January 29, 2010

Sarnia/Ottawa – Collaboration between the Government of Canada and a number of energy and transportation organizations is advancing essential research on the storage and use of heating and transportation fuel containing biodiesel.

A recent study on biodiesel product quality and reliability was funded by the Government of Canada’s National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative, Imperial Oil and the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI). Assistance was provided by the Canadian Oil Heating Association, the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association and several other industry players.

The study found that the following guidelines can help to assure biodiesel product quality and reliability:

• Up to 10 percent biodiesel content in heating oil should not cause furnace performance issues.
• Limiting the level of saturated monoglycerides in biodiesel helps maintain adequate fuel flow. This is particularly important for low-temperature storage and for operation of both furnaces and motor vehicles.
• The use of antioxidants when storing biodiesel over the long term can be used to assure product stability.

“This research initiative further demonstrates a commitment by all stakeholders to ensure a successful introduction of biodiesel as part of Canada’s renewable fuels standard,” said Patricia Davidson, M.P. for Sarnia-Lambton on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis Minister of Natural Resources Canada. “Our Government is investing $202,000 in this important step forward to help reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions.”

Imperial completed the research in its Sarnia research centre. “We were pleased to be able to contribute Imperial’s research resources and capability to further the collective international understanding of biodiesel,” said Will Rogers, manager of Imperial’s Sarnia research department. “Our shared goal is to provide Canadians with reliable and highquality products.”

CPPI President, Peter Boag, underscored the importance of completing comprehensive technical feasibility studies before introducing a new fuel product to Canadians. “The results can be used to direct renewable diesel blending formulation, and by Standard setting bodies, such as the Canadian General Standards Board to ensure the new fuels meet consumer’s needs,” said Mr. Boag.

A copy of the research summary report and full reports can be downloaded at www.cppi.ca.