Complete Story
01/07/2008
Winter Temperatures Mean Special Care for Biodiesel Fuels
Ohio Soybean Council Provides Winterizing Tips to Ensure Optimum Performance of Biodiesel Blends
Contact:
Jamie Butts
Communications Director
614-476-3100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2008
Winter Temperatures Mean Special Care for Biodiesel Fuels
Ohio Soybean Council Provides Winterizing Tips to Ensure Optimum Performance of Biodiesel Blends
COLUMBUS, OH. Now that the cold-weather months have arrived in Ohio, it's time to take a little extra care with the soy biodiesel fuel that drives many of the state's trucks, tractors and farm equipment.
It's simply a fact that all diesel fuel petrodiesel and biodiesel. can gel in very cold temperatures, without proper handling. That's why diesel fuels call for certain precautions when it comes to storing, blending, and distributing in cold weather. A good way to approach winterizing with soy biodiesel is by following some of the commonly-known fuel-management techniques typically associated with petroleum diesel, for example blending with kerosene, using block and filter heaters and storing vehicles indoors.
"Soy biodiesel has been proven to be a great fuel in any weather, but it's important to remember that quality counts," explains Tom Fontana of the Ohio Soybean Council. "One of the most important steps to ensuring the quality of your soy biodiesel this winter, and any time of year, is to verify that you are working with a reputable producer or marketer of soy biodiesel who is BQ-9000 certified."
It's also important to be aware of how the cold temperatures affect fuel and fuel system components, such as filters, by knowing the "cold flow characteristics" of the particular diesel fuel you are using. Detailed information on these types of issues can be found at the Ohio Soybean Council website at http://www.soybiodiesel.org/. An informative Cold Weather Guidelines tech-sheet is also available for download from the site.
By following proper soy biodiesel storage and handling procedures throughout the cold winter months, users can continue enjoying the benefits of soy biodiesel, such as increased engine lubricity and reduced exhaust emissions.
Additional cold weather guidelines for biodiesel fuels can be found on the National Biodiesel Board's website at www.biodiesel.org/cold. For technical assistance and troubleshooting, call the NBB's hotline at 1-800-929-3437. Or, you may find some of your questions already answered on the site's FAQ section, titled Ask Ben, at www.biodiesel.org/askben/top10.
The time is right for soy biodiesel. Soy biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel that is made from soybeans, a domestic resource grown in Ohio. Soy biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications. It significantly cuts harmful environmental emissions, promotes greater energy independence, and boosts our economy. Ohio currently produces 45 million gallons of soy biodiesel each year. It is available from 150 soy biodiesel distributors and consumers can fill-up at more than 50 retail locations across the state.
Headquartered in Columbus, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by an 18-member volunteer farmer board, which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program. The program's primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting research and development projects through the investment of farmer-contributed funds.
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