Written by Rickdatech

BQ-9000 Program for Supply Chain Management

The biodiesel industry has developed a voluntary quality control program called BQ-9000 for producers and distributors to ensure biodiesel is produced according to ASTM specifications and ensure that consistent procedures are followed to prevent contamination and degradation during distribution, storage, and blending. It is managed by an independent organization, the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission. Several engine manufacturers recommend the use of biodiesel from BQ-9000 certified sources. Consumers can avoid the need for independent testing by purchasing biodiesel fuels from certified distributors.

The BQ-9000 Program includes accredited producers and certified marketers, depending on which activity a firm specializes in. The firm—not the fuel—receives the accreditation, but the fuel supplied by either an accredited producer or a certified marketer must meet all applicable standards for sale and use in the United States. In July 2008, the NBB reported that 25 BQ-9000 accredited producers accounted for more than 70% of the biodiesel produced in the United States in 2008.

To become an accredited producer, a firm must develop a system for monitoring the production of biodiesel through proper sampling, testing, storage, sample retention, and shipping protocols, and these protocols must be rigorously followed. A certificate of analysis (COA) must be generated for each production lot with a unique identification code and analytical results from a sample (see a sample COA in Appendix F). Testing must include at least nine parameters of the current ASTM specification: visual appearance, free and total glycerin, flash point, acid number, water and sediment, oxidative stability, sulfur, and cloud point. The producer must also ensure the transport vehicles are clean and of appropriate construction for distributing biodiesel.

The certified marketer must either purchase B100 from an accredited producer, or conduct fuel quality testing on all biodiesel purchased from nonaccredited producers. The certified marketer must also maintain storage and distribution procedures that protect the biodiesel’s quality.

Regular audits of accredited producers and certified marketers ensure that these standards are enforced.

More specific information on all aspects of the BQ-9000 Program can be found at www.bq-9000.org.

Article Source: 2009 NREL Biodiesel Handing and Use Guidelines

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