Posts By :

Sunny Battazzi

Alternative Fuels in Portland, OR
How Renewable Diesel Is Made 940 788 Star Oilco

How Renewable Diesel Is Made

Renewable diesel is a type of biofuel

Renewable diesel is a type of biofuel that is chemically similar to petroleum diesel and can be used in any diesel engine. It can be produced from various feedstocks, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, waste cooking oil, and algae. Renewable diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality compared to petroleum diesel⁵. 

The most common way to produce renewable diesel is by hydroprocessing, which involves reacting the feedstock with hydrogen under high temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst. This process removes oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities from the feedstock and converts it into hydrocarbons that are similar to those in petroleum diesel⁴⁵. Hydroprocessing is also used in petroleum refineries to upgrade crude oil into various fuels, such as renewable diesel. 

Other ways to produce renewable diesel include pyrolysis, which involves heating the feedstock in the absence of oxygen to produce a liquid bio-oil that can be further upgraded into renewable diesel; gasificationmar, which involves converting the feedstock into a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (syngas) that can be synthesized into renewable diesel; and biochemical and thermochemical technologies, which involve using enzymes, microorganisms, or catalysts to convert the feedstock into renewable diesel⁴. 

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. production capacity for renewable diesel could increase significantly through 2024, based on several announced and developing projects. This growth is driven by higher state and federal targets for renewable fuel, favorable tax credits, and the conversion of existing petroleum refineries into renewable diesel refineries². As of the end of 2020, U.S. renewable diesel production capacity totaled nearly 0.6 billion gallons per year (gal/y), or 38,000 barrels per day (b/d). Several projects currently under construction could increase this capacity by 2.4 billion gal/y; proposed and announced projects would add another 1.8 billion gal/y by 2024. If all projects come online as intended, U.S. renewable diesel production would total 5.1 billion gal/y (330,000 b/d) by the end of 2024². 

Globally, over 1.45 billion gallons of renewable diesel are produced annually and are forecasted to grow up to 3.34 billion gallons in 2024. Neste, a Finland based petroleum refining company, is currently dominating the production of renewable diesel¹. Other major producers include Diamond Green Diesel in the U.S., ENI in Italy, Total in France, and Preem in Sweden¹. 

Resources:

(1) Renewable Diesel – Alternative Fuels Data Center.

(2) Renewable Diesel – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. 

(3) U.S. renewable diesel capacity could increase 

(4) Renewable Diesel: The Fuel of the Future – FutureBridge.

(5) Overview of the Production Capacity of U.S. Renewable Diesel Plants

Star Oilco Truck Fleet
Benefits of On-Site Mobile Fueling for Truck Fleets 1024 768 Star Oilco

Benefits of On-Site Mobile Fueling for Truck Fleets

For companies that operate truck fleets, managing fuel consumption is a critical aspect of their operations. Refueling logistics and costs can pose significant challenges. A fuel delivery truck service is also known as fleet fueling, mobile fueling or wet hosing. By incorporating a fleet fueling service that fills their trucks every morning, companies will reap numerous benefits and eliminate additional costs. Through this approach of fleet fueling, efficiency will be improved. Costs are reduced and operations are streamlined. Ultimately, this improves profitability and sustainability for the company and the environment. 

Enhanced Operational Efficiency 

Having a fuel delivery truck fill a company’s truck fleet each morning can significantly enhance operational efficiency. Instead of requiring drivers to waste valuable time searching for gas stations and waiting in queues, the fleet is primed and ready for their daily routes. This allows for optimized productivity as drivers can focus on their core responsibilities through wet hose fueling.

Furthermore, with a centralized refueling system, companies can eliminate the risk of trucks running low on fuel during the day. This minimizes unforeseen delays, ensuring timely deliveries and improving customer satisfaction. The streamlined refueling process also reduces administrative burdens, eliminating drivers to track fuel expenses and submit reimbursement forms.  

Cost Savings and Budget Predictability

Implementing a fuel delivery truck service offers substantial cost savings for companies with truck fleets. By purchasing fuel in bulk, companies can negotiate favorable pricing terms with the fuel supplier. It allows companies to secure discounts or fixed rates. Fuel costs predictability allows for better budget planning, avoiding fluctuating fuel prices.

By eliminating the need for drivers to refuel at public gas stations, the company can prevent unauthorized fuel purchases, fuel theft, and the potential for inaccurate expense reporting. The fuel delivery service ensures that fuel consumption is closely monitored, minimizing fuel misuse.  

In addition, having a dedicated fuel delivery truck also reduces the wear and tear on company trucks caused by constant stops at gas stations. This reduces maintenance and repair costs in the long run. With regular fuel top-ups in the morning, trucks operate at optimal fuel levels, improving engine performance and extending their lifespan.  

Environmental Sustainability

By consolidating fuel delivery through a dedicated truck, companies can contribute to environmental sustainability. Bulk fuel delivery reduces the number of individual fuel stops to gas stations, resulting in reduced carbon emissions. The streamlined fleet fueling process also minimizes fuel spills and or possible leakage from conventional methods. This solution preserves air and soil quality. 

Furthermore, adopting a fuel delivery service encourages alternative and cleaner fuels. Companies can explore options like biodiesel or electric vehicles, and the fuel delivery truck can be equipped to accommodate these eco-friendly fuel sources. By transitioning to greener fuels, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and align with environmental regulations and customer preferences.  

For companies with truck fleets, integrating a fuel delivery truck service offers numerous advantages. Moreover, the streamlined refueling process through fleet fueling or mobile fueling enhances operational efficiency. Your truck fleets will benefit from fleet fueling by eliminating your employees wasting time on the clock with refueling stops. You will also benefit from the minimized administrative burdens. Cost savings are achieved through bulk purchasing, predictable budgeting, and reduced maintenance expenses. This approach contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner fuel alternatives.  

