AutoblogGreen

The problem of biological contamination of biodiesel has been known for some time, one reason why B100 is a bad idea.

However, this is the first I've heard of bacteria in a B2.5 or B5 blend. Those must be some hardy critters!

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I think this story is misleading. For one, the source doesn't even seem to know what it's talking about, calling biodiesel "biofuel" as if it always means the same thing. Second, the source doesn't cite any real data attributing the problems to biodiesel blend. Third, I've never seen any information saying that bacteria can grow in low biodiesel blends. It's typically only a problem seen in B100 (and I've never heard of that being a real problem except in tropical climates).

Finally, since when does clogging a fuel filter cause serious damage? The story mentions that it "can" cause damage, but that doesn't mean it "does".

I personally don't buy it, but that's just my 2¢.

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How is this new, or specific to biodiesel? As a long-time diesel owner, I've had to deal with bacteria and fungus growing in diesel fuel as long as I can remember. That's why there are dozens of diesel fuel biocide products out there to address the problem.

Here is one of the more common products that has been sold for use with petroleum-based diesel, LONG before biodiesel mandates went into effect:

http://www.powerservice.com/bk/

"Bio Kleen® Diesel Fuel Biocide


Microbes in the form of bacteria and fungus are present in all diesel fuels. Long periods of fuel storage can create ideal opportunities for microbes to grow in fuel tanks. The first indication of microbial contamination is mucous-like accumulations on fuel-filters and increased requirements for fuel-filter replacement. Microbes can only be removed from the fuel system by use of a diesel fuel biocide. "

Sounds like somebody is trying to pull autobloggreen's leg.

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Yeah this is definitely FUD, as petrodiesel has always had this problem (bacteria, fungus, and algae). Same thing goes for gelling in cold weather. Petrodiesel, AKA diesel no 2, gels in cold weather, so winter petrodiesel is mixed with kerosene, AKA diesel no 1, to prevent gelling by thinning out the fuel. B100 can be mixed with ethanol or methanol for the same anti-gelling effect.

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The problem is moisture. Get rid of any moisture in the fuel, and there will be no microbial growth. Unfortunately, the standard biodiesel making process does use water, getting the final product water free is a problem.

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