 Underwriters
Laboratories Announces Position on Use of B5 Biodiesel Blends
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has
announced that products intended to use biodiesel blends up to B5 that
are compliant with applicable ASTM International fuel standards will not
require special investigation by UL. This is consistent with ASTM
standards for heating oil and diesel fuel, which were recently updated
to indicate that B5 blends may be considered the same as the
conventional petroleum fuels under their scope.
In anticipation of the changes to the
ASTM fuel standards, UL initiated a technical review of biodiesel fuel
and technologies working closely with US Department of Energy, National
Renewable Energy Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, and the National Biodiesel Board. UL also conducted
performance testing of heating equipment using B5.
The findings indicated no adverse safety
effects. It is acknowledged however that introduction of biodiesel may
potentially affect fuel quality, mobilize contaminants in the fuel
system, or increase the potential for microbial contamination. These
performance issues are outside of the scope of UL standards and
certification. Manufacturer instructions for use and maintenance of
equipment should always be followed.
UL In the process of finalizing
product safety requirements for equipment specified for biodiesel (B100)
and blends such as B20
Use of biodiesel at levels above 5% may
have a significant effect on materials, performance or combustion of
some equipment. UL is in the process of finalizing product safety
requirements for equipment specified for use with biodiesel (B100) and
biodiesel blends up to B20.
UL is an independent, not-for-profit
product safety certification organization. We remain committed to
promoting safe living and working environments through the development
of effective safety standards, product investigations and ongoing
safety-based audits of products that bear the UL Mark. UL remains
independent in this mission and does not endorse, recommend or favor one
product over another
What this means for users
wanting to use Biodiesel Blends over 5%
Most manufactures of
Biodiesel dispensing equipment will self-certify that
their equipment is safe for Biodiesel and Biodiesel
blends. So while your B100 or Biodiesel blend
equipment might not be UL listed it will be covered by
the manufacturer and most will come with full or partial
warranties.
Core Engineered Solutions provides fuel storage tanks
suitable for Alternative fuels storage including
Biodesiel, Biodesiel Blends and Ethanol.
Request
A Quote
|
