Mike O'Donnell, City of Milwaukee, presented information on Biodiesel fleet experiences for our Alternative Fuels Workshop & Wisconsin Smart Fleet Recognition Program in Madison, WI.

1. Biodiesel Experiences and Barriers Michael O’Donnell Quality Assurance Manager City of Milwaukee Fleet Services August 19, 2014

2. Diesel Volumes
•2011 – 1,080,524 Total
–153,206 Biodiesel (14.2%)
•2012 – 1,041,393 Total
–102,701 Biodiesel (9.9%)
•2013 – 1,090,817 Total
–21,780 Biodiesel (2.0%)
•2014 – 562,005 Quarters 1 and 2 only
–11,102 Biodiesel (2.0%)

3. Typical Sources Gel Point
•Tallow/Animal Fats 57° F
•Yellow Grease 45° F
•Corn Oil 40° F
•Soybean Oil 32° F
•Canola Oil 28° F
Sources of Biodiesel
Inexpensive
Expensive
Other Sources
•Rapeseed oil
•Used cooking oil
•Cottonseed oil
•Sunflower oil
•Algae (April 2008)

4. Underground Tank Maintenance And Water Removal
•Free water in the fuel storage tank accelerates corrosion and fuel degradation, and can also promote the growth of bacteria.
•Tank designs have made complete removal of water almost impossible.
•Moisture enters mostly as condensation from air. Vents and seals that are poorly constructed or maintained can allow water to infiltrate the storage tank.
•Desiccant dryers

5. Underground Tank Maintenance
•Inspect all Diesel Tanks in September or October
•How is your fuel supply?
•Bacteria
•Water
•Start treating fuel early

6. Biodiesel Benefits
• Clean Burning
• Burns 78% to 90% cleaner than regular diesel depending on the base stock used, according to the EPA.
• Can be made from almost any vegetable or animal oil
• Will run in virtually all diesel engines without special modifications (check manufacturer’s warranty conditions)
• Offers superior lubricity, creating less engine wear
•Replaces lubricity lost with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel
• Mixes with hydrocarbon-based diesel in any ratio
• Domestically Produced
• Reduces dependence on foreign oil

7. Biodiesel Cons
Fuel filters changed in addition to normal
Preventive Maintenance filter changes
Time Frame Filters Used Comments
January-December 2005 107 Before Biodiesel
January-December 2006 227 Using Biodiesel
January-December 2007 317 72% increase
January-December 2008 136 43% decrease
• Increase in cost versus petroleum diesel.
• Not suitable for long-term storage.
• Increased storage tank maintenance required.
• Can clog fuel filters quickly upon introduction.

8. OPTIONAL COLD WEATHER ADDITIVE PACKAGE: Bidders shall indicate the cost to furnish and install a non-alcohol based cold weather anti-gelling, deicing additive to the delivered fuel, capable of maintaining a cold filter plug point (CFPP) of -30° F, +/- 4° F, based on the cold weather blend of #2 ULSD at 70%, #1 ULSD at 20%, and B100 at 10%. An acceptable additive is ValvTect High Performance Biodiesel Anti-Gel/Deicer Additive, or City approved equal. Proposed additive package brand/part #______________________ Cost to treat one gallon of delivered fuel $______________
Cold Weather Specifications
Work with your fuel vendor to maintain fuel consistency in cold weather situations.