| 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.
http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/biodiesel_basics/ |
