Biodiesel Handling Guidelines
PROJECT SUMMARY
From field demonstration to everyday fuel practices.
The Best Fuel Handling Practices for Agriculture and Off-Road Applications with Biodiesel Blend Use publication was created to translate lessons from a B30 demonstration into practical guidance covering fuel quality, procurement, storage, transport, tank maintenance and cold-weather operability for agriculture and off-road applications.
“Powered by B30”
The project brought together Clean Fuels Alliance America, John Deere, GROWMARK FS and participating operators to demonstrate use of B30 in demanding agricultural settings. The resulting guide focuses on how to keep fuel clean, dry, on-spec and ready for reliable operation from delivery through end use.
It also explains why B30 is drawing interest in heavy-duty and off-road applications: the blend can provide higher lubricity and cetane while reducing several tailpipe pollutants and lowering lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with petroleum diesel.
Important: the source document is a handling and use guide; it does not publish a quantitative performance-results table for the demonstration project.
30%
biodiesel
by volume in B30
70%
petroleum diesel
by volume
Ag + Off-Road
primary
application focus
KEEP THE FULL GUIDE HANDY
Download the complete Biodiesel Handling publication.
Includes biodiesel basics, ASTM specifications, BQ-9000® quality control, procurement, storage and tank maintenance, materials compatibility, transport, oxidation stability, cold-weather operability and a fuel storage checklist.
TOP 10 GUIDELINES
Protect fuel quality from delivery to the field.
The core message is straightforward: start with quality fuel, keep it clean and dry, document what enters the tank and monitor storage conditions before they become equipment problems.
1. Use Quality Fuel
Purchase biodiesel from reputable suppliers and ensure it meets ASTM specifications (D6751 for B100 and applicable blend standards).
2. Request and Review the COA
Always obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and verify the fuel meets required specifications before accepting delivery.
3. Prefer BQ-9000® Suppliers
Source fuel from BQ-9000 accredited producers and marketers to help ensure consistent fuel quality.
4. Keep Fuel Clean and Dry
The most important storage practice is preventing water and contamination from entering fuel systems.
5. Inspect Storage Tanks Regularly
Check tanks for water, sediment, sludge, leaks, and microbial growth before new fuel deliveries.
6. Use Proper Filtration
Install dispensing filters, preferably 10-micron and water-absorbing filters, to remove contaminants and moisture.
7. Remove Water Immediately
Drain water bottoms and sediment promptly, as free water promotes corrosion, fuel degradation and microbial growth.
8. Manage Microbial Contamination
Treat active contamination with approved biocides when necessary, but do not use biocides as a routine preventive measure.
9. Prepare for Cold Weather
Monitor cloud point and pour point, use seasonally appropriate fuel and store equipment properly to prevent gelling.
10. Monitor Filters During Transition to B30
Biodiesel can clean existing tank deposits, which may initially plug filters and require more frequent filter changes.
WHY B30
A higher blend with operational and environmental advantages.
The guide highlights several reasons for interest in B30 across heavy-duty agricultural and off-road applications.
Superior Lubricity
Helps reduce friction and wear in high-pressure fuel-injection components.
Higher Cetane
Supports shorter ignition delay and smoother, more complete combustion.
Lower Lifecycle GHG Emissions
Biodiesel has lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum diesel.
Cleaner Tailpipe Profile
The guide notes reductions in particulate matter, black smoke, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons.