Biodiesel 101
Biofuels…Moving Indiana Forward
Merrillville, Indiana
April 28, 2008
Presented by Hoon Ge
Summary of Topics
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General info on biodiesel
Emissions
OEM stance on biodiesel
2007 Engines
Biodiesel Supply & Demand
BQ 9000 – Fuel Quality
ULSD and Biodiesel; benefits & compatibility
Filter plugging sources
Good fuel “housekeeping”
Useful informational resources
Machinery Exhibit – 1900 World’s Fair
Rudolph Diesel demonstrated his compression ignition
engine, which at the request of the French Government, ran on
peanut oil.
www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/1900fair.html - Jeffrey Howe
History of Biodiesel

Vegetable oils were used
in diesel engines until the
1920's when engines
began using diesel fuel
Biodiesel Defined

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Biodiesel, n. -- a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl
esters of long chain fatty acids derived from
vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100,
and meeting the requirements of ASTM D 6751.
Biodiesel blend, n. -- a blend of biodiesel fuel
meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based
diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the
volume percent of biodiesel.
Making Biodiesel
(Catalyst)
100 pounds
Triglyceride
+ 10 pounds = 10 pounds
Alcohol
Glycerin
+
100 pounds
Mono-Alkyl Esters
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Soy oil
Methanol
Biodiesel
- Raw Vegetable Oil is NOT Biodiesel!
- Other ‘biomass’ products aren’t Biodiesel
- Must meet ASTM D 6751
Biodiesel Raw Materials
Oil or Fat
Soybean
Corn
Canola
Cottonseed
Sunflower
Beef tallow
Pork lard
Used cooking oils
Alcohol
Methanol (common)
Ethanol
Catalyst
Sodium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
Biodiesel Attributes
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High Cetane (avg. over 50)
Ultra Low Sulfur (avg. ~ 2 ppm)
High Lubricity, even in blends as low at 1-2%
High Energy Balance (3.2 to 1)
Low Agriculture Inputs: Soybeans
78% Life Cycle CO2 Reduction
Renewable, Sustainable
Domestically Produced
Reduces HC, PM, CO in existing diesel engines
Reduces NOx in boilers and home heating
Biodiesel ASTM D6751
Property
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ASTM Method
Calcium & Magnesium, combined
EN 14538
Flash Point (closed cup)
D 93
Alcohol Control (One of the following must be met)
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Methanol Content
EN14110
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Flash Point
D93
Water & Sediment
D 2709
Kinematic Viscosity, 40 C
D 445
Sulfated Ash
D 874
Sulfur
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S 15 Grade
D 5453
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S 500 Grade
D 5453
Copper Strip Corrosion
D 130
Cetane
D 613
Cloud Point
D 2500
Carbon Residue 100% sample
D 4530*
Acid Number
D 664
Free Glycerin
D 6584
Total Glycerin
D 6584
Phosphorus Content
D 4951
Distillation, T90 AET
D 1160
Sodium/Potassium, combined
EN 14538
Oxidation Stability
EN 14112
Limits
Units
5 max ppm
93 min.
(ug/g)
Degrees C
0.2 Max
130 Min
0.05 max.
1.9 - 6.0
0.02 max.
% volume
Degrees
% vol.
mm2/sec.
% mass
0.0015 max. (15)
0.05 max. (500)
No. 3 max.
47 min.
Report
0.05 max.
0.50 max.
0.020 max.
0.240 max.
0.001 max.
360 max.
5 max
3 min
% mass (ppm)
% mass (ppm)
Degrees C
% mass
mg KOH/g
% mass
% mass
% mass
Degrees C
ppm
hours
Materials Compatibility
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B100 may adversely affect some elastomers such as
natural or nitrile rubbers over time.
Most elastomers used after 1993 are compatible with
B100 (Viton/Teflon).
Blends (B20) effect is less or non-existent.
Normal monitoring of hoses and gaskets for leaks is
sufficient with B20.
