Cummins has announced the approval of biodiesel B20 blends for use in
its 2002 and later emissions-compliant ISX, ISM, ISL, ISC and ISB
engines. This includes the recently released 2007 products.
Cummins said it was able to upgrade its previous position on
the use of biodiesel fuel, which limited the use to B5 blends only, up
to B20 for three key reasons. First, the American Society of Testing
Materials specification ASTM D6751 now includes an important stability
specification for B100 biodiesel. Second, the availability of quality
fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is
growing rapidly. Third, Cummins has completed the necessary testing and
evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their
equipment with confidence using B20 fuel.
“We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations
which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information
to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our
engine,” said Edward Lyford-Pike, chief engineer of Advanced Alternative
Fuel Programs. “This will enable our customers to have a choice that
includes renewable fuel.”
The popularity and use of biodiesel fuel continues to climb.
Recent studies predict that, by 2008, 1.2 billion gallons of B100
biodiesel will be produced in the United States. Cummins said it will
continue its efforts to ensure that future products will be compatible
with biodiesel fuels, and will continue to participate in industry
efforts aimed at the development of consistent quality throughout the
biodiesel industry.
