All posts by NORAweb

24Apr/26
Beaker labeled fuel sample diesel with liquid and thermometers on stirrer in lab

ASTM D396 Revision Marks Major Step Forward for Renewable Heating Fuels

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, NORA, Research, technology, Uncategorized

New ASTM D396-26a Standard Includes B21–B50 Biodiesel Heating Fuel Blends

The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) applauds the approval of the latest revision to the ASTM International D396 standard* which now includes new grades for biodiesel blends ranging from 21% to 50% biodiesel by volume (B21–B50). The updated specification, ASTM D396-26a, represents a significant advancement for the liquid heating fuels industry and reinforces the growing role of renewable fuels in residential and commercial heating applications.

 The ASTMD 396 standard* defines the properties of our heating fuels and is of critical importance in burner design and approvals as well as fuel markets. NORA’s T. Butcher is the current Chair of the ASTM Committee that has oversight on D396, having recently taken over for Ted Olszewski of R.W. Beckett. 

For NORA, the approval marks a major milestone in its ongoing mission to support research, technical validation and real-world deployment of cleaner liquid heating solutions. The updated specification provides clear guidance on fuel properties, handling and performance ensuring that higher biodiesel blends can meet or exceed the standards of fuels currently in use. 

“The recent approval of the ASTM standard to include blends of B50 biodiesel in liquid heating oil is another step forward in providing American consumers with a high-quality, domestically produced, renewable energy source,” said Michael Devine, President of NORA. “This new standard represents meaningful progress, particularly at a time when increased domestic energy production is essential. On behalf of NORA, we thank the many stakeholders who worked tirelessly to bring these new fuel blends to market.” 

NORA played a central role in supporting the research, field validation, and technical data required to advance higher biodiesel blends through ASTM’s rigorous consensus process. The standard passed with no objections, reflecting broad industry confidence in the performance, reliability, and emissions benefits of blends up to B50. 

The revision builds on years of collaboration between NORA, Clean Fuels Alliance America, and leading equipment manufacturers including R.W. Beckett Corporation and Carlin Combustion Technology, along with other industry stakeholders. These efforts have helped ensure that higher biodiesel blends are compatible with modern heating equipment and capable of delivering consistent, reliable performance. 

Beyond carbon reduction, higher biodiesel blends offer additional benefits, including improved air quality, lower particulate and sulfur emissions, and potential reductions in maintenance requirements for heating equipment. Continued advancements in burner technology, fuel quality, and cold weather operability have further strengthened the case for broader adoption across key markets. 

“NORA’s research and technical leadership have been instrumental in demonstrating that higher biodiesel blends can perform reliably in real-world heating applications,” Devine added.

The approval of ASTM D396-26a underscores NORA’s commitment to advancing innovation, supporting technicians and fuel marketers, and delivering practical, lower-carbon solutions that work within today’s heating infrastructure. 

*ASTM D396 sets the specifications for liquid heating fuels, making it a foundational standard for both burner design and fuel market requirements. Dr. Thomas Butcher of NORA currently chairs the ASTM committee responsible for overseeing D396, a role he recently assumed from Ted Olszewski of R.W. Beckett Corp.

02Mar/26

Assessing Indoor Air Quality: Impact of Liquid Fuel Heating

NORA, Research, technology, Uncategorized

Indoor particulate air pollution is a significant public health concern, and fuel-fired heating equipment has been identified as a potential contributor. This study focused specifically on liquid fuel-fired heating systems and whether they meaningfully contribute to indoor particulate matter (PM), particularly through flue barometric dampers that could release particulates during normal burner cycling.

Low-cost PM sensors were installed in eight homes, positioned near the heating appliance as well as in other key locations such as kitchens, near fireplaces, and outdoors. The primary objective was to assess the relative contribution of the liquid fuel-fired heater compared to other common PM sources.

The findings showed that indoor particulate levels were strongly influenced by cooking activities (especially frying), indoor wood combustion, and elevated outdoor PM events. In contrast, liquid fuel-fired heating systems were not identified as a significant source of indoor particulate matter.

Download the entire report

08Dec/25

NORA Technical Bulletin

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Education, Equipment, nitrile, NORA, pumps, Research, technology

Biodiesel-Rated Products & Accessories

When servicing or installing equipment in homes using biodiesel or Bioheat® fuel, technicians must select components & accessories specifically rated for biodiesel lends at or above the blend being delivered—or as required by state or local regulations.

