Year-Long Biodiesel Test by SRC

SASKATOON - Dec 17/09 - SNS -- A pilot project has been started by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to assess biodiesel's quality retention and performance in farming equipment throughout the year.

During the year-long project, eight agriculture producers will operate their equipment using low-level (B5) and high-level (B10) canola-biodiesel blends to determine whether they affect engine performance. Five producers will operate year-round on a B5 blend, while three others will use a B10 blend during warmer months and a B5 blend the rest of the year.

As part of the study, SRC will evaluate approximately 50 tractors, combines, swathers and related farm fuel storage tanks. Biodiesel quality will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that the fuel maintains adequate quality throughout the year-round farming cycle.

When the study is completed in November 2010, producers and other agriculture industry stakeholders will have the information they need to successfully blend, handle and store biodiesel blends in cold Canadian conditions.