Biodiesel
WHAT EXACTLY IS BIODIESEL? Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. It is made from agricultural co-products and byproducts such as soybean oil, other natural oils, and greases, it is a modified biofuel. It can be used in any blend with petroleum diesel fuel. At Coleman Oil Company, we believe that fuel quality is our #1 priority and because of this we only provide biodiesel made from virgin Soy or Canola seeds. These seeds offer the best cold weather properties available on the market.
WHY SHOULD I USE BIODIESEL? Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from environmentally friendly renewable resources and has lower overall emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Biodiesel is made in the United States; its use decreases our reliance and dependence on foreign oil, which only helps our economy here at home. Biodiesel also has natural lubrication properties that can aid in increasing the life of your engine
DICTIONARY DEFINITION: Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blend:
Biodiesel, n - a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100. See product requirements in ASTM D 6751.
Biodiesel Blend, n - a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel, designated BXX, where XX represents the volume percentage of biodiesel fuel in the blend.
HOW IS BIODIESEL MADE? Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterificaiton whereby the glycerin is separated from the vegetable oil or fat. The chemical process yields two products -- methylesters (biodiesel) and glycerin (a highly useable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and other products).
BLENDING: Coleman Oil is one of the few companies that owns and operates an inline ratio blender. This method of blending conventional diesel with biodiesel has proven to be the best practice for insuring a quality homogenous end product for the custom blend ratio you desire. We only purchase virgin seed oil (Canola or Soy) as it has the best cold weather properties. We are also happy to furnish C of A’s (certificates of authenticity) on all our loads. We have bio fuel available in our tanks at Wenatchee, Pateros, Sprague, Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston for pick-up or delivery.
DON'T CONFUSE BIODIESEL WITH OTHER FUELS: Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.
For entities seeking to adopt a definition of biodiesel for purposes such as federal or state statute, state or national divisions of weights and measures, or for any other purpose, the official definition consistent with other federal and state laws and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines is as follows: Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel). B20 is typically sold in the summer months and we move to a B10 and/or B5 mixture in winter because of the poor cold weather characteristics of standard biodiesel. Coleman Oil blends all 3 grades