Biodiesel Fuels with Suntec A/B Pumps

October 7, 2009

Introduction: Biodiesel fuels are becoming more popular as alternative fuels and as a means to improve the environment. Based on in-house tests and field tests, compatibility of Suntec products with various biodiesel fuel blends is given below..
 
Suntec Endorsements:  Endorsements of Suntec products for use with biodiesel fuels are only for fuels blended with biodiesels meeting ASTM D6751 and petroleum fuels meeting ASTM D396! Additionally, such endorsements are only in regards to compatibility of seal materials, wear of mechanical components, etc. Suntec can only speak to the capability of Suntec products, and offers no opinion regarding the combustion characteristics of B5, B20, etc. in oil burners or appliances manufactured by others. Suntec’s endorsement of B5 and B20 biofuel use with Suntec products is specific to the integrity, performance and life expectancy of the Suntec product alone, and shall not be construed as a blanket authorization to use biofuel in any other heating equipment.

Warranty:
Suntec can not warranty a product against issues such as tightening of mechanical components due to ‘varnishing” of the fuel.

NOTE:  Some have reported that a one-pipe hook-up, or a two-pipe hook-up in conjunction with a de-aeration device, may reduce “varnishing”. Frequent equipment starts, including during nonheating periods, may also benefit.

Low Temperature Limitations:  For information on low temperature limitations and tips on improving performance at low temperatures, please see the document "Use of Suntec Fuel Units at Low Temperatures" on the website "suntecpumps.com".

"B5" & Lower Biodiesel Fuels:  In agreement with the new ASTM D396 specification for petroleum fuels, Suntec certifies all products to be compatible with this D396 fuel, which now includes B5 and lower biodiesel fuels.  B5 biodiesel fuels are 5% ASTM D6751 biodiesel and 95% ASTM D396 fuel oil blends.

“B20” & Lower Biodiesel Fuels:  In a departure from our previous statement that fuel pump units produced after January 1, 2007 are compatible with B20 fuels, biodiesel concentrations above B5 will now require a special pump modelmodel, such as A2VA-7116V having the brown Viton shaft seal.  New production using the black NBR shaft seal is good for up to B5 only.  Similarly, model “C” and “R” shutoff valves are good for up to B5 only.Consult the factory for specific model information.

"B100" Biodiesel Fuels are currently a low priority for Suntec evaluation. Status updates will appear in this website when available. For experimental use with fuels higher than B20 biodiesel content, special non-UL models, such as A2VA-7116T, are now available having Teflon piston seal an addition to Viton shaft seal. At this time, such units are warranted for only up to B20 fuels. Consult the factory for specific model information.

Last modified: Octobert 26, 2009