Consult with your parts supplier or
mechanical engineering partners.
Materials Compatibility
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Biodiesel and biodiesel blends will form high
sediment levels when in contact with the
following metals:
-Brass, Bronze, Copper, Lead, Tin and
Zinc
Biodiesel is compatible with:
- Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Emissions
EPA HD Emissions Averages
Emission Type
B100
B20
B2
Total Unburned
Hydrocarbons
-67%
-20%
-2.2%
Carbon Monoxide
-48%
-12%
-1.3%
Particulate Matter
-47%
-12%
-1.3%
Oxides of Nitrogen
(NOX)
+10%
+ 2% + .2%
Biodiesel and Global Warming
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Closed Carbon Cycle: CO2 Used to Grow
Feedstock is Put Back Into Air
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78% Life Cycle Decrease In CO2
Energy Balance 3.24 to 1
Compression Ignition Platform 30% to
40% More Efficient Than Spark Ignition
Biodiesel Position with OEM’s
Original Equipment Manufacturers:
• B100 Must Meet ASTM D 6751
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Most OEM HQ’s have B20 experience:
Won’t void warrantee
Problems caused by the fuel are the responsibility
of the fuel supplier
Want to see additional experience in the field
Higher blends OK’d based on experience of OEM and
their technology
2007 Engines
Engines Produced in 2007
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EPA regulations require reduced sulfur in diesel fuel for
engines built in 2007
80% of highway diesel fuel must be ULSD (< 15ppm
sulfur) beginning june1, 2006
Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters
can eliminate 99% of solid particles
(soot & metals) and eliminate
>90% of semi-volatile
hydrocarbons.
Source: EPA
Diesel Particle Filters (DPF)
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Diesel particle filters (DPF) are found in all 2007
model year diesel vehicles.
What possible advantages or disadvantages may
result from using biodiesel blends in these
engines?
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL) has conducted a study in order to define
these effects on DPFs.
Indicators of DPF Performance
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Filter
regeneration
rate increased
significantly
when using
blends as low
as B5. Lower
particulate
temperature
and less
particulate
input
contributed.
“Biodiesel Effects on Diesel Particle Filter Performance.” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, March 2006.
Biodiesel
Supply and Demand
Demand for Crude
1 barrel (bbl) = 42 gallons (U.S.)
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Globally about 80,000,000 bbl/day
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Over 16,000,000 bbl of crude oil processed
every day in the US (650,000,000 gal/day)
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800,000,000 gal/day total product demand
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360,000,000 gal/day gasoline
140,000,000 gal/day distillate
68,000,000 gal/day jet fuel
Over 5 billion gallons of distillate fuel oil are
imported each year
150 U.S. refineries with capacities ranging from 15
mbbl/day (600,000 gallons/day) to over 500
mbbl/day (21,000,000 gallons/day and operate at
90+% capacity
Biodiesel Demand
If Every Trucker Used B2
The industry would
utilize 761 million
gallons of B100
annually.
If Everyone Used B2
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If every body using
diesel fuels (on
and off road) and
home heating oil
used 2% biodiesel
then we would use
1.2 billion gallons
of biodiesel each
year.
Fuel Availability
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Fuel available through direct shipment from over 1,956
petroleum distributors nationwide
Over 1,234 retail filling stations nationwide
648 locations are semi-truck accessible
Movement towards biodiesel at the terminal – over 158
terminals nationwide
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Blending is occurring at over 40 terminals nationwide.
DOE has supported this effort.
Biodiesel Production Capacity
Production Locations
(1/25/08)
Biodiesel Plants Under Construction
and Expansion (9/7/07)
Production Capacity by State
300,000,000
(9/7/07)
275,000,000
250,000,000
225,000,000
175,000,000
150,000,000
125,000,000
100,000,000
75,000,000
50,000,000
25,000,000
0
TX
IA
WA
AL
MS
ND
IL
TN
NJ
MN
MO
GA
OH
FL
IN
SC
MI
AR
WI
CO
VA
CA
NC
AZ
PA
UT
NE
OK
LA
ID
ME
SD
KY
DE
NV
WY
NY
RI
KS
OR
HI
CT
MD
MA
NM
Gallons
200,000,000
BQ-9000
Fuel Quality of Biodiesel
Fuel Quality
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Fuel quality is of the utmost concern and importance
to the biodiesel industry.
