benecor

Turning Biodiesel Storage Issues into a Problem of the Past

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:28:53 GMT

Benecor’s end-to-end approach to fuel storage and dispensing reduces risk, shortens timelines and delivers a higher level of confidence for customers adopting biodiesel.

Brad Crawford

Director of Engineered Fuel Systems

Benecor

248-437-4437

brad.crawford@benecor.com

Originally published in Biobased Diesel Magazine, Summer 2026 Issue.

Benecor is an industry leader in diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), diesel and renewable fuel storage and dispensing equipment. From our manufacturing facility in Fenton, Michigan, we design, engineer and deliver complete fueling solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer.

Founded in 2005, Benecor has built its reputation on innovation, particularly in DEF and fueling systems across commercial, industrial and retail markets. With sales, engineering, technical service and manufacturing all handled in-house, we maintain full control over quality and performance. Fuel storage and dispensing systems are not just part of what we do—they are our singular focus. That specialization combined with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach continues to position Benecor as a trusted partner and industry resource, frequently sought out by leading committees and associations.

Solving Biodiesel Storage, Dispensing Challenges

As commercial fleets transition to higher biodiesel blends—and in some cases B100—fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure must evolve accordingly.

We were approached by the largest biodiesel producer in the world to develop a practical, field-ready solution capable of addressing these challenges. Leveraging two decades of experience designing heated and insulated DEF systems, we applied proven engineering principles to biodiesel—validating

requirements, identifying risks and developing systems purpose-built for real-world conditions.

Why Biodiesel Storage Requires a Different Approach

Biodiesel introduces several critical variables that differ

from petroleum diesel :

Temperature sensitivity: Higher cloud points require consistent heat management to prevent gelling.
Material compatibility: Contact with certain metals (copper, brass, lead, tin, zinc) can accelerate fuel degradation.
Seal integrity: Incompatible elastomers can swell, leading to leaks and system failures.
Water and microbial growth: Biodiesel’s hygroscopic nature increases the risk of contamination and fuel breakdown.

These factors demand a system- level solution—not just component-level adjustments.

Engineered Systems Built for the Field

Benecor systems are designed to simplify installation while maximizing performance. In many applications, our solutions can be deployed as plug-and-play systems, significantly reducing field labor and installation time.

Factory-integrated features include:

Insulated tank systems.
Thermostat-controlled heating (tank, piping and dispenser).
Prewired power and control panels.
Integrated tank monitoring and compliance systems.
Submersible pumping systems.
Onboard or remote dispensing configurations.

These systems are engineered holistically, ensuring every component works together seamlessly. The result is improved reliability, reduced installation timelines and lower total project costs.

Additionally, Benecor offers flexible system configurations, including double-wall polyethylene tank options for certain applications. These systems can provide a cost-effective alternative to steel while maintaining performance in controlled environments.

Aboveground Vs. Underground Storage Considerations

Selecting between aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs) plays a significant role in biodiesel performance and lifecycle cost.

USTs offer protection from temperature fluctuations and ultraviolet (UV) exposure, which can help stabilize fuel. They are more susceptible, however, to water intrusion and microbial growth—two critical concerns for biodiesel.

ASTs, on the other hand, provide greater accessibility for inspection, cleaning and maintenance. When paired with proper heating and insulation, AST systems offer a practical

and cost-effective solution, particularly for fleet applications where uptime and serviceability are priorities.

From a cost and deployment perspective, AST systems typically offer faster installation, lower upfront costs and the added benefit of relocatability—making them an attractive

option for many operations.

The Benecor Process: From Concept to Commissioning

What sets Benecor apart is not just the equipment but the process behind it. Every project follows a structured, collaborative approach designed to deliver precision-engineered solutions tailored to real-world conditions. This endto-end approach reduces risk, shortens timelines and delivers a higher level of confidence for customers adopting biodiesel.

Consultation

We begin by understanding the full scope of your operation—fuel type, climate conditions, regulatory requirements, site constraints and long-term goals. This ensures the solution is built around your application, not adapted after the fact.

Engineering, Design

Our in-house engineering team develops a fully customized system, optimizing performance, efficiency and compliance. Every detail—from material compatibility to thermal management—is carefully considered.

3D Concepting, Visualization

Before manufacturing begins, customers receive detailed 3D renderings of their system. This step ensures alignment, eliminates surprises and allows for refinement prior to production.

