Matching the hose assembly to the media: Biodiesel

Written by Marek Bobik | read

maintenance product update

Not every hydraulic hose is suitable for biodiesel applications. Most mechanics pay attention to the hoses’ working pressure rating, but selecting a hose compatible with the media conveyed is just as important in blow-out prevention.

Clearing up the confusion

Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, used cooking oil and even new sources such as algae. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel blends can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

Biodiesel is not raw vegetable oil. Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to ensure proper performance. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.

Biodiesel is also sometimes confused with ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable bio-fuel made primarily from corn (in the US) or sugar cane (elsewhere in the world) and intended for use in gasoline-powered engines (not diesel engines as is the case with biodiesel fuel)

[Source: Biodiesel Board]

Hoses Compatible with Biodiesel

Only hoses specifically designed and advertised for use with biodiesel should be used in biodiesel applications. Do not assume that a hose is chemically compatible with biodiesel (or any other media), unless it is specifically indicated by the hose manufacturer.

New on the market

Parker has recently introduced a new Green Label Tank Truck Hose (Series 7705) for transfer of alternative fuels. This hose can be utilized for all blends of biodiesel and ethanol fuels, as well as, standard petroleum fuels, which allows you to stock one hose for multiple applications. Standard lengths are 100' in sizes up to 4". Larger sizes, 200' lengths and different color variations may be available – ask for a quote.

Another relatively new hose from Parker (3970X - Super-Flex FL Fuel Line Hose) includes a new thermoplastic barrier that helps protect our atmosphere from harmful hydrocarbons that escape through the carcass of ordinary fuel hose. This new hose surpasses all of CARB's stringent permeation requirements and along with the SAE30R7 specifications. The Super-Flex FL hose also features an abrasion and weather resistant cover to help protect from external application abuse. NOTE: Approved for biodiesel fuels that meet ASTM D 6751 requirements per UL guidelines for biodiesel compatibility.