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ASTM D 6751 is the specification for biodiesel fuels
irrespective of the feedstock source and/or processing
method.
• National Quality Program (BQ-9000) Launched for
Biodiesel Marketers and Producers
• Look for BQ-9000 Certified Marketers: Biodiesel’s
‘Good Housekeeping’ Seal of Approval
• Assures “cradle-to-grave” fuel quality
“cradle”
“grave”
BQ-9000
“Quality Assurance Program”
“Specifies requirements for a quality assurance
program where an organization needs to
demonstrate its ability to provide product that
meets ASTM D 6751… and applicable regulatory
requirements, and to address quality assurance
through the effective application of the program…”
HELPS ENSURE THAT END-USER IS
GETTING HIGH-QUALITY BIODIESEL!!
ALWAYS BUY PRODUCT
FROM BQ-9000 CERTIFIED
PRODUCERS OR
MARKETERS!!!
BQ-9000 Information
Through the NBB
www.bq-9000.org
www.biodiesel.org
www.nbb.org
Find information
on the
requirements for
the program and
a list of
accredited
producers/marke
ters on the NBB
website.
Biodiesel and ULSD
Benefits and Compatibility
Benefits: Biodiesel and ULSD
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Compatible with the compression ignition
platform and with diesel fuel itself
Greatly enhances lubricity of ULSD
Compatible with 2007 diesel engine catalysts
Aids with ULSD conductivity issues
Reduces harmful emissions
Power and performance virtually unchanged
Seamless & transparent with existing petroleum
infrastructure, (liquid not gaseous)
Promotes national energy security
Renewable, non-toxic, green blend stock option
Properties of ULSD & Biodiesel Blends
ULSD
B2
B5
B20
33.4
33.4
33.2
32.3
IBP
326°F
326°F
327°F
336°F
10%
402°F
403°F
404°F
418°F
50%
509°F
510°F
510°F
550°F
90%
605°F
604°F
608°F
638°F
EBP
611°F
610°F
614°F
645°F
Cetane Index
42.7
42.7
42.8
44.4
Cloud Point
0°F
1°F
1°F
3°F
-26°F
-26°F
-24°F
-20°F
API Gravity
Distillation
CFPP
(3-4x Additive)
Lubricity
ULSD & Lubricity
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Sulfur compounds are natural lubricants in diesel.
ULSD regulations are causing major concerns
with diesel engine performance.
ASTM lubricity requirement effective Jan 1, 2005
for diesel fuels.
ASTM D 6079
High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) Wear
Scar
Maximum = 520 micrometers
Biodiesel Adds Significant
Lubricity to ULSD
Biodiesel at varying blends
HFRR Average Scar
(µm)
600
500
400
300
200
100
1
B1
B5
B2
B1
.5
B0
#2
ed
er
rb
as
no
m
ed
#1
Mo
Es
te
Diesel plus Biodiesel
rb
as
Diesel plus Additive
Es
te
Diesel
Die
s
el
0
The average lubricity of Biodiesel blends compare to lubricity additives.
Lubricity
Lubricity Effects of Biodiesel
HFRR average scar
700
600
532
500
343
400
318
262
300
234
191
200
100
0
Diesel
B 0.5
B1
B2
B5
% Biodiesel
Effects of Biodiesel on the Lubricity of Diesel fuel.
