Biodiesel is an alternative fuel formulated exclusively for diesel engines; it’s made from vegetable oils or animal fats.
Biodiesel can be mixed with petroleum diesel in any percentage, from 1 to 99, which is represented by a number following a B. For example, B5 is 5 percent biodiesel with 95 percent petroleum, B20 is 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum, or B100 is 100 percent biodiesel, no petroleum.
Produced in accordance with strict industry specifications, commercial biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Biodiesel also has a following of home-brew enthusiasts.
“Pros:
* Cleaner than diesel: Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
* Renewable: It’s plant based, therefore what is used can be re-grown.
* Support of local agriculture: It’s another way to support your farmer.
* Longer engine life: Biodiesel is a natural lubricant.
* Pleasant exhaust smell: When burned, the fuel emits a french fry or barbecue aroma.
Cons:
* Requires special handling in cold weather.
* Slightly less energy content than diesel fuel.
* Tends to deteriorate non-synthetic or natural rubber fuel system parts (hoses, seals).
* Depending upon the state of engine tune, there can be slightly higher levels oxides of nitrogen in exhaust emissions.
Handling & Safety
Biodiesel is biodegradable—up to 4 times faster than petroleum diesel—and non-toxic. It will not spontaneously ignite under normal circumstances since it has a high flash point. It has a mild, rather pleasant odor.
Potential
The future looks very bright for biodiesel. Not only is it easy to find and use, newer efficient diesel cars boast excellent fuel mileage. It’s one of the easiest alternative fuels to implement into your life: simply find a fueling station and pump it into the tank of any diesel vehicle and drive away.“
http://alternativefuels.about.com/od/biodiesel/a/whatsbiodiesel.htm
At this point in time, biodiesel refueling stations are not as common a biodiesel users would like. Developing more refueling stations and more ways to develop biofuels will help more of the people who support biodiesel fuels access to bidiesels. It will take time. If you have any questions related to diesel engines or biofuels, check out our blog or call GotEngines.com @ 1-888-344-8044.
[...] more about B20 biodiesel blended fuels on our GotEngines.com blog in the next post. If you are interested in the Ford diesel engines or [...]
If biodiesel deteriorates natural elasomers, is it mainly recommended for use in newer vehicles with synthetic hoses and materials? It sounds like a great alternative, but do you think other energy alternatives like compressed air will surpass biodiesel in the next few years?
Bio-diesel fuel is becoming a very popular thing now. Although I noticed from what I have been reading is that the franchise tax boards are having a field day with people that are making their own bio fuel because technically they aren’t paying the fuel surcharge tax and thus “shouldn’t be on the road”