Systems Integration, Manufacturing

Unlike pieced-together field systems, Benecor solutions are fully integrated at the factory. Pumps, controls, heating elements and monitoring systems are engineered and assembled as one cohesive unit—ensuring quality, compatibility and performance.

Logistics, Delivery

Our team coordinates the safe and efficient delivery of fully assembled systems, minimizing on-site complexity and ensuring readiness upon arrival.

Installation, Commissioning

We support installation through start-up and commissioning, ensuring systems are fully operational and optimized from Day One.

Proven in Real-World Applications

Benecor’s engineered biodiesel systems are actively supporting operations across North America.

We have deployed solutions at private-fleet facilities, government operations and retail-fueling environments, each with unique requirements and performance expectations.

Notable installations include:

Fleet-fueling systems supporting major brands such as PepsiCo, where reliability and uptime are critical to daily logistics operations.
Multiple municipal and federal government entities across the U.S., where compliance, safety and durability are paramount.
Retail-fueling deployments at Pilot locations, including sites in Dallas and Iowa, supporting the expansion of biodiesel availability in high-traffic commercial corridors.

These installations demonstrate the versatility of Benecor systems—performing across climates, applications and fuel types.

Looking Ahead

As biodiesel adoption continues to grow, the importance of proper storage and dispensing infrastructure cannot be overstated. Poor system design can lead to fuel degradation, operational inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.

Benecor’s engineered approach transforms these challenges into opportunities—delivering reliable, efficient and future-ready fueling systems that support the continued growth

of renewable fuels.

With the right infrastructure in place, biodiesel storage challenges can truly become a problem of the past. Whether you’re upgrading existing infrastructure or building a new fueling solution, Benecor is ready to deliver a system designed to perform.

Introducing the BENECOR® Lite Duty-Series: Smart, Economical DEF Solutions for Modern Fleets

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:46:05 GMT

Benecor is proud to introduce our new Lite Duty line—designed with our customers in mind. This launch marks just the beginning, with more cost-effective, high-quality solutions on the way. We listened, and we’re delivering—bringing a new range of economical products to market without compromising performance or reliability. Stay tuned for what’s next.

For fleet operators, efficiency and reliability aren’t just goals—they’re necessities. Managing Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) storage and dispensing shouldn’t add complexity or cost to your operation. That’s where the BENECOR® Lite Duty-Series DEF Dispensing & Storage Systems stand apart: delivering proven performance, simplified installation, and exceptional value in one rugged, purpose-built solution.

Built for Fleet Efficiency

The Lite Duty-Series was engineered with fleet customers in mind. These systems provide a dependable and cost-effective way to store and dispense DEF in both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether you’re managing a small fleet or scaling operations, the Lite Duty-Series offers a practical solution that balances performance with affordability.

DEF presents unique challenges—especially in colder climates where it freezes at 12°F (-11°C). To address this, BENECOR offers an optional cold-weather package that helps maintain system integrity and ensures consistent operation, even in the harshest winter conditions.

Compact, Island-Friendly Design

Space is often limited in fueling environments. That’s why the 400- and 600-gallon Lite Duty-Series systems are designed to fit seamlessly on a standard 4-foot fueling island. This compact footprint allows fleets to integrate DEF dispensing directly into existing layouts without costly site modifications.

Plug & Pump Simplicity

When it comes to installation, speed and simplicity matter. BENECOR’s Plug & Pump design delivers a true turnkey solution:

Position the system at your site
Connect power
Fill with DEF
Start dispensing

No complicated setup. No extended downtime. Just fast, efficient deployment that gets your operation moving.

Reliable Construction, Lower Costs

Durability meets value in every Lite Duty-Series system. Each unit features double-wall, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rotationally molded construction, offering long-lasting performance and environmental protection with 110% secondary containment.

Combined with proven BENECOR components, these systems are designed for easy serviceability and dependable operation—helping reduce both upfront investment and total cost of ownership.

Flexible for Any Operation

Every fleet has unique requirements, and the Lite Duty-Series is built to adapt. Systems are available in multiple tank capacities and can be configured to match your operational needs:

AC and DC power options for facility or field installations
Optional cold-weather package for freeze protection
Customizable features to enhance performance and efficiency
This flexibility ensures your DEF system works for you—not the other way around.

