Care and Treatment of Biodiesel Blends

Proper care of biofuels requires an integrated, end–to–end process.

As even the states with the most stringent “clean energy” programs start to back away from rampant “electrify everything” policies, one thing is being made clear: biodiesel and biodiesel blends are not going away.

In many cases, as more cities and states implement some version of a carbon tax, biofuel blends are being seen as a solution to the anticipated penalties for liquid fuel providers. These regulations will require fuel providers to reduce their customers’ emissions, by reducing gallons sold via equipment upgrades, converting homes to electric heating, or providing a lower-carbon fuel – biofuels at increasing blend levels.

This movement back to liquid fuels is garnering international attention. In November 2025, Biodiesel International reported on North American biofuel mandates, noting that, “By displacing imported petroleum with domestically produced fuel, governments aim to insulate their economies from global oil price shocks. Agricultural policy adds a third layer. Biodiesel mandates guarantee demand for oilseeds and waste fats, supporting farm incomes and rural employment, while also encouraging investment in new processing infrastructure.”

All of this is good news for liquid fuel dealers. Businesses that are taking their first steps into biofuels or those that are increasing blend levels may have questions about storage, blending, and treatment.

Isn’t blending biodiesel in the cold weather difficult?

Blending in extreme cold requires a few additional precautions, but can be managed easily.

• Make sure both the biodiesel and heating oil are at least 10º F above their respective cloud points, optimally at a blending temperature of 70º F or higher.

What are blending best practices?

• Pre-heat the tank, or add biodiesel to a tank that has warm heating oil already in it. You don’t want pump biodiesel into a cold, empty tank.
• Use quality fuels that meet their respective ASTM specification for biodiesel, diesel and renewable diesel, or heating oil.
• Be sure the hose and supply line for the fuel pump are insulated and heated, so the fuel doesn’t gel in the pump.
• Ensure proper mixing for consistent fuel quality and blend levels.

How do you properly store biofuel blends?

• Before you fill an older tank with biodiesel or a biodiesel blend for the first time, make sure it has been thoroughly cleaned. Old tank sediment could contaminate the fuel supply.
• Ensure the tank is dry to prevent water absorption and microbial growth. Consider using water-absorbing filters.
• Most common blends (B30 and lower) do not require heated or insulated tanks. However, as blends increase, some sort of heating or insulation may be required. There are several studies currently in progress to review ideal conditions – whether that be internal or exterior heating systems, circulation pumps, insulated pipes and tanks, or other methods.

Why use additives?

• Additives promote fuel stability, protecting against oxidation and sediment and gum formation
• Cold flow additives lower pour point and cloud point, allowing the fuel to flow properly in cold weather, especially when using biodiesel blends with higher cloud points.
• Additives inhibit microbial growth by controlling water contamination in the fuel system and tank. This protects against tank corrosion,
• fuel contamination, and equipment damage.

How does tank maintenance change with biodiesel instead of traditional heating oil?

• Tanks should be regularly checked for water by obtaining tank bottom samples.
• Regularly check hoses, fills, vents, and gaskets for leaks.
• Monitor the temperature of storage tanks; temperature sensors and automated heating controls are smart investments to maintain storage conditions.
• See “Thinking about Onsite Storage? Start Here.”

What about renewable diesel?

• Renewable diesel has the same properties as petroleum diesel, and has fewer cold weather gelling concerns than biodiesel, but:
• Just as you would use additives in petroleum diesel, renewable diesel can benefit from the increased lubricity, deposit control, and cold flow improvement available through additives.
• NORA is in the middle of a year-long study into blends of renewable diesel and biodiesel to determine the ideal blend for a 100% renewable home heating fuel. This study is looking at blends in active use throughout the winter to review functionality, gelling, heating requirements, efficiency, and system maintenance.

Biofuel blends offer fuel dealers an opportunity to use potential clean heating regulations to their advantage. But success depends on more than simply supplying a lower-carbon fuel. The value lies in how that fuel is handled, stored, treated, and maintained. From blending protocol and additive use to tank hygiene and long-term storage, every step matters.

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