B 11
Cold Flow Properties
CFPP Testing of ULSD
Bio Blends
Sample
Description
ULSD
Cloud Point °F
CFPP °F
Base Fuel
w/ Additive
-2
-22
B11 ULSD (3x)
+1
-20
B20 ULSD(4x)
+3
-17
B5 ULSD
-1
-18
B2 ULSD
-2
-20
B2 ULSD
-2
-22
CFPP Testing of ULSD B2 blends
with No 1 ULSD
Sample Description
Cloud Point °F
Base Fuel
CFPP °F
Base Fuel w/additive
ULSD Sample 1
0
-20
ULSD 90/10
-4
-25
ULSD 80/20
-7
-30
ULSD 70/30
-11
-34
ULSD 60/40
-15
-38
ULSD 50/50
-18
< -40
(90% No 1 & 10% No 2)
Filter Plugging
Sources
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Paraffin Wax
The material on these filters was solid until touched or
warmed to room temperature, then it melted. Laboratory
analysis showed this material was in fact
paraffin/hydrocarbon in nature. The high level of paraffin
material could be from the way ULSD is processed.
When the temperature of the fuel is at or below its cloud
point, paraffin material will precipitate out and collect on
the bottom of the tank.
As a point of note, when the heavy paraffin's are
disturbed from the filters, they liquefy. The minor
ingredients associated with biodiesel will not liquefy and
require heat to go back into solution. Paraffin build-up
does not come from biodiesel fuel.
Aromatic compound
H2
C6H6
Olefin Compound
C6H12
Cyclic, double bonds
Straight, double bond
n-Paraffin Compound
C6H14
Straight, single bonds
H2
Structures taken from www.chemfinder.com
Microbial Growth
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Several filters showed high content of live microbial
organisms or a build-up of dead microbial material.
The filters with microbial contamination often had
an odor different from the normal fuel smell.
MEG Corp believes that the lack of sulfur in biodiesel
and ULSD aids in the build-up of such organisms
since sulfur is a key component of many biocides
and is a natural inhibitor of bacterial and fungal
growth.
Bacteria
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Breakdown all grades of liquid fuel.
Cause corrosion of metals, especially iron
and steel.
Different species can survive with oxygen
(aerobic) or without oxygen (anaerobic).
Plug fuel-system filters and lines, cause
fuel gauge malfunctions, damage pumps
and injectors, and feed on tank linings,
hoses and coatings to obtain additional
nourishment.
Bacteria
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Grow better in warm climates because
they are living organisms.
“Climates” does not just mean the
temperature of the storage structure, but also
heated fuel returns, which means it is warm
all year long.
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Usually present in high quantities.
Favorable conditions mean they can
double their population every 20 minutes.
Bacteria
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The level of contamination is hard to determine
visually…
2 MILLION bacteria per milliliter have no
effect on fuel clarity!
Or in other words…
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8 Billion bacteria per gallon have no effect
on fuel clarity!
Fungus
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Hard to detect.
Fewer in number and less evenly
distributed in the fluid than bacteria.
Tend to grow on solid surfaces.
- Build up on filters and in piping.
- Once established, the biomass will grow
faster than a bacterial biomass.
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Yeast are unicellular fungi.
Fungus
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Larger than bacteria and do not reproduce as
rapidly.
However, if only bacteria are killed suddenly
(bactericide) there may be a rapid fungal bloom
that is nearly impossible to control.
Can grow over a wide range of temperatures.
Grow quicker in summer with the higher
ambient temperature, increased airborne
contaminants and higher fluid temperature.
Where Do They Come From?
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Air
– Contains airborne microorganisms, yeast and
mold spores, and dirt particles that can enter
through tank vents.
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Water
– Water, unless sterilized, can contain a variety
microorganisms.
Treatment and Prevention
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Biocides
-Three major groups: Fuel soluble, Water soluble,
and Universally soluble.
-Need to be EPA registered and compatible with the
lubricant.
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Preventing Fuel Contamination
- Preventing contamination from air and water
requires proper tank maintenance and cleaning
Icing of the filter
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When there is excess free water in fuel, it can form ice
on the filter and cause filter plugging in cold temps.
