Four standards are now available from ASTM International to provide quality assurance for biodiesel, according to ASTM information.
New biodiesel specifications published by ASTM include B6 to B20 blends and diesel and burner fuel specifications that include up to B5 blends.
"The specifications define properties and controls critical to the viable use of biodiesel blends in the marketplace," stated Roger Gault, technical director for the Engine Manufacturers, who participated in the standards' development. "These standards, when fully enforced, in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission pump labeling requirements will provide engine manufacturers and their customers confidence that the fuels will perform as expected."
The new and revised ASTM biodiesel standards include the following:
- ASTM D975-08a, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils — used for on and off road diesel applications, was revised to include requirements for up to 5 percent biodiesel;
- ASTM D396-08b, Specification for Fuel Oils — used for home heating and boiler applications, was revised to include requirements for up to 5 percent biodiesel;
- ASTM D7467-08, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oil, Biodiesel Blend (B6 to 20)--a completely new specification that covers finished fuel blends of between 6 (B6) and 20 (B20) percent biodiesel for on- and off-road diesel engine use;
- ASTM D6751-08, Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels — used to control pure biodiesel (B100) quality prior to blending with conventional diesel type fuels, was revised to include a requirement that controls minor compounds using a new cold soak filterability test.
A biodiesel Web site, astmbiodieselfuel.com, links the ASTM biodiesel specifications, numerous referenced ASTM documents, key government regulations and other related information through the portal. Users can compare revisions to any document included in the portal, make notes and annotations in the standards and other documents, and share thoughts and comments with others. The resource is available through a paid subscription.
For more information about the biodiesel standards, the biodiesel Web portal and Committee D02, contact ASTM staff manager David Bradley at 610-832-9681 or e-mail him at [email protected]. ASTM International standards can be purchased from ASTM Customer Service at 610-832-9585; by e-mailing [email protected], or on the Web site at astm.org.