Bio Diesel+Cold Weather=Cheaper Fuel???

[JCrockett]

With the recent rise in fuel prices, I know some are looking towards biodiesel. I raised this question in another thread but it was never addressed. How well does the Biodiesel work in cold weather? Do we need to install heaters in the tanks, fuel lines, etc. to be able to operate in below zero temps? I am thinking about trying to make some, (I have a co-worker that is a chemist and he drives a PSD). But if it will not work in cold weather or need a lot of heat to work it may not be worth the effort, cost of heating the tank, etc. My truck stays in a heated garage so that is a plus, but if we go on a trip and it is -20 and the truck is out overnight your screwed.

anyone have experieced with cold weather biodiesel?

Thanks

 

[jelvington]

I don't know if you have seen this site but there are different test results here for questions like you have. I don't have a problem with the cold temps here, but I am going to be getting my first tank of Bio either today or tommorow.

 

[BPINE]

Bio does have a problem with cold weather and for now until there is a better way you will have to blend in the winter. There is a place in Colorado that says there Bio is Ok at - temps but I have heard bad things about it.

 

[NLamke]

I don't remember the exact numbers, but from what I've read, comparing bio and straight #2, bio has about a 10 to 20 degree disadvantage depending on the site. Looking into wether or not we can use any type of additive right now.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

This additive from Power Service is supposed to lower a B20 gel point. If you guys know where to buy it (online or chain store) let me know.



http://www.powerservice.com/arcticexp_bd_antigel_app.asp



I believe B100 has a cloud point of about 30°. There is nothing you can add to change this.

 

[MLee]

I don't remember the exact numbers, but from what I've read, comparing bio and straight #2, bio has about a 10 to 20 degree disadvantage depending on the site. Looking into wether or not we can use any type of additive right now.

The site I read yesterday, figure 10* above the clouding of #2 for the bio. as of yet they are still working on a usable solution for winter usage.

Are there additives added to HHO to control the gelling? or are these tanks set in the ground and this acts as insulation?

Marv.

 

[Headshot zod]

The easiest solution for running biodiesel in the winter, particularily B100 will be the 2 tank system like the waste veggie oil guys use. What you can also do is mix and max batches of biodiesel of varying percentages with additives and put it in your freezer and see what happens. This would be a great weekend to do it so when it gets cold out you already have a solution.

 

[NLamke]

This additive from Power Service is supposed to lower a B20 gel point. If you guys know where to buy it (online or chain store) let me know.



http://www.powerservice.com/arcticexp_bd_antigel_app.asp



I believe B100 has a cloud point of about 30°. There is nothing you can add to change this.

There is a companay in Texas called Primrose and if you give them a call, they will fax you info sheets about 4032 and 4033 (two types of additives they make) and refer you to a dealer that stocks the additives. The info sheets show that B100 has cloud point = 32F and gel point = 20F and with the additive has cloud point 32F and gel point 0F. Not a huge step, but progress non the less. Anyways, I haven't researched this completely yet, but seems like a cost efficient step. I've seen additives that would raise the cost of b100 from $. 50/gal to $2. 50/gal. Primrose can be contacted @ 800-275-2772 in case anyone is interested. Here's a link to some interesting reading as well.



http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_winter.html

 

[soslow91]

Bio's cloud point is directly related to what you started with used veg oil will be partially hydrogenated (think crisco) and cloud sooner the less the oil was used and abused the lower the cloud point also different oils cloud at different temps so if you don't want to heat it be fussier about what you start with and do your homework but if its very cold where you live you will have to blend w/#2 or use an addative.