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This agreement, and all terms mentioned herein, applies only
to the above-mentioned parties, and supersedes any previous
versions. It is the responsibility of the member to read all
of the following information before purchasing biodiesel and
biodiesel blend fuels. The purchase and use of any developmental
fuel provided by Envira Fuels, LLC is done so at the sole risk
of the purchaser and user (above and beyond any liability covered
by the fuel manufacturerís liability policy). Please call if
you have any questions.
I. Member Owned Organization: Envira Fuels Biodiesel
Users Group is a member organization. Each member has a share
in the organization and is entitled to all the rights and benefits
of membership including but not limited to: the right to purchase
fuel that is renewable, the right to lower emissions, and the
right to be informed on local biodiesel issues. There is no
cost of membership, however donations defray mailing and operating
costs.
II. Biodiesel: Quality of the fuel is very important
to all of us. Purchase only 100% biodiesel manufactured to ASTM
D-6751 standards.
III. Membership Responsibility and Disclosure: It is
the memberís responsibility to provide the fuel vendors with
any requested information regarding the performance of biodiesel
or any issues that the member observes while using the fuel.
This information is critical to allow the fuel vendor to complete
the required quarterly reports to the CA Department of Measurement
Standards.
IV. Precautions and Disclaimers: The following are facts
concerning biodiesel and its usage. You, as a user, must be
aware of and responsible for these qualities of biodiesel fuel:
a.
Engine warranty: The use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends
has not been approved by all engine manufactures. Your use
of the fuel may affect your warranty; therefore you should
check your ownerís manual or with your engine manufacturer
before using biodiesel blends over B5. Be aware of this issue
and use the fuel according to your own judgment. See the link
below to engine warranty statements.
b. Developmental Fuels: Biodiesel (B100) and biodiesel
blends over B-5 that do not meet ASTM D 975 petroleum specifications
are sold as development fuels in California. As such, the
fuel vender and users must comply with California Business
and Professional Code and the DMS regulations. For reference
see http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/pdfs/PetroleumRegs.pdf
c. Solvent Properties: Biodiesel, in addition to being
a fuel, is an effective solvent, and will act accordingly.
This means that:
i. Biodiesel will dissolve existing solids-created
through usage of petroleum (ìpetroleumî) dieselóin your
vehicleís fuel system. These solids will clog your vehicles
fuel filter. When this happens depends on many factors,
but can be recognized by the following symptoms: power loss,
engine sputtering, difficulty starting and poor fuel mileage.
When you notice these symptoms, you will have to replace
your vehicleís fuel filter (possibly more than once, depending
on the amount of petroleum solids in the fuel system). Envira
Fuels Biodiesel Users Group recommends keeping at least
one spare fuel filter on hand at all times. Clogging of
fuel filters also occurs with old fuel storage containers
that contained petroleum diesel. When dealing with such
large fuel tanks, fuel filters may have to be changed many
times, and cleaning of the tank before biodiesel usage may
be a more suitable alternative.
ii. Biodiesel will degrade rubber components in older
vehiclesí fuel systems faster than petroleum diesel. These
components include some hoses, seals and o-rings. Most diesel
vehicles made after 1993 use synthetic components, elimination
this problem. Please contact the manufacturer for answers
on specific parts.
iii. Biodiesel, will, over time, dissolve most types
of paint. For this reason, Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users
Group recommends keeping a clean, soft, dry rag on hand
when fueling to gently wipe off any spillage. When the rag
becomes soaked with biodiesel, put it in a dark, closed
storage container to await proper disposal. Do not leave
fuel-soaked rage crumpled up in the sun. Under such conditions,
the rags are prone to spontaneous combustion due to oxidation
and the heat generated during that process.
d. Cold Weather Properties: Depending on its feedstock,
biodiesel can gel at temperatures as high as 40 degrees Fahrenheit
or higher without added anti-gel. If you operate in cold weather
take precautions to prevent gelling. These precautions can
include blending with petroleum, or the use of cold weather
treatments. This is especially recommended for vehicles with
electronically-controlled, highlysensitive fuel injection
systems, such as those found in Volkswagen TDIs and Chevrolet/GMC
Duramaxes.
e. Vehicle Emissions and Performance: Because every
engine is different, Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group makes
no claims about the emissions or performance when burning
biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel will not have the same effects on
every vehicle. Because the BTU value of biodiesel is slightly
less than that of petroleum diesel no.2, a small loss of power
and fuel economy is to be expected, although this is mitigated
by biodieselís higher lubricity and cetane number.
f. Biodiesel Storage Etiquette: Biodiesel should not
be stored more than 6 months without topping off or cycling.
