A newly released biodiesel fuel standard is expected to help drive auto industry support for the soybean-based alternative fuel.

The new “blended fuel” standard, developed by ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials), is aimed at ensuring biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent will be compatible with future diesel exhaust emissions technology.

Although ASTM is expected to release a specific “B20” standard in December, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) suggests the October standard sets the stage for universal B20 acceptance among original engine manufacturers.

NBB Technical Director Steve Howell, who chairs an ASTM bio­ diesel standards task force, pledged efforts with engine makers and others “to do what it takes to boost automakers’ support of biodiesel blends with new diesel technology.”

Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes, and Volkswagen have announ­ ced plans to offer new diesel cars and light trucks in the U.S. beginning in 2008 or 2009.

Market research firm J.D. Power and Associates predicts the number of light diesel vehicles sold annually in the U.S could more than triple to 2.2 million over the next 10 years.

Daimler-Chrysler recently announced plans to provide a percent biodiesel “factory fill” for all of its diesel Dodge Rams produced in St. Louis.

The company’s diesel Jeep Cherokee and Liberty SUVs also are to be filled with “B5” at the factory, and NBB’s Jenna Higgins noted Daimler-Chrysler has endorsed B20 use in Ram fleet vehicles.

“They’re working toward not just approving B20 in their vehicles, but actively promoting it,” Higgins told FarmWeek. “They’ve said they see biodiesel as a way to help sell diesel engines to American consumers.

“There’s definitely a trend toward diesel vehicles that are very fuel-efficient and much quieter and cleaner than the old diesel engines that got a bad rap in the ’70s. I drive a diesel Volkswagen — you would never know the difference between it and a ‘regular’ car,” Higgins said.

New ASTM changes specifically address the potential effects of small levels of calcium and magnesium in biodiesel on pollution particulate traps used as part of the diesel exhaust systems.

Engine manufacturers were concerned even small amounts of those compounds could cause particulate traps to clog.

Particulate traps are needed to meet EPA 2007 emissions standards, which reduce particulate matter from new diesel engines by more than 90 percent. – Martin Ross

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