Many people have heard the term biodiesel recently, and are wondering what it is exactly and if it is different from regular diesel fuel.

Diesel from oil consists of a combination of paraffin and cyclo-paraffin hydrocarbons. The combustion of this oil and air in normal engines creates residual smoke particles of varying dimensions. It also typically contains a high content of sulphur and produces chemicals that are known to exist in acid rain as they form sulfuric acid.

Biodiesel is actually a type of diesel fuel that is made out of chemically-reacting lipids such as vegetable oil and/or animal fat. It is usually made by combining the oil and fat with some type of alcohol. The product is designed to be used as a fuel in standard types of diesel engines. This makes it different from waste and vegetable oils that are utilized in converted diesel engines. You can use biodiesel on its own, as well as a blend with petro diesel.

Biodiesel is a golden or dark brown liquid form that is immiscible with water. It has a high boiling point and low vapour pressure. The flash point of biodiesel is quite a bit higher than petroleum diesel and gasoline. The fuel has almost no sulphur in it and is often added to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel.

In most countries, a B factor is used to indicate how much biodiesel there is in a fuel mix. For example, a fuel that has 25 per cent biodiesel in it is known as B25. Pure biodiesel is named B100. Blends that mix 20 per cent biodiesel along with 80 per cent petroleum diesel can typically be utilized in unmodified types of diesel engines. You can also use pure biodiesel, but this may lead to some engine modifications in order to prevent performance and maintenance issues. Pure and blended biodiesel may be utilized with petroleum diesel at any rate of blend in the majority of injection pump diesel engines. However, some high pressure rail engines possess strict limits on the levels. Biodiesel differs from petro diesel as it possesses different solvent properties, and it will erode the natural rubber hoses and gaskets in most vehicles produced before 1992.

Biodiesel has also been reported to break down residue deposits in any fuel lines in which petro diesel have been used. This may lead to clogged fuel filters if a quick switch to 100 per cent biodiesel is made. If you switch to biodiesel, it is suggested to switch fuel filters on heaters and engines soon after changing to a biodiesel mixture.

One of the most popular features of biodiesel is the fact it can cut down on the direct tailpipe-emission of particulates on some vehicles when compared to fossil-sourced diesel. Biodiesel possesses a higher cetane rating than petro diesel. This can lead to improved performance and cleaner emissions compared to crude petro diesel.

Most biodiesel is produced in Europe. It is also used in railway trains and aircrafts and is also useful as a heating fuel. In the coming years, we may see biodiesel become one of the most popular forms of fuel on the planet.

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In the wake of ever rising oil prices, it is no wonder alternative energies have finally become a serious issue on the world stage. Amongst the energy alternatives available, arguably one of the most important and sought after is biodiesel, or alkyl esters. Biodiesel is considered the alternative fuel of the future, since it can be synthesized from renewable organic oils as opposed to fossil fuels. Biodiesel is gaining popularity amongst many home handymen due to its ease of synthesis, and for anyone who is interested in not only saving money on ever increasing fuel prices but also saving the environment, making biodiesel at home is an option that is available to you.

What exactly is biodiesel?

While biodiesel was first synthesized over a century ago, before Rudolph Diesel invented his internal combustion engine that ran on peanut oil, it was only recently that the fuel industry and people at large have taken serious interest in biodiesel as an alternative fuel. Biodiesel is the product of the reaction between alcohol and oil in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction essentially involves the breaking of the triglyceride backbone of the oil, which is glycerol, and replacing it with an alcohol group. The main products of this reaction are alkyl esters, or biodiesel; and glycerin. This entire reaction is facilitated by mixing the oil of choice with the alcohol of choice, usually ethanol or methanol, in a large container with a means of heating the mixture as well as mixing it at the same time.

How can biodiesel be made at home?

The first step to making biodiesel at home is understanding the process. Once you understands the facets of production, then you need to find out if you have a source of either waste kitchen grease or raw vegetable oil that is cheaper than the present diesel prices. It shouldn’t be difficult to find oil to convert into biodiesel even if you have to buy it fresh because petroleum prices are exceedingly high today.

