Biodiesel Experiences and

Barriers

Michael O’Donnell Quality Assurance Manager

City of Milwaukee Fleet Services August 19, 2014

Diesel Volumes

• 2011 – 1,080,524 Total

– 153,206 Biodiesel (14.2%)

• 2012 – 1,041,393 Total

– 102,701 Biodiesel (9.9%)

• 2013 – 1,090,817 Total

– 21,780 Biodiesel (2.0%)

• 2014 – 562,005 Quarters 1 and 2 only

– 11,102 Biodiesel (2.0%)

Typical Sources Gel Point

• Tallow/Animal Fats 57° F • Yellow Grease 45° F • Corn Oil 40° F • Soybean Oil 32° F • Canola Oil 28° F

Sources of Biodiesel

Inexpensive

Expensive

Other Sources

• Rapeseed oil • Used cooking oil • Cottonseed oil • Sunflower oil • Algae (April 2008)

Underground Tank Maintenance And Water Removal

• Free water in the fuel storage tank accelerates corrosion and fuel degradation, and can also promote the growth of bacteria.

• Tank designs have made complete removal of water almost impossible.

• Moisture enters mostly as condensation from air. Vents and seals that are poorly constructed or maintained can allow water to infiltrate the storage tank.

• Desiccant dryers

Underground Tank Maintenance

• Inspect all Diesel Tanks in September or October • How is your fuel supply?

• Bacteria

• Water

• Start treating fuel early

Biodiesel Benefits

• Clean Burning

• Burns 78% to 90% cleaner than regular diesel depending

on the base stock used, according to the EPA.

• Can be made from almost any vegetable or animal oil

• Will run in virtually all diesel engines without special

modifications (check manufacturer’s warranty conditions)

• Offers superior lubricity, creating less engine wear

•Replaces lubricity lost with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel

• Mixes with hydrocarbon-based diesel in any ratio

• Domestically Produced

• Reduces dependence on foreign oil

Biodiesel Cons

Fuel filters changed in addition to normal

Preventive Maintenance filter changes

Time Frame Filters Used Comments

January-December 2005 107 Before Biodiesel

January-December 2006 227 Using Biodiesel

January-December 2007 317 72% increase

January-December 2008 136 43% decrease

• Increase in cost versus petroleum diesel.

• Not suitable for long-term storage.

• Increased storage tank maintenance required.

• Can clog fuel filters quickly upon introduction.

OPTIONAL COLD WEATHER ADDITIVE PACKAGE: Bidders shall indicate the

cost to furnish and install a non-alcohol based cold weather anti-gelling, deicing

additive to the delivered fuel, capable of maintaining a cold filter plug point

(CFPP) of -30° F, +/- 4° F, based on the cold weather blend of #2 ULSD at 70%, #1

ULSD at 20%, and B100 at 10%. An acceptable additive is ValvTect High

Performance Biodiesel Anti-Gel/Deicer Additive, or City approved equal.

Proposed additive package brand/part #______________________

Cost to treat one gallon of delivered fuel $______________

Cold Weather Specifications

Work with your fuel vendor to maintain fuel consistency in cold weather situations.