Biodiesel-rated parts including tanks, gaskets, hoses, filters, pumps, seals, and all other fuel-contact materials are engineered for long-term compatibility with biodiesel. These components resist swelling, degradation, premature wear, and fuel-related failures that can occur when conventional materials are exposed to higher biodiesel blends.
Using biodiesel-rated products not only ensures stable, reliable system performance and helps maintain fuel quality from storage to combustion, but it also future-proofs
the installation. As the industry continues to move toward higher biodiesel blends and low-carbon liquid heating fuels, proper component selection becomes essential for delivering safe, efficient, and trouble-free operation, today and for years to come

02Dec/25

NORA’s Michael Devine Joins CFAA Governing Board

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, NORA, Research

December 2, 2025 – The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) announced that President Michael Devine has been elected to the Governing Board of Clean Fuels Alliance America (CFAA), a key leadership role that comes at a pivotal moment for America’s low-carbon fuels industry. The two-year term will position Devine to help shape national strategy for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at a time of rapid industry growth and policy shifts for low-carbon fuels.

CFAA unites leaders from across the clean fuels value chain to promote stable markets, expanded production and long-term policy certainty. Its Governing Board plays a central role in advancing the association’s vision to exceed 6 billion gallons of biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF by 2030.

“I’m honored to represent NORA and the liquid heating fuels industry on the Clean Fuels Governing Board,” said Devine. “Our interests are closely aligned: supporting America’s farmers, delivering practical low-carbon solutions to homes and businesses, and ensuring that renewable liquid fuels remain a cornerstone of America’s energy strategy. This position strengthens the connection between the home heating sector and the broader clean fuels community as we work together to accelerate decarbonization.”

Devine’s election underscores the growing importance of low-carbon liquid heating fuels within the broader clean fuels landscape. Through NORA, he has championed the adoption of higher blends of biodiesel in home heating oil, expanded research and field demonstrations on renewable liquid fuels, and strengthened workforce training and consumer education.

Devine joins newly elected board member Jeramie Weller of Minnesota Soybean Processors and reelected members Kent Engelbrecht of ADM, Chris Hill of the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Ryan Pederson of the North Dakota Soybean Council, Harry Simpson of Crimson Renewable Energy and Dave Walton of the Iowa Soybean Association.

NORA is a congressionally authorized, not-for-profit organization that works to improve the efficiency, reliability, safety and environmental performance of liquid fuel heating systems through technical research, education, and consumer outreach. Devine’s service on the CFAA Governing Board will further NORA’s mission to advance renewable, low-carbon liquid heating fuels and support a just and affordable energy transition for consumers and the industry.

31Jul/25

NORA Releases 2026-2027 Budget for Comment

Education, NORA, Projects, Research, technology

The NORA Budget Committee and the Executive Committee have reviewed the 2026 & 2027 budget and it is now being released for public comment.

At the conclusion of the public comment period, the budget will be forwarded to the Department of Energy.

Anyone interested in commenting on this should forward comments by September 30, 2025, to mdevine@noraweb.org.

For more information about NORA and its programs or services, visit the website, NORAweb.org

Download proposed budget.

23Jun/25

Most Recent Accredited Instructors

Uncategorized,

The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) is proud to recognize the individuals who successfully completed the June 2025 NORA Accredited Instructor Program (AIP). These dedicated professionals represent a broad cross-section of the liquid heating fuels industry and are now certified to deliver high-level technical training across the country.

The newly accredited instructors are:

  • Josh Dunton, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School
  • Christopher Tooley, Stafford Technical Center
  • Isaac Phelps, R. W. Beckett
  • Richard Thompson, JP Keefe High School
  • Doug Zerbe, PPATEC
  • Raymond Conte, New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades
  • Josh Hodson, Advanced Trade School
  • Thomas Leonetti, Carlin/Hydrolevel

Training was conducted at NORA’s state-of-the-art Research & Education Center in Plainview, NY, under the expert guidance of professional education trainer Brenda Huber.

The NORA Accredited Instructor Program was created to raise the quality and effectiveness of technical education in the liquid heating fuels industry. Participants began the program by delivering prepared presentations, which were evaluated by both the instructor and fellow participants. This initial assessment served as a foundation for the program’s in-depth instructional development.

Throughout the course, participants were guided through advanced teaching methodologies designed to move beyond simple information delivery. The goal was to empower instructors to create dynamic, engaging, and effective learning experiences—ensuring that students not only understand the material but internalize and apply it with confidence.

