ASTM approves B20 standards

ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, has approved specifications for B20 biodiesel. Approval of these specifications allow for auto and engine manufacturers to be confident that they are receiving a biodiesel product that meets quality standards. Steve Howell, Chairman of the ASTM Biodiesel Task Force, said,

"The new ASTM specifications for B6-B20 blends will aid engine manufacturers in their engine design and testing processes to optimize the performance of vehicles running on biodiesel. The new specifications will also help ensure that only the highest quality biodiesel blends are made available to consumers at the retail pump."

According to the National Biodiesel Board, the approved specifications include:

• Changes to the existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification (ASTM D6751)
• Finished specifications to include up to 5% biodiesel (B5) in the conventional petrodiesel specification (ASTM D975)
• A new specification for blends of between 6 percent biodiesel (B6) to 20 percent biodiesel (B20) for on and off road diesel.

More information can be found at the National Biodiesel Board's press release.