Re: B100 Compatible Fuel Lines

quote:

---

Originally posted by turbobiodiesel
Modyinnh I'm not familiar with the Dodge fuel system but at that year I would consider replacing any soft lines just to be sure.

---

Kent, by soft do you mean like "floppy" soft? Because these lines are hard to the fingernail and quite rigid (at least externally). mody

What is it in biodiesel that isn't compatible with copper? Is it residual methanol in incompletely washed biodiesel, or is there a component of the biodiesel itself?

quote:

---

Originally posted by Red Pike
What is it in biodiesel that isn't compatible with copper? Is it residual methanol in incompletely washed biodiesel, or is there a component of the biodiesel itself?

---

In my notes from a workshop I took is that copper catalyzes a degredation of biodiesel. I'm sorry I don't have more specifics. Bill

[url]http://www.ott.doe.gov/biofuels/pdfs/biodiesel_handling.pdf[/url] Page 13 Material Compatibility Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc will oxidize diesel and biodiesel fuels and create sediments. Lead solders and zinc linings should be avoided, as should copper pipes, brass regulators, and copper fittings. The fuel or the fittings will tend to change color and sediments may form, resulting in plugged fuel filters. Affected equipment should be replaced with stainless steel or aluminum. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene, and Teflon. Table 7 has some information on specific materials. Table 7. Material Compatibility with Biodiesel Fuels Material _____ BXX __ Effect compared to diesel fuel Teflon _______ B100 _ Little change Nylon 6/6 ____ B100 _ Little change Nitrile ______ B100 _ Hardness reduced 20% ______________ B100 _ Swell increased 18% Viton A401-C _ B100 _ Little change Viton GFLT ___ B100 _ Little change Fluorosilicon_ B100 _ Little change in hardness ______________ B100 _ Swell increased 7% Polyurethane _ B100 _ Little change in hardness ______________ B100 _ Swell increased 6% Polypropylene_ B100 _ Hardness reduced 10% ______________ B100 _ Swell increased 8-15% Polyvinyl ____ B100 _ Much Worse ______________ B50 __ Worse ______________ B40 __ Worse ______________ B30 __ Worse ______________ B20 __ Comparable ______________ B10 __ Comparable Tygon ________ B100 _ Worse The effect of B20 on vulnerable materials is diluted compared to higher blends. Some slow oxidation can occur, although it may take longer to materialize. Biodiesel also can affect some seals, gaskets, and adhesives, particularly those made before 1993 and those made from natural or nitrile rubber. It is primarily for these reasons that vehicle and storage equipment are modified. Most engines made after 1994 have been constructed with gaskets and seals that are generally biodiesel resistant. Earlier engine models or rebuilds may use older gasket and seal materials and present a risk of swelling, leaking, or failure. Fuel pumps may contain rubber valves that may fail.[emaphasis added] The typical approach is to create a maintenance schedule that checks for potential failures. Users can also contact engine manufacturers for more information.