In the liquid heating fuels industry, service professionals are often the primary point of contact with customers. Their expertise and communication directly influence customer perceptions of system efficiency, safety, renewable fuel adoption, and continued use of liquid fuel heating. The NORA AIP ensures that instructors are fully equipped to train these critical professionals to the highest standards.

23Jun/25

NORA Expands List of Accredited Technical Schools

Education, NORA, Online Courses, technology,

NORA is proud to announce the expansion of its list of participating technical schools offering the Bronze Technician Training as part of the NORA Technician Education Program. This initiative, which aims to enhance workforce development and strengthen the future of the liquid heating fuels industry, now includes several new institutions committed to excellence in HVAC and energy efficiency training.

NORA Certified Technical Schools certified in 2025

• JP Keefe High School, Van Buren, ME

• Advanced Trade School, Brentwood, NH

• D.F. Richard Energy, Dover, NH

• Palmer Gas & Oil, Atkinson, NH

• Stafford Technical Center, Rutland, VT

• Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill, MA

• Bristol Technical Education Center, Bristol, CT

• Norbert E Mitchell, Danbury, CT

• State University of NY (SUNY) at Morrisville, Morrisville, NY

The NORA Education Program is dedicated to promoting technical education and professional growth in the liquid heating fuels industry. By partnering with accredited technical schools, the program provides students and professionals with access to modern training resources, certifications, and hands-on experience with the latest heating technologies.

“We are excited to expand our network of technical schools to better serve students seeking careers in heating technologies,” said Bob O’Brien, Director of Education at NORA. “This growth supports our mission ensuring a well-trained workforce prepared for the evolving needs of the liquid heating fuel sector and its customers.”

With the addition of these new partner schools, NORA continues to prepare the next generation of technicians with tools and knowledge essential to maintaining and upgrading America’s home heating systems—particularly as the industry shifts toward low-carbon liquid fuels.

23May/25

100% Renewable Home Heating Field Study

Biofuels, Carbon Reduction, Equipment, NORA, Projects, Research, technology
NORA, in partnership with Chevron and nine liquid heating fuel wholesale/retail distributors across three States, has embarked in the first of its kind, large scale field study on the use of 100% renewable heating fuels in homes. The field test will have homes running on either 80% renewable diesel blended with 20% biodiesel RD80/BD20), or 50% renewable diesel/50% biodiesel (RD50/BD50). These test site homes will be monitored through both a heating season and an off season to determine the fuels suitability for use in the home heating market.

Indoor Comfort Marketing chatted with some of the key players from NORA, Chevron, Rhoads Energy and Broco Energy about the details and goals of the project.

Click the image below to read the story.

01Aug/24

Recent AIP Instructors Recognized

Biofuels, Education, NORA, technology, , , , ,
NORA is pleased to recognize the trainers who completed the second NORA Accredited Instructor Program (AIP), Nick Povio, Binsky Home Heating; John Ringel, Energy Kinetics; Marc Gilbert, Central Main Community College, Michael Elmer, PPATEC; Ed Wagner, J&K Sales; Joel Nawkson, FSI Oil & Propane; Raymond Conte, NH School of Mechanical Trades and Taylor Donlon,, Donlon Brothers at NORA’s Research & Education center in Plainview, NY, under the tutelage of professional education trainer Brenda Huber.

The NORA Accredited Instructor program was developed to ensure service professionals trained in NORA schools, unions, and by companies in the liquid heating fuels industry have been provided with an education that positions them, their customers, and their companies for success.

The service professionals in the liquid heating fuels industry are the first and most important contacts with customers. They are responsible not only for ensuring the heating system is operating at maximum efficiency, safety and reliability, but also with how customers perceive their liquid fuel heating, their adoption of renewable fuels and how comfortable they are with staying with their liquid fuel heating system. 

The program began with a prepared presentation by each of the participants. These were critiqued by the instructor as well as others in the class to establish a baseline. From there, the instructor took the participants through the teaching process to elevate their lessons from simply conveying facts to creating a meaningful total-learning experience for the students. The NORA Accredited Instructor program’s emphasis is to present the curriculum in such a way that students “own” the information and not just hear it. 

L to R: Ed Wagner, J&K Sales; Michael Elmer, PPATEC; Chris Grenier, J&K Sales; Joel Nawkson, FSI Oil & Propane; Bob O’Brien, NORA; Brenda Huber, Instructor; Nick Povio, Binsky Home Services, Taylor Donlon, Donlon Brothers; Marc Gilbert, Central Main Community College and John Ringel, Energy Kinetics, Inc.
More about NORA’s Accredited Instructor Program

Hear what they have to say about NORA’s AIP