Ecofuels Canada: Fueling Change

Join the Co-op

Blended Refueling

fuel flexibility
B100 is completely miscible with petroleum diesel at various blends (ie. B2, B5, B20) at several key points in your fueling value-chain. Your biodiesel integration strategy must fit your current and future needs while remaining cost effective. We custom develop your comprehensive biodiesel integration strategy based on fueling needs, operational goals, budget constraints and future flexibility.

taxes, incentives & policies
Biodiesel portions of a blend are exempt from federal excise tax, and the BC provincial road-tax in blends between B5 and B50. Detailed records surrounding fueling ratios and quantities should be kept for provincial tax reporting purposes.

blending methods
Each method of blending and the required infrastructure has many positives and negatives. Storage equipment, biodiesel feedstock(s), blending & delivery options should be considered together to optimize existing infrastructure. Cold weather temperature ranges for all blend stocks, storage equipment and transport may influence blending infrastructure and blend ratio decisions.

blending tips

Know the cloud point of biodiesel and petroleum diesel blend stocks
B100 should not be kept in a truck over night prior to delivery for blending
Commercial additives available to lower the cloud point of the petroleum diesel blend stock are recommended in cold weather
It may be necessary to heat the biodiesel and petroleum diesel
Test for water in all tanks storing biodiesel, petroleum-diesel and blends using commercially available tests
Ensure tanks are free of contaminants prior to blending
Do not blend fuels that are not accompanied by a COA
Filter blended fuel to at least 10-microns (consider 1-micron)

blending & supply

play movie »

transportation guidelines
B100 should be transported in a way that avoids contamination, and assures adequate temperature threshold in cold climate conditions. Biodiesel blends should be transported according to conventional diesel best practices. We provide transportation procedures and checklists upon request.

transportation tips

Proper inspection and washout certificates should arrive with the tank
Trucks and railcars should be made of aluminum, carbon steel or stainless steel
Check composition of previous load. Certain residuals may not be acceptable (food products, raw vegetable oil, gasoline, lubricants)
Hoses and seals are clean and B100 compatible (ie. Viton or Teflon-Coated not Nitril, Rubber)
Samples should be taken from the transport vehicle for retention and later testing, if required.
Insulation or heating method(s) should be determined for transport during winter months
COA should meet D6751
MSDS should be no more than 3 months old

handling, storage and stability
Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, Teflon, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and most fiberglass. In all blends, close attention should be paid to solvency, stability and filtration techniques. Blends of B20 and less can be stored according to the same guidelines for petroleum diesel. e recommend viton or Teflon-lined transfer hoses. Cold weather properties also need to be taken into consideration when discussing storage tanks. Experts should be consulted to provide ongoing quality assurance and best practices guidelines.

B100 meeting ASTM D6751 can be stored safely for up to six months. Blends of B2, B5 and B20 can be stored longer. Any fuel stored for over six months may warrant the use of antioxidant additives, and should be tested periodically for acid number, viscosity and sediments. We recommend monthly quality assurance practices.

B5 & B20 handling & storage

play movie »