By optimizing fuel management and leveraging the many benefits of fuel delivery, companies can drive their fleet operations to new levels of productivity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility. Embracing this innovative solution not only benefits the company itself but also enhances customer satisfaction and positions the company as a leader in sustainable business practices. 

15-what-are-the-benefits-of-renewable-diesel
Understanding the Benefits of Renewable Diesel 1024 683 Star Oilco

Understanding the Benefits of Renewable Diesel

In an era of environmental consciousness and sustainable alternatives, the need for renewable energy sources has become increasingly evident. One of the notable contenders in this field is renewable diesel —a clean-burning, low-emission fuel that could revolutionize the transportation sector. We will dive into renewable diesel, exploring its production process, environmental benefits, and potential to replace petroleum-based diesel. 

What is renewable diesel? Renewable diesel, also known as green diesel or second-generation biodiesel, is a next-generation alternative fuel derived from sustainable feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste fats and oils. Unlike traditional biodiesel, which is typically produced through transesterification, renewable diesel is synthesized through hydro-treating. This process removes oxygen from the feedstocks, resulting in a cleaner and more energy-dense fuel that is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel. 

Environmental Benefits: 

  1. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: One of the primary advantages of renewable diesel is its significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Studies have shown that renewable diesel can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 80% compared to petroleum diesel. This reduction is attributed to the use of sustainable feedstocks, which have a lower carbon intensity than fossil fuels.
  2. Improved air quality: Renewable diesel has lower levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur emissions than conventional diesel. Renewable diesel combustion produces fewer harmful pollutants, leading to improved air quality and a decrease in respiratory and cardiovascular health risks for both urban and rural communities.
  3. Sustainable feedstock utilization: Renewable diesel can be produced from a wide range of feedstocks, including used cooking oil, animal fats, and waste oils. By utilizing these feedstocks, the fuel industry can promote the circular economy by reducing waste and repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Furthermore, growing dedicated energy crops for renewable diesel production can be done sustainably, without deforestation or compromising food production. 

Advantages Over Traditional Biodiesel:  

  1. Compatibility with existing infrastructure: Unlike traditional biodiesel, renewable diesel can be seamlessly blended with petroleum diesel or used as a drop-in replacement without modifications to existing diesel engines or distribution infrastructure. This characteristic makes it an attractive option for achieving immediate emissions reductions in the transportation sector.
  2. Superior cold-weather performance: Renewable diesel exhibits excellent cold-weather performance compared to conventional biodiesel. It has a lower cloud point and a higher cetane number, which ensures better ignition and combustion even in cooler climates. This attribute makes it a more reliable fuel choice, particularly in regions with frigid winters.
  3. Higher energy density: Renewable diesel has a higher energy density than biodiesel, resulting in increased fuel efficiency and mileage. This benefit translates to longer driving distances per gallon of fuel, making renewable diesel an economically viable choice for vehicle owners and fleet operators. 

Renewable diesel represents a groundbreaking alternative to petroleum-based diesel, offering a host of environmental benefits and paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. With its significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and compatibility with existing infrastructure, renewable diesel presents a strong case for a need and desire for a widespread adoption in the transportation sector. As renewable energy technologies continue to evolve, embracing renewable diesel can be a crucial step towards reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

decarbonizing-heavy-duty-trucks-mindful-mobility
Star Oilco Speaks On Decarbonizing Heavy Duty Trucks 1024 768 Star Oilco

Star Oilco Speaks On Decarbonizing Heavy Duty Trucks

Decarbonizing Heavy Duty Fleets By Using B99 Biodiesel.

Mark Fitz joined the Clean Cities Coalition Mindful Mobility Tech Talk series for their High GHG Reductions webinar. Mark spoke on the benefits of B99 and how fleets can begin decarbonizing their emissions today!
On September 28th, 2022, three representatives were invited to speak on how they are not only saving large amounts of energy but are also having a big impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

B99 Biodiesel reduces CO2 footprint of a 105,500 GVW truck and trailer by more than half at a lower cost than petroleum diesel.

How Can I Utilize B99 or B100 for Decarbonizing My Own Fleet?

Star Oilco uses The Vector System developed by Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies. The Vector System allows upgrades for any medium or heavy-duty engine to operate on 100% biodiesel. This is the only EPA-compliant biodiesel engine system and can be installed in as little as 12 hours. Contact Optimus Technologies or reach out to Star Oilco locally to learn more about The Vector System.

Star Oilco’s Field Test

Star Oilco fielded the Optimus Technologies system on our 105,500 GVW truck and trailers.  We began with a single Freighliner truck and trailer operating a Cummins ISX as a trial.  This truck’s typical route was approximately 305 miles round trip from Portland, Oregon to Grays Harbor, Washington.

Over the last year and a half this truck has performed amazingly well. The only maintenance concern is swapping the fuel filters more regularly with every oil change.  Neither drivers nor our Elog system noticed differences in mileage and power.  On a few occasions a loss of power was experienced requiring an in between service fuel filter swap.

Follow the links below for more information on B99 Biodiesel and Star Oilco’s field test of the Optimus Technologies System:

B99 Biodiesel As A Heavy Duty Fuel

Biodiesel As A Heavy Duty Low Co2 Solution

This event is part of the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition’s Mindful Mobility Tech Talk series.  A series designed to educate and expand on the evolving trends in fleet technology relevant to fleets seeking to decarbonize their miles traveled.