Marine Log - October 2008 - (Page 18)

This go round, WSF is proceeding more cautiously, testing three different types of biodiesel and different blend percentages. The Klahowya, for example, is being operated on a 10% blend (B10) of tallow-based biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel (90%). The tallow-based biodiesel is made from unused beef fat left over from the rendering process. The first ferry to begin the pilot test was the Issaquah. The Issaquah is one of a quintet of Issaquah 130 Class ferries operated by WSF. The vessel has a length of 328 feet, beam of 78 feet 8 inches and a capacity of 1,200 passengers and 124 vehicles. The Issaquah has two diesel engines that generate a total of 5,000 hp. It began using a 5% blend (B5) of soybased biodiesel in March. That was followed in April by the use of a canola-based B5 biodiesel blend in the ferry Tillikum. The Tillikum and the Klahowya are both Evergreen State Class ferries, measuring 310 ft 2 inches in length by 73 feet 2 inches in beam. The diesel-electric propelled ferries can carry a maximum of 87 vehicles and 800 passengers. As the demonstration progresses, biodiesel blends are increased to a 10 % (B10), followed by a 20 % blend (B20). The Issaquah is currently running on a soy-based B20 blend of biodiesel. Paul Brodeur, the WSF Director of Vessel Maintenance, told MARINE LOG that neither the Issaquah nor the Klahowya have had any operational difficulties. “Except for some impact on filter life,” said Brodeur, “there haven’t been any real maintenance issues. Long term,” he said, “I don’t know what it means. If you were operating on B100, you might experience some problems with leaky seals or gaskets. With these lower blends, it might take longer to develop.” He pointed out that there was a slight decrease in filter life, from a normal seven days to perhaps four to three days. “We have the crew monitor it very closely.” Brodeur, however, said the Tillikum’s increase to a canola-based B10 blend has led to the formation of sludge accumulation in the ferry’s fuel purifier. Researchers at the University of Idaho are analyzing samples to determine the source of the sludge on this particular vessel. “The Tillikum and its canola-based biodiesel has had a more serious sludging issue. There was microbial growth in the fuel sample. It’s treated with a biocide, then it’s put through a purifier to pull any water out.” According to the National Biodiesel Board, biodiesel blended at a 20% rate with petroleum diesel has a lower wear scar than traditional fuel. At the 20% blend level, biodiesel www.marinelog.com 18 MARINE LOG OCTOBER 2008 http://www.csdsealingsystems.com http://www.csdsealingsystems.com http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - October 2008

Marine Log - October 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Fresh Fuel Ferries Exhibitors Preview Ferries get "Smarter" China's Great Ambitions Newsmakers Tech News Contracts Events Website Directory ML Buyer's Guide ML Marketplace Shipbuilding History

Marine Log - October 2008

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