Biodiesel Supply Solutions

 

Targray’s biodiesel supply business markets biodiesel fuel and feedstock to distributors, retailers, traders, and refineries in North America and Europe.

Our biodiesel team is focused on creating turnkey alternative fuel solutions that intelligently address the growing global demand for bio based diesel. Our biodiesel suppliers serve customers in markets throughout the United States, Canada and the European Union.

Environmental Benefits of Biodiesel

  • Renewable fuel generating 60% lower GHG emissions than petroleum diesel
  • Reduces emissions of CO2, smog-causing particulate matter, and harmful carcinogens
  • Greatly reduces the carbon footprint, especially if produced from waste
  • Less flammable than petroleum diesel – safer to handle and store
  • 10 times lower toxicity than table salt, with biodegradability equivalent to sugar
  • Safer to use in ecologically sensitive areas

Economic Benefits of Biodiesel

  • Effective for meeting emissions targets, fulfilling green mandates at enterprise / state levels
  • Can be domestically produced in the United States and Europe, helping enhance energy independence
  • In states with low-carbon fuel policies, biodiesel is more cost-competitive than diesel
  • Biofuel producers and blenders can earn carbon credits in several jurisdictions. (Ex:. RINs, LCFS)
  • Easy-to-adopt solution requiring no changes to rail, storage and blending infrastructures

Common Biodiesel Blends

Name Definition

B5

B5 is a diesel blend consisting of 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent petroleum diesel. It is the most commonly found bio-based diesel blend in the U.S., where its use is mandated in several states.

B7

B7 is a blend containing 7 percent biodiesel. Like all blends containing between 6 and 20 percent, B7 fuel is covered by the ASTM D7467 spec. Its use is mandated in several jurisdictions including Germany and Malaysia.

B10

B10 is the term used to describe blends with 10 percent bio-based diesel content. It is most commonly found in Southeast Asia, primarily due to biodiesel policies in Thailand and Malaysia.

B20

B20 is a higher-level blend containing up to 20 percent. A majority of diesel car and truck makers selling in the United States allow B20 use in their vehicles.

B99

B99 is the highest-level blend, containing between 1 and 0.1 percent petroleum diesel. It is more commercially available than pure biodiesel (B100) in the United States.

Biodiesel Fuel Characteristics

The power output of biodiesel depends on its blend and quality, as well as the load conditions under which the fuel is burnt. Characteristics impacting fuel efficiency, such as viscosity, specific density, and flash point, will change as the blends as well as the quality of biodiesel production varies. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of B100 – as compared to B20 – will vary due to the differing energy content of the various blends.

While many heavy duty engines today are able to run with blends up to B20, the fuel systems on some diesel engines are not designed to accommodate bio-based diesel. Traditional direct injection fuel systems operate at roughly 3,000 psi at the injector tip while the modern common rail fuel system operates at upwards of 30,000 PSI. In addition, more modern components are designed to operate at a greater temperature range, from below freezing to over 1,000 °F (560 °C).

Biodiesel FAQ

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel primarily used as a feedstock for blending with petroleum diesel fuel. Consisting primarily of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), it is one of the most diverse alternative fuel types. Biodiesel production is achieved using agricultural by-products like vegetable oils or animal fats. For information on the chemical process behind producing bio-based diesel, visit energy.gov’s Biofuels Basics page.

Biodiesel is the most common bio-based fuel in Europe and one of the fastest-growing fuel products in the United States. The first EPA-designated advanced biofuel to be commercialized in the U.S., this fuel meets ASTM D6751 specifications and can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.

How is Biodiesel made?

Biodiesel is is typically made by chemically reacting lipids i.e. feedstock such as animal tallow, used cooking oil, vegetable oil (notably from soybeans) with an alcohol, producing a methyl, ethyl or propyl ester. This process, called transesterification, can be carried out by various methods including the common batch process, heterogeneous catalysts, supercritical processes, ultrasonic methods, and microwave methods.

Where is Biodiesel used?

