Attention: TDR Forum Junkies i got this from work thought some of yo umight be interested
Cummins Position on the use of Biodiesel Fuel
Background
With increased interest in emissions and reducing the use of petroleum distillate based fuels, many governments and regulating bodies encourage the use of bio fuels. Biodiesel fuels should be considered experimental at this time. Governmental incentives and/or environmental legislation to use bio fuels may have an impact on the sales and use of Cummins engines. This document outlines Cummins criteria and parameters when using biodiesel fuel.
Biodiesel fuels are methyl/ethyl ester-based oxygenates derived from a broad variety of renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and cooking oils. Their properties are similar to diesel fuel, as opposed to gasoline or gaseous fuels, and thus are capable of being used in compression ignition engines. SME or SOME 'Soy Methyl Ester' Diesel is the most common biodiesel in the U. S. and is derived from soybean oil. Soy Diesel is a biodiesel/petrodiesel blend based on SME. RME 'Rape Methyl Ester' Diesel is the most common biodiesel in Europe and is derived from rapeseed oil. These fuels are collectively known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME).
Cummins test data on the operating effects of biodiesel fuels indicates that typically smoke, power, and fuel economy are all reduced. However, as there are no firm industry standards on the content and properties for bio fuels, consistency and predictability of biodiesel operation is not well documented. There are provisional specifications for FAME issued in Germany under DIN V 51 606, and also recently through ASTM, however these standards are under development and are subject to change.
Cummins certifies its engines using the prescribed EPA and European Certification Fuels. Cummins does not certify engines on any other fuel. It is the user's responsibility to use the correct fuel as recommended by the manufacturer and allowed by EPA or other local regulatory agencies. In the United States, the EPA allows use of only registered fuels for on-highway applications. The EPA has additional alternative fuel information at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain the proper local, regional, and/or national exemptions required for the use of biodiesel in any emissions regulated Cummins engine.
Warranty and the Use of Biodiesel Fuel in Cummins Engines
Cummins neither approves nor disapproves of the use of biodiesel fuel blends. There is a major difference between operating on pure (100% concentration) biodiesel fuels and biodiesel/petrodiesel fuel blends. Cummins is not in a position to evaluate the many variations of biodiesel fuels, and the long-term effects on performance, durability or emissions compliance of Cummins products. The use of biodiesel fuel does not affect Cummins materials and workmanship warranty. Failures caused by the use of biodiesel fuels or other fuel additives are not defects of Cummins parts or workmanship, and therefore would NOT covered by Cummins' warranty.
Given the current industry understanding of bio fuels and blending with quality diesel fuel, it would be expected that blending up to a 5% volume concentration should not cause serious problems. This is consistent with the position taken by worldwide fuel system manufacturers.
For customers intent on blending bio fuels above a 5% volume concentration, the following concerns represent what is currently known in the industry. Concentrations beyond 5% by volume could have an adverse affect on the engine's performance and the fuel system integrity/durability. The affects are more serious with increasing concentration levels. Areas of concern when operating with biodiesel fuels include low temperature operability (fuel gelation, filter plugging), heat content (poor fuel economy), and storage and thermal stability (filter plugging, injector deposits). In addition, from our fuel systems suppliers, the following issues are also noted: swelling and hardening/cracking of some elastomer seals within the fuel system/engine, corrosion of fuel system and engine hardware - especially aluminum and zinc, solid particle blockage of fuel nozzles and passages, filter plugging, injector coking, higher injection pressures due to physical flow properties - reduced fuel system life, added stress and heat to injection components - especially rotary fuel pumps - increased pump seizures and early life failures, poor fuel spray atomization - reduced fuel economy, poor lubricity - reduced service life of fuel pump/system. Pure biodiesel fuel is not stable and its acid content increases over time which can damage powder metal components.
Operational Factors to Consider:
The oil change interval can be affected by the use of biodiesel fuel. End users are advised to use oil sampling to monitor the engine oil condition and to determine the optimum oil change interval. Pure biodiesel fuel can cause a chemical reaction with lube oil resulting in oil sludging. Biodiesel provides approximately 5-7% less energy per gallon of fuel when compared to distillate fuels. To avoid engine problems when the engine is converted back to 100% distillate diesel fuel, do not change the engine rating to compensate for the power loss when operated with biodiesel fuels.
Elastomer compatibility with biodiesel is still being monitored. The condition of seals, hoses, gaskets, and wire coatings should be monitored regularly. Biodiesel fuels may pose low ambient temperature problems for both storage and operation. At low ambient temperatures, fuel may need to be stored in a heated building or a heated storage tank. The fuel system may require heated fuel lines, filters, and tanks. Filters may plug and fuel in the tank may solidify at low ambient temperatures if precautions are not taken. Consult your biodiesel supplier for assistance in the blending and attainment of the proper cloud point fuel. Biodiesel has poor oxidation stability, which can result in long term storage problems. The poor oxidation stability qualities may accelerate fuel oxidation in the fuel system. This is especially true in engines with electronic fuel systems because they operate at higher temperatures. Consult the fuel supplier for oxidation stability additives. Biodiesel fuel is an excellent medium for microbial growth. Microbes cause fuel system corrosion and premature filter plugging. The effectiveness of conventional anti-microbial additives, when used in biodiesel is not known. Consult your fuel and additive supplier for assistance. Care must be taken to remove water from fuel tanks. Water accelerates microbial growth. Water is naturally more prevalent in biodiesel fuels than in distillate fuels.
