I am looking for information regarding using B100 (ASTM quality) and SVO in electric generators? 

I have tried the web sites of many of the standard gerarator manufactures (Cummins, John Deere, Cat....etc.) with no luck.

Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

Robowma

I know b20 should work with no problems, as many big agencies (like the FDA, I believe) use b20 to power their generators. Higher blends ... I dunno.

You probably will not find any of the genset manufacturers claiming B100. We, Caterpillar, have some of the highest recommendations on a commerical basis for using up to B30 depending on engine size. We are also running some confidental field trials on B100 to evaulate performance and product life. So once those trials are complete, I would expect to see some adjustments to our biodiesel recommendations.

Yes you can get new B100 compatible generators, certainly in the UK: www.jspower.co.uk and these are manufacturer warranted. Yes I do work for JS Power, and we do have written confirmation from the engine manufacturers of B100 compatibility.

Several engine manufacturers are more progressive than Cummins, Perkins, Caterpillar etc 

Hope that helps 

Hmm, curious, why would B100 in a generator be an issue?  I thought the whole point of biodiesel was that you just put it in the tank and go, no worries about compatibility.

Is this more of a formality, a 'better safe than sorry' thing for the manufacturers with their warranties?

Biodiesel should work fine in any engine shouldn't it? Is this just a warranty thing or are there any real problems with it other than cold weather?

I am new this forum and I am very impressed that CAT man and Shiho were so forthcoming with who they work for.

THANKS!!!!

Robowma 

Matt P

Basically yes it is more a warranty consideration. When we are selling generators that are brand new systems the last thing we can do do is say it is compatible then say 'by the way no warranty if you use B100'. We've spent 2 years working very closely with some engine manufacturers to prove that B100 works and now we do have warranty from the manufacturers, so not just us saying 'we'll cover if goes wrong'.

The sets do have uprated fuel lines, pumps etc just to confirm no natural rubber is in the systems, and we have to allow for a bit of a derate to comply with the warranty.

 
Hope that helps
 

natescape:

I know b20 should work with no problems, as many big agencies (like the FDA, I believe) use b20 to power their generators. Higher blends ... I dunno.

My guess would be that

1= someone has to make sure that there is no natural rubber compounds in the fuel flow path.

2= someone has to make sure that whatever injects fuel into the combustion chamber is properly modified to deal with potential problems due to biodiesel.

3= Fuel filter systems might need to be modified.  Or at least their maintenance schedule.

4= Manufacturers will probably want to publish some legalese regarding biodiesel's cold temperature characteristics and to only use ASTM certified fuels to CTA ("Cover Their ...)".

Once all that's done, There should be no problem using even B100 in just about any diesel engine.