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What
is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from
domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it
can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel
blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little
or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic,
and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
How
is biodiesel made?
Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification
whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process
leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel)
and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and
other products).
Is
Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?
No! Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications
(ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. Biodiesel is the only
alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements
of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751
and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is
a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot
meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA,
and it is not a legal motor fuel.
For
entities seeking to adopt a definition of biodiesel for purposes such
as federal or state statute, state or national divisions of weights and
measures, or for any other purpose, the official definition consistent
with other federal and state laws and Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM) guidelines is as follows: Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters
of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which
conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel
refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends
are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage
of biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum
diesel).
Why
should I use biodiesel?
Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable
resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is
less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it
is made in the USA from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use
decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.
Where
do I get biodiesel?
Biodiesel is available nationwide. It can be purchased directly from biodiesel
producers and marketers, petroleum distributors, or at a handful of public
pumps throughout the nation. BIODIESEL IN THE
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Is
biodiesel used as a pure fuel or is it blended with petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum in any
percentage. B20 (a blend of 20 percent by volume biodiesel with 80 percent
by volume petroleum diesel) has demonstrated significant environmental
benefits with a minimum increase in cost for fleet operations and other
consumers.
Is
it approved for use in the US?
Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and meets clean diesel standards established by
the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Neat (100 percent) biodiesel
has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy
(DOE) and the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
How
do biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health
effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of biodiesel
in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned
hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions
from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides
and sulfates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially
eliminated compared to diesel.
Of
the major exhaust pollutants, both unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen
oxides are ozone or smog forming precursors. The use of biodiesel results
in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons. Emissions of nitrogen
oxides are either slightly reduced or slightly increased depending on
the duty cycle of the engine and testing methods used. Based on engine
testing, using the most stringent emissions testing protocols required
by EPA for certification of fuels or fuel additives in the US, the overall
ozone forming potential of the speciated hydrocarbon emissions from biodiesel
was nearly 50 percent less than that measured for diesel fuel.
Can
biodiesel help mitigate “global warming”?
A 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the US Department
of Energy and the US Department of Agriculture, concluded biodiesel reduces
net CO2 emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. This is
due to biodiesel’s closed carbon cycle. The CO2 released into the
atmosphere when biodiesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which
are later processed into fuel..
Is
biodiesel safer than petroleum diesel?
Scientific research confirms that biodiesel exhaust has a less harmful
impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel emissions
have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrited
PAH compounds that have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds.
Test results indicate PAH compounds were reduced by 75 to 85 percent,
with the exception of benzo(a)anthracene, which was reduced by roughly
50 percent. Targeted nPAH compounds were also reduced dramatically with
biodiesel fuel, with 2-nitrofluorene and 1-nitropyrene reduced by 90 percent,
and the rest of the nPAH compounds reduced to only trace levels.
Does
biodiesel cost more than other alternative fuels?
When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems,
many fleet managers have determined biodiesel is their least-cost-strategy
to comply with state and federal regulations. Use of biodiesel does not
require major engine modifications. That means operators keep their fleets,
their spare parts inventories, their refueling stations and their skilled
mechanics. The only thing that changes is air quality.
Do
I need special storage facilities?
In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum
diesel can be used for biodiesel. The fuel should be stored in a clean,
dry, dark environment. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum,
steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and teflon.
Copper, brass, lead, tin, and zinc should be avoided.
Can
I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?
Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification
to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that
may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous
diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially
and precautions should be taken. Ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel
specification is used.
Where
can I purchase biodiesel?
Biodiesel can be purchased and delivered to your home or business. Contact
Marty Mead at 360.376.4855 or email at marty@meadbiofuel.com
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