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FAQs
Why are there "contains biodiesel" labels on fuel pumps?
Illinois state law requires all pumps selling B6 to B20 biodiesel blends to be labeled. B5 and less does not have to be labeled.
What is B11?
B11 (11 percent biodiesel, 89 percent petroleum diesel) is the most commonly used blend in Illinois because the state legislature created tax benefits for those who sell and use biodiesel blends above 10 percent. B11 offers comparable cost to #2 diesel fuel and increased benefits for consumers.
Where is biodiesel made?
Biodiesel is a fuel made from any vegetable oil or animal fat that goes through a refinery process called transesterification. Because biodiesel is made from American-grown feedstocks, every gallon of biodiesel purchased helps move the United States closer to energy independence. The most commonly used feedstock in the United States is soybean oil
How is biodiesel renewable?
Biodiesel is made from renewable feedstocks, such as soybeans, that are grown every year in the United States. Unlike petroleum diesel made from earth's steadily depleting fossil fuel resources, we can continue to raise more feedstocks for biodiesel.
Is biodiesel good for the environment?
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter compared to diesel fuel, for up to 50 percent fewer emissions.
Does biodiesel perform as well as diesel?
Yes. Biodiesel blends up to B20 can be used in existing engines and fuel injection equipment without any modifications. It has a higher cetane number than diesel fuel, superior lubricity and the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel (B11 is comparable to #2 diesel fuel).
Does using biodiesel put an engine warranty at risk?
No. Engine manufacturers warrant engines. Biodiesel is treated the same as any fuel you would use in your engine.
Does biodiesel clog fuel filters?
Biodiesel acts as a solvent, removing petroleum buildup and cleaning fuel injectors, fuel lines, tanks and delivery systems over time. When first using biodiesel, you may need to change filters more frequently until the whole system has been cleaned of the deposits left by the petrodiesel.
Does biodiesel provide as much power as diesel?
Yes. Biodiesel offers enhanced power from higher cetane, plus improved lubricity for less engine wear and tear. One of the major advantages of biodiesel is the fact that it can be used in existing engines and fuel injection equipment with little impact on operating performance. In more than 1.5 billion on-road miles and countless marine and off-road applications, biodiesel shows similar fuel consumption, horsepower, torque and haulage rates to conventional diesel fuel.
Is biodiesel easy to find?
Yes. In Illinois, look for the biodiesel label on fuel pumps. Illinois is the country's largest biodiesel consumer, but fuel stations in 49 states also sell biodiesel. Check out the National Biodiesel Board's easy-to-use tool to locate retail fueling sites across the country. It enables you to find station addresses, look for specific "B" factor blends, sort by state and even download the list to your computer.
Does biodiesel have as much sulfur as petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel from soybeans contains about two parts per millions (ppm) of sulfur, and animal fat-based biodiesel can contain as high as 10 ppm of sulfur. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) can contain up to 15 ppm of sulfur. Biodiesel is an excellent lubricant and can be blended with petroleum diesel to restore the lubricating properties petrodiesel loses when sulfur is removed.
Do I have to modify my engine to use biodiesel?
Any vehicle that operates on diesel fuel can switch to biodiesel blends up to B20 without engine modifications. Many municipalities and schools are using biodiesel to improve air quality and reduce emissions. In fact, more than 1,000 major fleets in the United States run on biodiesel!
Does biodiesel have an ASTM standard?
Biodiesel has a full ASTM standard. In 2002, ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) - the premier standard-setting organization in the United States - issued Specification D6751 for all biodiesel fuel bought and sold in the United States. This is now the standard that covers B100 as a blending component. In 2008, they expanded the specifications to incorporate a set for blends of B5 or less (ASTM D975) and B6 to B20 (ASTM D7467).
What is the difference between biodiesel and ethanol?
While they are both biofuels, biodiesel is made from a wide range of materials, including soybeans, and is used in diesel-powered engines. Ethanol, on the other hand, is primarily made from corn and is used in gasoline-powered engines.
