Biodiesel is the name for a variety of
ester-based oxygenated fuels made from soybean oil or other vegetable oils or
animal fats. The concept of using vegetable oil as a fuel dates back to 1895
when Dr. Rudolf Diesel developed the first diesel engine to run on vegetable
oil. Diesel demonstrated his engine at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900
using peanut oil as fuel.
Key Advantages of Biodiesel:
1. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that runs in any conventional,
unmodified diesel engine. It can be stored anywhere that petroleum diesel fuel
is stored.
2. Biodiesel can be used alone or mixed in any ratio with petroleum
diesel fuel. The most common blend is a mix of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum
diesel, or "B20."
3. The lifecycle production and use of biodiesel produces approximately
80% less carbon dioxide emissions, and almost 100% less sulfur dioxide. Combustion
of biodiesel alone provides over a 90% reduction in total unburned hydrocarbons,
and a 75-90% reduction in aromatic hydrocarbons. Biodiesel further provides
significant reductions in particulates and carbon monoxide than petroleum diesel
fuel. Biodiesel provides a slight increase or decrease in nitrogen oxides depending
on engine family and testing procedures. Based on Ames Mutagenicity tests, biodiesel
provides a 90% reduction in cancer risks.
4. Biodiesel is 11% oxygen by weight and contains no sulfur.
The use of biodiesel can extend the life of diesel engines because it is more
lubricating than petroleum diesel fuel, while fuel consumption, auto ignition,
power output, and engine torque are relatively unaffected by biodiesel.
5. Biodiesel is safe to handle and transport because it is as
biodegradable as sugar, 10 times less toxic than table salt, and has a high
flashpoint of about 300 F compared to petroleum diesel fuel, which has a flash
point of 125 F.
6. Biodiesel can be made from domestically produced, renewable
oilseed crops such as soybeans.
7. Biodiesel is a proven fuel with over 30 million successful
US road miles, and over 20 years of use in Europe.
8. When burned in a diesel engine, biodiesel replaces the exhaust
odor of petroleum diesel with the pleasant smell of popcorn or french fries.