What Is R99 Diesel And Why More Drivers Are Choosing It Over Regular Fuel

What Is R99 Diesel

R99 diesel is a hydrotreated renewable diesel made from materials like waste fats, used cooking oil, and vegetable oils. Through a process that removes oxygen and saturates hydrocarbons, it becomes a paraffinic diesel meeting standards like ASTM D975 and EN 15940. As a true hydrocarbon diesel, it’s compatible with existing engines, tanks, and pumps without modifications, unlike biodiesel. Labeled as renewable diesel R99, it typically contains about 99 percent renewable content and performs similarly to Diesel 2, making it a practical, low-carbon fuel option.

What Does R99 Mean?

When you see a number in what is r99 renewable diesel, it tells you the percentage of renewable diesel in the blend. So, r99 means it’s roughly 99 percent renewable diesel, with a tiny bit of other content to balance it out. The labels for r99 or r100 renewable diesel fuel are pretty similar to how B numbers work with biodiesel. R100, on the other hand, is pure renewable diesel. This kind of fuel also meets the EN 15940 standard for paraffinic fuels and typically satisfies the ASTM D975 performance requirements in the US market. In practical terms, both r 99 diesel and R100 are “drop-in” alternatives, meaning they work just like Diesel #2 in today’s engines and fueling systems. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check pump labels and supplier information to know the exact content.

What Is R99 Fuel Made From

Renewable diesel r99 is a fuel derived from lipid feedstocks like used cooking oil, animal fats, and various vegetable oils. Its production involves hydrotreating these materials with hydrogen and catalysts to remove oxygen and other impurities, yielding a clean, paraffinic hydrocarbon diesel. This process differentiates it from biodiesel, which is made through transesterification. Renewable diesel r99 offers significant benefits, including a high cetane number, very low aromatics, ultra-low sulfur content, and excellent storage stability compared to FAME biodiesel. These properties ensure reliable ignition and reduced particulate matter emissions, making it a preferred choice for fleets operating in cold or demanding conditions.

Is R99 Diesel The Same As Diesel 2

These two substances are chemically compatible and can be combined. Consult local pump labels for disclosures regarding renewable diesel r99.

What Is The Difference Between R99 And R100?

R99 and R100 are terms used to describe renewable diesel fuel, with R100 being pure 100% renewable diesel and R99 containing approximately 99% renewable content, with the small difference often for distribution or tax purposes. Both R99 and R100 behave identically to Diesel #2, meeting the EN 15940 standard and commonly fulfilling ASTM D975 use cases in the United States, allowing for use in existing engines and infrastructure without hardware changes. Some regions and programs specifically mandate their use in regulated fleets to promote consistent labeling, though it’s always advisable to verify supplier spec sheets for compatibility with specific climates and applications.

Is R99 Diesel The Same As Biodiesel?

R99 diesel and biodiesel are distinct fuels with key differences. R99, a hydrocarbon diesel produced by hydrotreating, complies with EN 15940 and often qualifies for ASTM D975. In contrast, biodiesel, which is FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) created through transesterification, meets ASTM D6751 and is blended under ASTM D7467.

A major advantage of R99 fuel is its “drop-in” compatibility with engines, whereas biodiesel blends may necessitate material checks and exhibit varied cold flow properties. Furthermore, R99 diesel fuel boasts superior storage stability due to the absence of ester bonds. These distinctions contribute to the increasing number of fleets transitioning to R99 renewable diesel for its operational simplicity.

What Is The Difference Between Renewable Diesel And Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Renewable diesel (R99) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are distinct, despite being derived from similar fats and oils. R99 is specifically refined for compression-ignition road engines, adhering to EN 15940 and ASTM D975 standards, and is not suitable for aircraft. SAF, conversely, is designed for jet turbines, meeting specific aviation specifications, including different density and freezing range properties. While their refinery processes may share hydrotreating steps, their product cuts and quality controls differ to ensure they meet the unique requirements of their intended engines.

Is R99 Diesel Safe For All Engines?

R99 renewable diesel is highly compatible with modern diesel engines, provided it adheres to EN 15940 and ASTM D975 standards. Leading manufacturers confirm its “drop-in” usability, requiring no hardware modifications. Cummins, for example, has issued approvals for key segments and provides specific guidance. Many fleet operators observe cleaner combustion and reduced soot, which contributes to the longevity of aftertreatment systems.

Always consult your owner’s manual and local climate guidelines for information on winter operability and any necessary additive use. For older equipment, verify elastomer compatibility and strictly follow the recommended maintenance schedule. The quality of R99 fuel and certification of its supplier are crucial for optimal performance.

Can You Use Renewable Diesel In A Sprinter Van Or Truck

Many Sprinter and truck platforms can use r99 diesel fuel if it meets the EN 15940 standard. Cummins has even issued renewable diesel positions for industrial engines, and various media tests in North America have shown Sprinter acceptance.

It’s always a good idea to check your fuel door labels and manuals, and ask your dealer for regional approvals. You’ll often see a note about paraffinic diesel or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. If your Sprinter has older limits for biodiesel, these might not apply to renewable diesel r99 because the chemistry is different. Make sure to confirm any warranty bulletins before your first fill. The good news is, what is r99 diesel is generally a drop-in option as long as it meets the required standard.

