Study shows b99 biodiesel cleaner, just as effective as diesel

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natescape Posted: 09-08-2008 10:36 AM

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Propel did a big study, with positive results. PDF here.

 
A hassle-free move to biodiesel for International Leasing and Essential
Baking Company: After completing the thirteen-week pilot earlier this
year, fleet drivers for Essential Baking Co reported zero mechanical
problems with fleet vehicles using B99 biodiesel. In fact, drivers reported
a smoother, quieter ride while running biodiesel. The vehicles fueled
with Propel B99 required no extra maintenance, and experienced no
cold weather related issues.
 
“Propel’s producer- to-pump quality control guarantees our fuel will
perform flawlessly,” said Jeff Stephens, PhD, Propel’s Director of Science
and Technology. “The overwhelming positive results from this pilot
reinforce the importance of fuel quality and the environmental benefits
of low-carbon fuels.”
 
In the short amount of time devoted to the pilot, six Essential Baking delivery vehicles reduced the output of CO2 by
more than 43,000 pounds and displaced 1,553 gallons of foreign oil. As a result, International Leasing endorses the use
of Propel biodiesel blends for Essential Baking.
 
Pilot Overview
In January 2008, Propel began the pilot program to examine the use of B99 biodiesel in the Essential Baking Company
fleet of delivery vehicles. Six vehicles, leased by Essential Baking from International Leasing Company, were selected to
run on B99. Vehicles selected varied in model, types of routes, and mileage driven. Drivers fueled exclusively with B99
biodiesel at Propel’s Clean Fuel Points (CFPs) and used six Wright Express (WEX) Fleet Fueling cards registered in Propel’s
CleanDrive program. CleanDrive tracked gallons used by the Essential Baking vehicles and calculated the fleet’s
reduction of CO2 and other pollutants. 
 
Fuel Performance
During the thirteen-week Pilot, the six vehicles, traveled approximately 37,000 miles on just less than 2500 gallons of
B99, with one vehicle logging over 14,000 miles. No vehicle failures and no operational issues were experienced. Cold
weather proved not to be a problem for the vehicles, even with 32 days when the daily low temperature was below 35
degrees Fahrenheit. The majority of drivers reported that the vehicles ran smoother and quieter on B99 than on petro-
diesel. Running B99 required no additional maintenance, although vehicle fuel filters were changed after the second
tank of B99 to eliminate the possibility that petroleum diesel sludge remaining in the fuel tanks did not interfere with
vehicle performance. Afterwards, the fuel filter replacement interval was the same as for the petrodiesel vehicles.
 
Environmental Benefits
In just over three months, while fueling with B99 rather that with petrodiesel, Essential Baking reduced the output of
CO2 by more than 43,000 lbs  and offset the importation of 1,553 gallons of oil. At the same time, harmful particulate
matter (PM) produced was reduced by 78%, air toxics were reduced by 60% to 90%, and sulfur compounds were
eliminated from vehicle exhaust.
 
Access and Ease of Use
A survey of the drivers was unanimously positive with respect to the features of Propel’s Ballard CFP. They reported that
the card reader instructions were easy to understand and the card reader was easy to use. Drivers also found the Ballard
CFP to be easily accessibility with good maneuverability and that there was sufficient
lighting at the site to carry out fueling activities during dark hours.