Trucking study examines biodiesel efficiency

[Mike]

A new study underway examines the benefits of a 20% biodiesel blend (B20) in an over-the-road trucking company. First-year results of the study have shown that biodiesel performs similarly to diesel fuel in trucks.

"The trucking industry is by far the single largest consumer of diesel fuel, using 38 billion gallons annually. This study demonstrates in a real-world environment that biodiesel can be used successfully year-round," says Grant Kimberley, director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association, a partner in the study.

The two-year study, called the "2 Million Mile Haul," is believed to be the first comprehensive, publicly documented demonstration of B20 in over-the-road trucks.

"Although we have data from only the first year of the study, we are pleased with the results to date," says Don Heck, coordinator of biotechnology and biofuels programs at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. "Preliminary results are that B20 biodiesel performs similarly to 100 percent diesel. We found a slight decrease in overall fuel efficiency for the B20 group of trucks, but it was not statistically significant. In fact, the difference was several times smaller than the driver-to-driver variability in fuel efficiency within each group."

The study also examines the effects of various fuel additives on the cold-flow properties of biodiesel blended with the new 2007 Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), focusing primarily on the cloud, plug and pour points.

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[pja1965]

How much is this a gallon. Is it cheaper because if it is the goverment will find a way to make it more expensive.

 

[Mike]

It has always been more expensive, and not a viable solution because of the cost. With the price of diesel skyrocketing, and all of the concerns over foreign dependency, it has become a very viable solution.

As the production becomes more and more advanced, the cost of production will go down. And it will be hard for the government to manipulate the costs, as our country's farmers will be involved in the production. Farmers that are just as much against the price gouging as we drivers are.

It can only be a good thing, we as a nation just have to make sure that we don't let government control get out of hand with it.

And most importantly, it is much cleaner burning, which is very important.

 

[joedaddy]

I've heard drivers claim they have seen corn fields set aside, with the BP Fuels name on the signs claiming that these crops are dedicated to this purpose. Traditionally if the federal goernment subsidises a crop the consumer cost is lowered.
Theoretically speaking- If a fuel alternative is sold at a lower cost then petroleum fuels it will bring all the prices down, if for no other reason the gas companies will have surpluss they need to sell off in order not to come into a loss in profits.
All gas companies are a participant in BP fuels so it also brings into question how much control they will have in biodeisel production. More importantly boiodiesel still does require a mix with petroleum.
I love this entire Idea, But I think that we are on the forefront of making this succeed or fail. Just as an added bonus the original prototype engine that the diesel engine patent was applied for was fueled with biodeisel.