Web exclusive posted Oct. 15, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. CST

The fourth edition of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide is now available. The publication provides direction for those who blend, store, distribute, and use biodiesel and biodiesel blends.

The guide, which contains information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel products in engines and boilers, is intended to help those involved in the biodiesel industry understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.

The last edition of the guide was published in March 2006. According to Robert L. McCormick, NREL’s principal engineer for fuels performance, the new edition contains significant new information on storage stability, low temperature blending and operability, and on the new biodiesel blend specifications.

McCormick said the guide is designed primarily to benefit marketers, blenders and commercial users of biodiesel. However, private users could also find the information interesting.

The 56-page document includes basic information on biodiesel blends to B100, and the BQ-9000 program for supply chain management.

Engine warranties, taxes and incentives, safety, health and environmental issues are also covered. The document can be downloaded from the NREL Web site, www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/npbf/feature_guidelines.html.