Standard Features That Deliver

Each Lite Duty-Series system comes equipped with a robust set of features designed for performance and ease of use:

Dispenser Features:

8 GPM 120V pump
Automatic stainless steel DEF nozzle
25-foot hose reel with all required hardware
Integrated nozzle holder
Flow meter
Enclosure Features:
Pre-wired and pre-piped for fast installation
Hinged, lockable lid for security
Double-wall construction with 110% containment
Optical bund alarm
Liquid level gauge
Forklift accessibility (400G & 660G models)
2” stainless steel dry-break fill port

Optional Enhancements

To further tailor your system, the Lite Duty-Series offers additional options:

Face-mounted display flow meter or in-line pulse meter
Cold-weather package with 600W thermostat-controlled heat trace
12V DC pump option (for non-cold-weather units)

Built to Meet Industry Standards

BENECOR systems are designed with compliance and safety in mind. The Lite Duty-Series meets ISO 22241-3 and 22241-4 standards for DEF storage and dispensing and holds General Construction Approval Z-40321-510—giving you confidence in both performance and regulatory alignment.

A Smarter Choice for Fleet Operators

The BENECOR® Lite Duty-Series combines rugged construction, thoughtful design, and operational simplicity into one powerful solution. It’s an ideal choice for fleet operators looking to streamline DEF management while keeping costs under control.

If you’re ready for a dependable, easy-to-install DEF system that delivers real value, the Lite Duty-Series is built to meet the challenge.

Iowa’s First Retail B99 Biodiesel Site Opens with Benecor’s Cold-Climate Fuel Infrastructure Solution

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 21:37:02 GMT

Project Overview: High-Blend Biodiesel in a Cold-Weather Retail Environment

In Spring 2025, Iowa’s first retail B99 biodiesel pump officially opened at the Pilot Travel Centers location in Urbandale, Iowa, between Douglas Avenue and Interstate 35 near Des Moines.

The site is one of the first in the United States to offer B99 biodiesel (99% renewable biodiesel) at a retail pump — expanding access to high-blend biofuels for commercial fleets operating across central Iowa.

But launching a B99 retail fueling site in the Midwest required more than just adding a pump.

It required solving a cold-weather infrastructure challenge.

Why B99 Is Difficult in Cold Weather

Biodiesel has a higher cloud point than petroleum diesel
It can begin to crystallize or gel at temperatures well above freezing
Thickened fuel can clog filters, restrict flow, and damage dispensing equipment
Above-ground tanks are exposed to ambient winter temperatures

Historically, many high-blend biodiesel systems relied on underground storage tanks (USTs) to leverage the earth’s stable temperature. But for retrofit travel center projects, underground installation can be:

Cost-prohibitive
Operationally disruptive
Logistically impractical

The Urbandale site needed a solution that could support year-round B99 retail sales — without requiring new underground infrastructure.

Benecor’s Solution: Engineered Above-Ground Biodiesel Infrastructure

Benecor designed and manufactured a fully integrated, temperature-controlled, above-ground biodiesel storage and dispensing system engineered specifically for cold-climate operation. Instead of relying on underground tanks, Benecor developed a turnkey above-ground system that maintains fuel integrity in freezing conditions.

The System Included:

Fully insulated above-ground storage tanks engineered to minimize heat loss
Integrated heating systems and temperature controls to maintain biodiesel above critical cloud and gel points
Heated piping, pumps, and dispensing components to ensure uninterrupted fuel flow

The entire system was engineered and manufactured in Michigan , then delivered and installed as a turnkey solution tailored to the specific operational demands of high-blend biodiesel in a Midwestern retail fuel environment.

Why On-Site Blending Matters for Fuel Retailers

According to Benecor Owner Brendan Foster:

“We’re talking to other folks out there who are also asking how they can get the higher biofuel rates. On-site blending means we’re able to provide a fairly inexpensive approach for the Pilots of the world to take advantage of available credits and offer now another outlet for biodiesel.”

By integrating blending capability within a heated, insulated above-ground system, Benecor enables:

Access to renewable fuel credits and incentives
Flexible fuel blending without additional underground tanks
Protection of fuel quality in cold climates
Scalable infrastructure for future biofuel expansion

For travel centers and fleet fueling operations, this means lower installation complexity, controlled capital costs, and reliable year-round biodiesel availability.

The Result: A Scalable Model for Cold-Climate Renewable Fuel Deployment

The Urbandale project demonstrates how engineered system design can overcome the cold-weather limitations traditionally associated with high-blend biodiesel.