Contrary to vegetable and waste oil used to fuel converted diesel engines, bio-based diesel is a ‘drop-in’ biofuel. This means it is compatible with existing diesel engines and distribution infrastructure. It can be used alone or blended with petroleum diesel in the desired proportion. It is most typically used in diesel-powered vehicles, but can also be of use in trains, aircraft, marine vessels and diesel generators. Biodiesel blends are also used as a heating oil.

Is Biodiesel renewable?

In contrast to fossil fuels, the source biomatter of biofuel can be quickly regrown. For this reason, biodiesel can be classified as a renewable fuel.

 

Creating Value in the Biodiesel Market

Benefiting from 30 years experience in trade and distribution, Targray is well positioned to support the growing  demand for low-carbon fuel. We manage the fuel supply chain for many of our customers, optimizing stock management, delivery, and haulage to help maximize ROI.

We continuously invest in terminal and rail infrastructure in order to access key markets and provide supply resilience for buyers. Our reach enables us to source biodiesel at the lowest possible cost and efficiently move it into our customers’ markets.

About Our Customers

Targray’s biofuel supply solutions allow businesses to enhance their profitability and growth while helping create a more sustainable economy. Our innovative supply programs are tailored to meet the evolving needs of our customers. These range in size from family-owned truck stops and diesel distributors, to international convenience store chains and commodity trading houses.

Targray Railcar

Turnkey Biodiesel Programs

We have extensive knowledge of programs including the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Renewable Energy Directive, and the Blender’s Tax Credit. We harness this knowledge to ensure that fuel industry participants are able to meet their blending requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

Our expertise surrounding compliance, hedging, taxation and logistics enables us to create valuable turnkey fuel solutions for partners throughout the U.S. and Europe. Supported by a company-operated rail fleet and a vast network of terminals, we are the supplier of choice for fuel marketers, distributors and retailers seeking to achieve greater profitability while helping create a more sustainable energy future.

Partner Associations

SIGMA

The Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA) is a national trade association that represents fuel marketers and retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. It  serves to further the interests of the branded and unbranded segments of the industry while providing a range of services to its members.

Low Carbon Fuels Coalition

The Low Carbon Fuels Coalition (LCFC) is a trade association dedicated to the support and expansion of market-based low carbon fuel policies. The association analyzes fuel policies aimed at reducing carbon pollution.

California Fuels & Convenience Alliance

Founded in 1952, the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA) is the industry’s statewide trade association representing the needs of independent wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils and other petroleum products; transporters of those products; and retail convenience store operators.

Illinois Soybean Association B20 Club

A partnership between the Illinois Soybean Association (ILSOY) and the American Lung Association in Illinois, the B20 Club recognizes a select group of Illinois-based organizations with strong commitments to run fleets on blends of 20 percent or greater.

American Fats and Oils Association

The American Fats and Oils Association (AFOA) is a non-profit organization focused on fostering trade and commerce within the United States and throughout the world for animal, fish, and vegetable fats, oils, and protein products.

National Association of Convenience Stores

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) is an international trade association representing more than 3,500 c-stores and fuel retailers. It provides insights, connections and advocacy to ensure the competitive viability of its members throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Advanced Biofuels Association
The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) is focused on helping America transform to a low carbon economy. ABFA members are commercializing technologies to provide renewable, lower carbon fuels to move us closer to achieving energy and economic security.
Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association

The MPMA was formed in 1923 to provide services to petroleum marketers operating in the state of Minnesota. The Association has four main emphases – education, regulatory analysis and programs to help with compliance, legislative and regulatory monitoring, and services for its members.

European Bulk Oil Traders' Association

Acting on behalf of its members, EBOTA engages issues impacting the bulk trading of oil liquids, petrochemicals, biofuels, refined products, feedstocks and associated derivatives in Europe. The organization also provides members with training on REACH and RED II compliance.

CIPMA

The Canadian Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (CIPMA) is the national trade association for Canada’s fuel supply industry. Its members supply fuels across a vast geography to millions of consumers.