Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel fuel is a clean burning alternative that is produced from domestic waste renewable resources such as cooking oil. It contains no petroleum although it can be mixed with petroleum diesel or with heating oil. It is suitable for use in compression-ignition diesel engines with little or no modifications whatsoever. It is nontoxic, biodegradable, and free of sulfur and other aromatics.

Biodiesel fuel is produced from hydrocarbons, oils or fats, most commonly soybean oil. A process called transesterification (reaction between oil and alcohol) removes glycerin as a byproduct of biodiesel production. It is the only alternative fuel that meets the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. It is registered as a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution with the Environment Protection Agency. Untreated vegetable oils do not meet biodiesel fuel specifications and cannot be used as an alternative fuel.

Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel fuel emissions significantly reduce the unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other particulate matter. It also eliminates the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates when compared to petroleum diesel.

Biodiesel fuels are also made from recycled cooking oils from restaurants. Since there is an excessive production of soybeans in the United States, manufacturing biodiesel fuel from soybean is an easy solution. In combination with heating oil biodiesel fuel can be used to heat buildings, both residential and industrial. It reduces the consumption of expensive heating oil. Of properly managed, biodiesel blends can be successfully used in very cold climates. It is the best carbon reduction tool available and reduces carbon emission by 60 to 80 percent. It is the first advanced alternative biofuel that is marketed today. It has the highest energy levels compared to other fuels. Another advantage is that new croplands are not needed for cultivation of soybeans. A list of biodiesel fuel suppliers is maintained by the National Biodiesel Board and can be found at www.biodiesel.org.