Copyright© 2001
Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
All rights reserved
Cummins Position on the use of Biodiesel Fuel
Background
With increased interest in emissions and reducing the use of petroleum distillate based fuels, many governments and regulating bodies encourage the use of bio fuels. Biodiesel fuels should be considered experimental at this time. Governmental incentives and/or environmental legislation to use bio fuels may have an impact on the sales and use of Cummins engines. This document outlines Cummins criteria and parameters when using biodiesel fuel.
Biodiesel fuels are methyl/ethyl ester-based oxygenates derived from a broad variety of renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and cooking oils. Their properties are similar to diesel fuel, as opposed to gasoline or gaseous fuels, and thus are capable of being used in compression ignition engines. SME or SOME 'Soy Methyl Ester' Diesel is the most common biodiesel in the U. S. and is derived from soybean oil. Soy Diesel is a biodiesel/petrodiesel blend based on SME. RME 'Rape Methyl Ester' Diesel is the most common biodiesel in Europe and is derived from rapeseed oil. These fuels are collectively known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME).
Cummins test data on the operating effects of biodiesel fuels indicates that typically smoke, power, and fuel economy are all reduced. However, as there are no firm industry standards on the content and properties for bio fuels, consistency and predictability of biodiesel operation is not well documented. There are provisional specifications for FAME issued in Germany under DIN V 51 606, and also recently through ASTM, however these standards are under development and are subject to change.
Cummins certifies its engines using the prescribed EPA and European Certification Fuels. Cummins does not certify engines on any other fuel. It is the user's responsibility to use the correct fuel as recommended by the manufacturer and allowed by EPA or other local regulatory agencies. In the United States, the EPA allows use of only registered fuels for on-highway applications. The EPA has additional alternative fuel information at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain the proper local, regional, and/or national exemptions required for the use of biodiesel in any emissions regulated Cummins engine.
Warranty and the Use of Biodiesel Fuel in Cummins Engines
Cummins neither approves nor disapproves of the use of biodiesel fuel blends. There is a major difference between operating on pure (100% concentration) biodiesel fuels and biodiesel/petrodiesel fuel blends. Cummins is not in a position to evaluate the many variations of biodiesel fuels, and the long-term effects on performance, durability or emissions compliance of Cummins products. The use of biodiesel fuel does not affect Cummins materials and workmanship warranty. Failures caused by the use of biodiesel fuels or other fuel additives are not defects of Cummins parts or workmanship, and therefore would NOT covered by Cummins' warranty.
Given the current industry understanding of bio fuels and blending with quality diesel fuel, it would be expected that blending up to a 5% volume concentration should not cause serious problems. This is consistent with the position taken by worldwide fuel system manufacturers.
For customers intent on blending bio fuels above a 5% volume concentration, the following concerns represent what is currently known in the industry. Concentrations beyond 5% by volume could have an adverse affect on the engine's performance and the fuel system integrity/durability. The affects are more serious with increasing concentration levels. Areas of concern when operating with biodiesel fuels include low temperature operability (fuel gelation, filter plugging), heat content (poor fuel economy), and storage and thermal stability (filter plugging, injector deposits). In addition, from our fuel systems suppliers, the following issues are also noted: swelling and hardening/cracking of some elastomer seals within the fuel system/engine, corrosion of fuel system and engine hardware - especially aluminum and zinc, solid particle blockage of fuel nozzles and passages, filter plugging, injector coking, higher injection pressures due to physical flow properties - reduced fuel system life, added stress and heat to injection components - especially rotary fuel pumps - increased pump seizures and early life failures, poor fuel spray atomization - reduced fuel economy, poor lubricity - reduced service life of fuel pump/system. Pure biodiesel fuel is not stable and its acid content increases over time which can damage powder metal components.
Operational Factors to Consider:
The oil change interval can be affected by the use of biodiesel fuel. End users are advised to use oil sampling to monitor the engine oil condition and to determine the optimum oil change interval. Pure biodiesel fuel can cause a chemical reaction with lube oil resulting in oil sludging. Biodiesel provides approximately 5-7% less energy per gallon of fuel when compared to distillate fuels. To avoid engine problems when the engine is converted back to 100% distillate diesel fuel, do not change the engine rating to compensate for the power loss when operated with biodiesel fuels.
Elastomer compatibility with biodiesel is still being monitored. The condition of seals, hoses, gaskets, and wire coatings should be monitored regularly. Biodiesel fuels may pose low ambient temperature problems for both storage and operation. At low ambient temperatures, fuel may need to be stored in a heated building or a heated storage tank. The fuel system may require heated fuel lines, filters, and tanks. Filters may plug and fuel in the tank may solidify at low ambient temperatures if precautions are not taken. Consult your biodiesel supplier for assistance in the blending and attainment of the proper cloud point fuel. Biodiesel has poor oxidation stability, which can result in long term storage problems. The poor oxidation stability qualities may accelerate fuel oxidation in the fuel system. This is especially true in engines with electronic fuel systems because they operate at higher temperatures. Consult the fuel supplier for oxidation stability additives. Biodiesel fuel is an excellent medium for microbial growth. Microbes cause fuel system corrosion and premature filter plugging. The effectiveness of conventional anti-microbial additives, when used in biodiesel is not known. Consult your fuel and additive supplier for assistance. Care must be taken to remove water from fuel tanks. Water accelerates microbial growth. Water is naturally more prevalent in biodiesel fuels than in distillate fuels.
Copyright© 2001
Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
All rights reserved
