measures should be taken to reduce cold flow problems, including switching to a lower-level blend.