Biodiesel can oxidize when exposed to air and light for extended
periods, resulting in a ìrancidî fuel that can have negative
effects on your vehicleís performance. Biodiesel needs to
be stored properly, in a dark container, away from air and
water. Use a filter with a water separator. Like diesel, biodiesel
can attract bugs and biological contamination. The potential
for contamination should be taken very seriously, and guarding
against it is the memberís responsibility. Large fuel containers
must be vented properly. Old or rusty storage containers may
adversely affect biodiesel. Check the Materials Compatibility
Guide (below) for acceptable storage tank materials before
using a container for your fuel.
g. Fuel Additives: Biodiesel, in this document, is
defined as 100% biodiesel (B100) and biodiesel blends are
identified by the blend concentration. For example B20 contains
20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. If you would like
to use an additive in your fuel, for whatever reason, we recommend
you contact Envira Fuels, LLC so they can share with you the
benefit of their experience. If you plan on blending biodiesel
with petroleum diesel, remember: the better quality the diesel,
the better the blend. Environmentally, if you must blend with
petroleum diesel, use D975 specification fuel and try to only
use low sulfur fuel.
All information contained in this Membership Agreement is believed
to be accurate at the time of printing. If the application or
any provision of this contract should be held invalid, the remaining
provisions thereof shall not be affected thereby, but shall
continue to be given full force and effect.
In addition to the above precautions and disclaimers, Envira
Fuels Biodiesel Users Group reminds you that many mechanics
have not heard of biodiesel, nor worked on vehicles using it
as fuel. To save yourself time, money and a headache, if you
have problems, call us first.
Reference Resources: Download, read and retain these
documents. They provide important information for you as a biodiesel
user.
Biodiesel Handling and Use
Guidelines
http://www.eere.energy.gov/biomass/pdfs/biodiesel_handling.pdf
Generic Biodiesel MSDS http://www.nbb.org/pdf_files/MSDS.PDF
Biodiesel FAQ's http://www.nbb.org/pdf_files/RegulatedFleet_QA.pdf
Engine Warrantee Information
http://www.nbb.org/resources/fuelfactsheets/standards_and_warranties.shtm
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I have read, understand and agree to the terms of the
Membership Agreement.
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: __________________
Retain one copy for your records and mail or FAX original to:
Envira Fuels Biodiesel Users Group
P.O. Box 308
Monte Rio, CA 95462
707-490-6950
FAX 509-691-0232
info@envirafuels.com
www.envirafuels.com
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Material
Compatibility with Biodiesel Fuels
Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc will
oxidize diesel and biodiesel fuels and create sediments. Lead
solders and zinc linings should be avoided, as should copper
pipes, brass regulators, and copper fittings. The fuel or the
fittings will tend to change color and sediments may form, resulting
in plugged fuel filters. Affected equipment should be replaced
with stainless steel or aluminum. Acceptable storage tank materials
include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated
polypropylene, and Teflon. Table 7 has some information on specific
materials.
| Material
|
BXX
|
Effect
compared to diesel fuel |
| Teflon |
B100 |
Little
change |
| Nylon
6/6 |
B100 |
Little
change |
| Nitrile |
B100 |
Hardness
reduced 20% |
| |
B100 |
Swell
increased 18% |
| Viton
A401-C |
B100 |
Little
change |
| Viton
GFLT |
B100 |
Little
change |
| Fluorosilicon |
B100 |
Little
change in hardness |
| |
B100 |
Swell
increased 7% |
| Polyurethane |
B100 |
Little
change in hardness |
| |
B100 |
Swell
increased 6% |
| Polypropylene |
B100 |
Hardness
reduced 10% |
| |
B100 |
Swell
increased 8-15% |
| Polyvinyl |
B100 |
Much
Worse |
| |
B50 |
Worse |
| |
B40 |
Worse |
| |
B30 |
Worse |
| |
B20 |
Comparable |
| |
B10 |
Comparable |
| Tygon |
B100 |
Worse |
The effect of B20 on vulnerable materials is diluted compared
to higher blends. Some slow oxidation can occur, although it
may take longer to materialize. Biodiesel also can affect some
seals, gaskets, and adhesives, particularly those made before
1993 and those made from natural or nitrile rubber. It is primarily
for these reasons that vehicle and storage equipment are modified.
Most engines made after 1994 have been constructed with gaskets
and seals that are generally biodiesel resistant. Earlier engine
models or rebuilds may use older gasket and seal and present
a risk of swelling, leaking, or failure. Fuel pumps may contain
rubber valves that may fail. The typical approach is to create
a maintenance schedule that checks for potential failures. Users
can also contact engine manufacturers for more information.
NREL/TP-580-30004 September 2001 14
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