What truckers need to know?

Whether a large or small fleet owner, a sub-contractor, SMME or ownerdriver, it will not be wise to accept any biodiesel product regardless of the claims made for it without undertaking a simple but thorough investigation into the ability of the supplier to consistently produce a quality product that will not damage your vehicles. With this in mind the suggestions that follow should provide a basic guide to follow: 

• Quality and adherence to SANS 1935 and SANS 342 is a fundamental requirement.

• At the time of publication, a maximum blend of 5% with a compliant regular diesel is covered by local and international standards.

• Be sure of blend procedure according to the producer’s recommendations, OEM and competent fuel analyst recommendations. 

• Consult your OEM before using any biodiesel to ensure it is compatible with the OEM’s engine design and suitable for use in your transport operations. Be aware that you may need to reduce your oil drain periods, service intervals and modify items such as fuel and oil filters - this is especially so if you decide to exceed a 5% blend. 

• Spec and quality concerns are constantly debated by OEMS, fuel analysts, biodiesel producers and additive suppliers with the objective of finding solutions. The points you should be discussing with suppliers include: 

• Discuss with relevant (OEM’s) emerging technology, especially when new models are being introduced. 

• Oxidisation and its impact on shelf life – this is characteristic of biodiesel produced according to the FAME process. 

• Inconsistent performance under cold conditions. This characteristic improves with the addition of additives. 

• Poor starting – if encountered it is usually under cold conditions. This also improves with additives. 

• Filter clogging – where this is so, filters need to be replaced more frequently. In some instances a non-standard filter will be called for.

• Overall performance - less power and heavier fuel consumption when compared with regular diesel is not uncommon. This emphasises the need for access to controlled test results and ongoing monitoring of particular products. 

• Seek guidance from your regular diesel supplier in respect of compatible biodiesel specs, how best to deal with impurities and recommended blending and storage procedures. 

• Choose biodiesel producers and/or suppliers with a proven ability to achieve and sustain a quality product according to the claimed specification. 

• Conduct controlled on-road tests. 

• Seek advice from CAE and other competent facilities on test methods and published results of tests in the public domain. 

• Gain a proper understanding of the characteristics of the various feedstocks, their suitability, availability and acceptability to the relevant OEM(S) and regular diesel suppliers.