Can You Mix Renewable Diesel With Regular Diesel

R99 fuel and petroleum diesel are entirely miscible hydrocarbons, meaning they can be freely mixed without harming modern engines. This flexibility simplifies supply management during route and seasonal changes. In very cold climates, it’s advisable to check winter operability specifications for your particular blend. Always maintain records of supplier specifications and additive packages. Drivers transitioning between renewable diesel R99 and Diesel 2 can anticipate consistent performance with minimal adjustments. For optimal results, especially during the initial few tanks, use reputable fueling stations and ensure filters are regularly maintained..

What Are The Benefits Of R99 Diesel

Essentially, R99 it cut lifecycle greenhouse gases compared to Diesel #2. Here’s why it’s a great option:

• High cetane means quieter combustion and more dependable starts.
• It has low aromatics and sulfur, which helps reduce particulate emissions.
• You can drop it right in without needing hardware changes or tank swaps.
• Renewable diesel r99 helps maintain clean aftertreatment performance.
• It has wide engine acceptance, including many OEM approvals.
• Whether it’s r99 or r100 renewable diesel fuel, it fits perfectly into LCFS style programs for credits.

Why Do People Use Renewable Diesel Over Petroleum Diesel?

Fleets are increasingly adopting r99 fuel to reduce lifecycle emissions while simplifying operations, benefiting from credit programs in California and Oregon that enhance the value of renewable diesel r99. Its “drop-in” nature eliminates the need for vehicle or storage modifications, significantly lowering conversion risks, and field experience shows reduced soot, allowing for longer maintenance intervals. Users also appreciate the consistently high cetane of r99 diesel during cold starts, with these benefits realized with minimal driver training and enhanced by the expanding availability of r99 diesel fuel along main corridors.

Is R99 Diesel More Expensive?

Renewable diesel (R99) pricing is dynamic, influenced by regional factors and the availability of federal RINs and LCFS credits, which can lower its effective cost. Without strong credits, R99 may cost more than traditional Diesel #2. Credit price fluctuations directly impact pump prices and contract offers. However, the overall cost of ownership for R99 can be lower due to cleaner combustion and reduced soot. Monitoring LCFS and RIN dashboards and comparing delivered prices and seasonal performance against Diesel #2 is crucial for informed purchasing decisions.

What Are The Downsides Of Renewable Diesel

Here are some points to consider regarding renewable diesel fuel:

• It has limited availability in some states, particularly beyond the West Coast
• You might face a higher upfront price if incentives don’t apply where you are.
• There are concerns about the sources of feedstock and the ethical implications of land use for production.
• Supply swings can occur when plants pause output or change their production slates.
• Not all older elastomers were tested to be compatible with paraffinic fuels, so this is something to be aware of.
• The cold flow properties of the fuel must match your local winter specifications to ensure proper performance.
• It’s worth noting that r99 or r100 renewable diesel fuel labels can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Is R99 Diesel Readily Available

If you’re looking for renewable diesel r99, the West Coast currently has the strongest availability, and it’s expanding into other areas. Oregon and Washington, for instance, use a lot of it and have clean fuel regulations that recognize renewable diesel r99. Many fleets get their supply through cardlock networks and distributors, which ensures a steady flow along their freight routes. While public retail options are increasing, they’re still not as widespread as Diesel 2. To find r99 diesel fuel near your depots, it’s a good idea to use locator tools and get in touch with marketers to confirm availability. You can expect more supply to become available over time as new projects and imports help to balance regional demand.

Where Can You Buy Renewable Diesel In Oregon Or Washington?

To find R99 diesel, utilize distributor and cardlock locators. Neste offers a distributor finder specifically for renewable diesel R99. Pacific Pride cardlock networks can provide location information, access card details, and fueling hours. Certain Chevron Renewable Energy Group marketers also supply renewable diesel or blends via terminals and cardlocks. Always check pump labels to confirm R99 fuel content and retain invoices for compliance purposes. If traveling northern routes, inquire about winter specifications in advance.

Is Renewable Diesel Being Made In Oregon?

Oregon currently relies heavily on imports and interregional shipments for renewable diesel. State and local agencies detail proposed facilities that would produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel near the Columbia River. Policy frameworks like the Clean Fuels Program support future in-state production. Recent reports also note legal and environmental reviews for proposed plants. Until commissioning, fleets should plan around delivered supply from neighboring states and imports while monitoring project milestones. This context matters when contracting r99 diesel fuel in Oregon.

What Is Renewable Hydrocarbon Diesel?

Renewable hydrocarbon diesel is a synthetic diesel that is chemically identical to petroleum diesel. It is created by hydrotreating lipids into paraffinic hydrocarbons, a process that differs from biodiesel production which forms esters. R99 diesel, for example, falls into this category, complying with EN 15940 for paraffinic fuels and fulfilling ASTM D975 applications in the US. As a hydrocarbon, renewable diesel R99 seamlessly blends with Diesel 2 and utilizes existing infrastructure. This chemical characteristic accounts for its wide engine compatibility observed in various fleets.

What Are The Technical Properties Of R99 Diesel?

R99 renewable diesel, often validated by OEMs for use when meeting EN 15940 and ASTM D975 standards, offers several advantages. Its high cetane content promotes quick ignition and a smooth idle. Compared to Diesel 2, very low aromatics and sulfur contribute to reduced particulate emissions. The paraffinic molecular structure provides strong storage stability due to its resistance to oxidation, surpassing FAME biodiesel in this regard. Furthermore, its cold weather performance, which varies based on cut and additives, is generally superior to biodiesel blends. These characteristics collectively enable R99 diesel fuel to operate cleanly in modern aftertreatment systems..