1. Biodiesel & Bus Fleets – Fuel Quality Perspective
Richard Nelson
National Biodiesel Board

2. The National Biodiesel Board
Represents the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the United States. 
Founded in 1992 by state soybean commodity groups.
Today NBB’s membership is comprised of state, national, and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations, biodiesel suppliers, fuel marketers and distributors, and technology providers. 2 2

3. Renewable Fuel Standard - 2

4. Fuel Quality & Standards
ASTM Specifications exist for:
B5 and lower
B6 to B20
B100 (ASTM D )
Performance-based Standards
Industry-wide Fuel Quality Program BQ (
Insures for “supply-chain management” (from feedstock through fuel use)

5. Emissions & Health
Emission Type
B100
B20 B2
Total Unburned Hydrocarbons
-67%
-20%
-2.2%
Carbon Monoxide
-48%
-12%
-1.3%
Particulate Matter
-47%
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX)
+10%
+/-2%
+.2%
MSHA (US Department of Labor – Mining Safety and Health Administration) recognizes biodiesel as the least expensive means for reducing underground worker exposure to DPM – this is a direct worker health issue

6. Supply Chain Management
Certified Marketer Focus
A system for the handling and distribution of biodiesel that maintains the fuel properties at the ASTM D 6751 specification.
Sampling and Testing
Shipping
Blending
Retain Samples
Storage
Accredited Producer Focus
A system for monitoring the production of biodiesel to the ASTM D 6751 specification.
Sampling
Shipping
Storage
Retain Samples
Testing
“cradle”
“grave”

7. OEM Warranty Statements & Biodiesel
All major U.S. OEMs support at least B5 and lower blends, provided they are made with biodiesel meeting ASTM D 6751
Most OEMs recommending use of BQ-9000
More than 55% of U.S. manufacturers now support B20 or higher blends in at least some of their equipment
Several more OEMs completing testing toward B20 support

8. Case Study: Cincinnati Metro
Biodiesel pioneer…began with pilot tests in 90s
Has since used B5 – B99 in fleet of 340 buses
After Hurricane Katrina, Metro opted to switch to B99
Stuck with B20 in winter
Supports green mission and generates positive press…Metro is talked about in press often
Many, many others: SF, KC, St. Louis, etc.