With Benecor’s purpose-built storage, blending, and dispensing infrastructure, the Pilot Travel Centers site now serves as a real-world model for:

Retail B99 biodiesel deployment
Cold-climate above-ground fuel storage
Scalable renewable fuel infrastructure
Commercial fleet biofuel adoption

State and agricultural leaders recognized the opening as a milestone in strengthening Iowa’s renewable fuel supply chain — connecting soybean production to lower-carbon transportation solutions at the retail pump.

When Temperature Matters, Details Matter Even More

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:38:53 GMT

How Benecor engineered a 20,000-gallon insulated tank to keep a critical chemical right where it needs to be

Engineering a Reliable 20,000-Gallon Heated Storage System for GPAM

A paper mill in North Carolina required a 20,000-gallon insulated and heated chemical storage system for glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM), a temperature-sensitive, water-soluble polymer critical to paper strength and production consistency. With a specific gravity of 0.95–1.05, GPAM must be maintained within a controlled temperature range to preserve chemical integrity, pumpability, and performance throughout the production process.

Even in moderate climates, winter temperature fluctuations create significant challenges for storing temperature-sensitive chemicals. Exposure to low ambient temperatures can increase viscosity, cause phase separation, and alter chemical properties, leading to handling difficulties and inconsistent performance. In polyethylene tanks, improper thermal management can also introduce structural stress, increasing the risk of cracking, operational disruption, and safety concerns. Because GPAM directly impacts finished product quality, maintaining reliable temperature control is essential to uninterrupted mill operations.

Before engaging Benecor, an alternative solution under consideration was a refurbished tank that had previously been used for another application. While this approach may have reduced upfront cost, converting the tank for GPAM storage would have introduced additional complexity, limitations, and long-term maintenance concerns. Retrofitting heating, insulation, and controls into an existing system can create inefficiencies and operational risk, particularly for a temperature-sensitive chemical critical to product quality. The customer ultimately sought a solution that would integrate seamlessly into their process rather than require ongoing workarounds.

Benecor brings extensive experience designing and manufacturing engineered chemical storage systems for temperature-sensitive industrial applications, including polymers and caustic chemicals used throughout the paper industry. Rather than supplying a standard tank, Benecor developed a fully integrated storage solution engineered specifically for GPAM and the environmental conditions at the installation site.

The system features a 20,000-gallon high-density polyethylene storage tank selected for chemical compatibility and long-term durability. To ensure consistent chemical temperature year-round, the tank is equipped with industrial-grade heating pads, high-performance insulation, and precision temperature controls. This proven design approach is routinely used by Benecor for highly temperature-sensitive chemicals where crystallization, separation, or viscosity changes must be avoided.

Benecor’s integrated heating and control systems deliver reliable thermal regulation, reduced energy loss, and continuous operational stability. This design directly mitigates cold-weather risks such as freezing, chemical degradation, pumping challenges, and tank stress, protecting both the stored chemical and the facility itself.

By combining chemical compatibility analysis, engineered heating and insulation, intelligent temperature control, and application-specific expertise, Benecor delivers storage systems that safeguard product quality, support uninterrupted production, and provide long-term reliability. The result is a solution that ensures GPAM is stored safely, consistently, and efficiently, regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations, helping the paper mill meet its operational and quality objectives with confidence.

Powering Frito-Lay’s Sustainable Fleet with Benecor Biodiesel

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:46:37 GMT

Benecor Helps Power One of the Largest Private Fleets in North America with Clean Energy

Frito-Lay North America , the $23 billion convenient foods division of PepsiCo, runs one of the largest private fleets in the country, with 22,000 vehicles ranging from cargo vans to Class 8 tractor-trailers. Their operations cover every stage of delivery—last mile, middle mile, regional, and over-the-road—and they’ve been industry leaders in fleet innovation since adding compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles back in 2011.

When Frito-Lay needed to expand its sustainability efforts and streamline fuel access for its growing fleet, they turned to Benecor . In this recent project, Benecor delivered two 15,000-gallon biodiesel tanks and one 15,000 diesel tank to a key Frito-Lay site. What made this project remarkable was the speed and precision: all three tanks were shipped, installed, and fully operational within just two weeks of arrival .

These tanks not only provide high-capacity fueling solutions but also align with Frito-Lay’s ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and investing in clean energy for transportation. By partnering with Benecor, Frito-Lay continues to drive innovation in fleet management and sustainable logistics.