Biodiesel
Biodiesel refers to a diesel-equivalent processed fuel consisting of sort chain alkyl (methyl or ethyl) easter, made by transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats,wich can be used (alone, or blended with conventional diesel fuel) in unmodified diesel-engine vehicles. Biodiesel is distinguished from the straight vegetable oils (svo) or waste vegetable oils (wvo) used (alone or blended) as fuels in some diesel vehicles. "Biodiesel" is standardized as methyl ester and other diesels of biological origin are not included.
Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, and typically produces about 60% less net-lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions, as it is itself produced from atmospheric carbon dioxide via photosynthesis in plants. Its emissions of smog forming hydrocarbon are 65% less, although the Nitrogen Oxide emissions are about 10% greater than those from petroleum-based diesel. Net-lifetime carbon dioxide emissions can actually differ widely between fuels depending upon production methods of the source vegetable oils and processing methods employed in their creation. It is therefore not debatable as to the extent that biodiesel reduces total carbon dioxide emissions currently contributing to anthropogenic global warming compared to those from petroleum-based diesel. Learn more about this topic and How To Make Biodiesel by clicking on the books on biodiesel section.
Vehicle Manufacturer Acceptance
Vehicle manufacturers are positive about the use of biodiesel, citing lower engine wear as one of the fuel's benefits. Biodiesel is a better solvent than standard diesel, as it 'cleans' the engine, removing deposits in fuel lines. However, this may cause some blockage in fuel injectors if an engine has been previously run on petroleum diesel for years. For this reason vehicle manufacturers recommend that the fuel filter be changed a few months after switching to biodiesel (the fuel filter, as part of a routine maintenance plan, is generally replaced anyway). Manufacturers release lists of the cars that will run on 100% biodiesel. Some manufacturers only allow blended forms of biodiesel to maintain their engine warranties, although this position is generally considered to be overly cautious. Check out the books on biodiesel section to learn more about this and how to make biodiesel.
Use and distribution
Biodiesel can also be used as heating fuel in domestic and commercial boilers. Existing oil boilers may contain rubber parts and may require conversion to run on biodiesel, but the conversion process is usually relatively simple-- involving the exchanging of rubber parts for synthetic ones due to the biodiesel being a strong solvent. One should not burn 100% biodiesel in an existing home heater without breaking it in, as biodiesel will dissolve coagulated heating oil, which can break off in chunks and cause a problem. It is suggested to start by using biodiesel as an additive, and then work your way up to burning biodiesel/petrodiesel mixes of stronger amounts. However, thanks to its strong solvent power, burning biodiesel will increase the efficiency of your home heater. Biodiesel can be distributed using today's infrastructure, and its use and production are increasing rapidly. Fuel stations are beginning to make biodiesel available to consumers, and a growing number of transport fleets use it as an additive in their fuel. Biodiesel is generally more expensive to purchase than petroleum diesel but this differential may diminish due to economies of scale, the rising cost of petroleum and government tax sudsidies. In the books section of this page their is more on this topic and information on how to make biodiesel.
Description
Biodiesel is a liquid which varies in color-- between golden and dark brown -- depending on the production feedstock. It is practically immiscible with water, has a high boiling point and low vapor pressure. Typical methyl ester biodiesel has a flash point of - 150*C (300*F). Biodiesel has a density of - 0.88 g/cm, less than that of water. Biodiesel has a viscosity similar to petrodiesel, thecurrent industry term for diesel produced from petroleum. It can be used as an additive in formulations of diesel to increase the lubricity of pure Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel, witch is advantageous because it has virtually no sulfur content. Much of the world uses a system known as the "b" factor to state the amount of biodiesel in any fuel mix, in contrast to the "BA" or "E" system used for ethonal mixes. For example, fuel containing 20% biodiesel is labeled B20. Pure biodiesel is referred to as B100.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be manufactured from algae, vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant greases; it can be produced locally in most countries. It is safe, biodegradable and reduces air pollutants, such as particulates, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Blends of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel (B20) can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines. Biodiesel can also be used in its pure form (B100), but may require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and performance problems.
The volumetric energy density of biodiesel is about 33 mj/1. This is 9% lower then regular Number 2 perodiesel. Variations in biodiesel energy density is more dependent on the feedstock use than the production process. Still these variations are less than for petrodiesel. It has been claimed biodiesel gives better lubricity and more complete combustion thus increasing the engine energy output and partially compensating for the higher energy density of petrodiesel. there is more on this topic in the Books On Biodiesel page and as always learn how to make biodiesel.
Applications
Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) or may be blended with petroleum diesel at any concentration in most modern diesel engines. Biodiesel will degrade natural rubber gaskets and hoses in vehicles (most found in vehicles manufactured before 1992), although these tend to wear out naturally and most likely will have already been replaced with FKM, which is nonreactive to biodiesel.
Biodiesel has better lubricity than that of today's diesel fuels. During the manufacture of these, to comply with low SO2 engine emission limits set in modern standards, severe hydrotreatment is included. Biodiesel addition reduces wear increasing the life of the fuel inlection equipment that relies on the fuel for its lubrication, such as high pressure injection pumps, pump injectors (also called unit injectors) and fuel injectors.
Biodiesel is a better solvent than petrodiesel, and has been known to break down deposits of residue in the fuel lines of vehicles that have previously been run on petrodiesel. As a result, fuel filters and injectors may become clogged with particulates if a quick transition to pure biodiesel is made, as biodiesel "cleans" the engine in the process. Therefore, it is recommended to change the fuel filter within 600-800 miles after first switching to a biodiesel blend.