When MEG Corp received filters which had been plugged
but were clean and new by the time MEG Corp received
them, it was concluded that the cause was likely icing
which had since dissipated.
Since the temperatures of engines are warm, any
moisture picked up within the engine can be brought
back to the fuel lines. This moisture can freeze
overnight in low ambient temperatures.
Oxidation
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When MEG Corp received filters
with a black and shiny surface but
no microbial growth odor or gel or
sediment, it was concluded they
may be plugged by oxidation
build-up.
Because many newer engines run
at higher temperatures, there may
be a black “asphaltene” type
material collecting on the filter.
This phenomenon has been seen
all around the country, often in
newer engines.
Engines
Hot Fuel Return
New Technology delivers
the unused fuel from the
engine block back to the
fuel tank much faster
Hot
Hot
Coking Fuel
This hot fuel will cause
degradation and oxidation
of the fuel, which in turn
will plug filters.
Monoglyceride Build-up
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One filter tested positive
for a concentration of
saturated
monoglyceride material.
Monoglyceride is one
substance that can
precipitate out of fuel if
the glycerin levels are
too high in the biodiesel
used in the blend.
Quality Control
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In 2006:
41% of B100 samples tested passed the D6751
specification
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In 2007:
89.6% of B100 samples tested passed the D6751
specification
100% of BQ-9000 certified fuel
Past all ASTM D6751 specifications
Troubleshooting Checklist
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Paraffin Wax – Temperature at or below cloud
point
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Microbial Growth – Exposure to air and water
Icing of Filter – Excess water in tank
Oxidation – Hot fuel return to fuel tank
Monoglyceride Build Up – Off specification of
Total & Free Glycerin
Tips for
Biodiesel Handling
Tips for Biodiesel Handling
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Buy biodiesel that meets ASTM D 6751.
Buying from a BQ-9000 Accredited
Producer/Marketer will help ensure quality.
If buying blended biodiesel, buy it preblended from the supplier.
Fuel tanks should be kept as full as
possible to reduce the amount of air and
water entering the tank.
Tips for Biodiesel Handling
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Storage in on-site tanks should be limited
to less than 6 months. The storage
container should be clean, dry, and dark.
Copper, brass, lead, tin and zinc should not
be used to store biodiesel.
Equipment with biodiesel blends in the fuel
system should not be stored for more than
6 months.
Tips for Biodiesel Handling
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In the winter months, it’s important to use
appropriate additives to ensure good
winter-weather operability.
If any biodiesel is spilled, it is important to
clean it up quickly. Pure biodiesel may
remove paint from equipment.
Tips for Biodiesel Handling
 When switching from diesel fuel to
biodiesel blend, it may be necessary to
change the fuel filter an extra time or two.
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One outcome of improper handling of
biodiesel may be microbial contamination.
Useful Information
Resources
Educational Resources
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BEN: Biodiesel
Education Network
Web-based resource
specifically for
petroleum marketers
Partnership between
NBB/PMAA
www.pmaa.org
www.biodiesel.org
NBB Resources: www.biodiesel.org
•Technical Library
•Biodiesel Bulletin
•Informational Resources
•Technical Resources
•Educational Videos Available
•On-line Database & Spec Sheets
Other Biodiesel Resources
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www.bbibiofuels.co
m
Biodiesel Magazine
A ‘MUST HAVE’
magazine
•
Biodiesel Industry
Directory On-Line
Biodiesel Help-line
Established to:
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Provide triage for fuel problems
problems not adequately addressed by distributors/producers
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Diagnose/analyze/assist with problems from:
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Provide assistance through chemical analysis
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customers
fleets
fuel distributors
Through the use of third party Lab
Help provide assistance to users to ensure the
image/integrity of Biodiesel is maintained.
Contact Information
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The National Biodiesel Helpline is:
For when you cannot get help elsewhere.
 Not meant for general guidance issues.

You should always begin by asking your fuel
supplier, they will most likely be able to answer
your question more accurately.
800-929-3437
952-473-0182
Questions