The first step to a viable production process of biodiesel at home after you have looked into the availability of raw materials, such as vegetable or animal grease of some sort, methanol or ethanol, and a catalyst, then it is time to go about building a biodiesel reactor. Do not be intimidated, it is a very simple construct that anyone with basic tooling skills should be able to build over a weekend or two at the most. For the biodiesel reactor, you will need a large container to act as the body of the reactor, a mechanism to mix the mixture of oil and reactants, and a nozzle preferably at the bottom to make separation easy. Along with these components, installing a misting mechanism at the top of the reactor to facilitate the washing step of production will save you from having to use a separate reactor to preform the washing step. As far as a mixing mechanism is concerned, it is a good idea to use a simple water pump that is attached to the bottom of the reactor and then spills back over the top of the reactor to cause a circular flow of reactants that will thoroughly mix the mixture to facilitate a complete reaction. Also, installing a heating mechanism is also in order. The heating mechanism can simply be a water heater electrical heating element which you have installed in the bottom of the reactor. There are an abundance of resources concerning home biodiesel reactors available on the internet, and with a simple search you will be well on your way to tried and tested plans.

The process essentially involves dumping the oil along with the catalysts and alcohol into the reactor. You then will turn on the mixing mechanism, and after the reactants have been thoroughly mixed, you will heat them with the water heater element. After a period of time, the glycerol will begin to fall out of solution. Once the glycerol begins to fall out, you should be able to pour it off into another container. Once the a batch of biodiesel is finished reacting, you will allow it to settle, then pour off the glycerol. Once the glycerol and biodiesel have been separated, you will turn on the washing mechanism which will essentially mist water over the surface of the biodiesel. This water will fall through the biodiesel picking up dissolved impurities until it reaches the bottom of the reactor. Once washed, you will again allow the biodiesel/wash water mixture to settle, after which the wash water is poured off. Your completed biodiesel is ready for use.

Why is biodiesel a superior energy alternative?

Along with being cheaper than petrodiesel at today’s market prices, biodiesel also has some special characteristics which make it a promising alternative for future energy needs. First of all, since biodiesel can be synthesized from organic oils which are completely renewable as well as ethanol of plant and bacterial origin, biodiesel is a completely renewable energy resource. Second, biodiesel has a neutral carbon dioxide blueprint. A carbon dioxide blueprint is the net amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere due to the combustion of a given fuel. All fossil fuels lead to a net increase in environmental CO2 because when petroleum is burned, it releases CO2 into the atmosphere which was sequestered millions of years ago. When biodiesel is burned, it releases no net CO2 into the atmosphere because the plants that form the oil that is used as feedstock for biodiesel production sequester the same amount of CO2 from the atmosphere that is then released when the biodiesel is burnt. In other words, biodiesel is the one of the only serious contenders for a sustainable clean source of energy that can protect the environmental future of mankind.

Biodiesel already promises to the be the fuel of the future. With many firms already constructing large scale algae oil plants, biodiesel will become readily available on the world market. By turning to biodiesel as opposed to petroleum products, we can not only save the environment, but can end many wars that are caused by the ever present need for control over the world’s oil supply.

To learn more about Biodiesel or to find the equipment and supplies you need to start making your own, try http://biodiesel-systems.com For other needs try http://allthingsactive.com

Biodiesel can be confusing. There are so many alternative fuels and energy options that it can be easy to forget the details about them. Even once you learn about biodiesel you may be left with many questions that are not answered.

Typically, places trying to advocate biodiesel fuel will only state the positive attributes of biodiesel. While there are many great things about biodiesel, only telling what is great can be a disservice to you, the consumer.

You should really try an unbiased option so that you can get all the information you need to really begin using biodiesel in an effective manner. By learning about the truth and things that you may encounter with biodiesel you can ensure you experience will be a good one because you will know what to expect. Nobody likes surprises and it could turn you off to using biodiesel if you just are not told everything.

Starting to Use Biodiesel

What you may not know is that using straight biodiesel fuel is almost unheard of. Most places that sell biodiesel are selling a blended form of the fuel. There is good reason for this.

You should not just switch your vehicle form diesel to straight biodiesel. The reason is that it can cause you some operating problems. These problems are not due to biodiesel being harmful for your vehicle. They actual occur due to the purity of the fuel.

A common problem with using a too high percentage of biodiesel is that this can cause clogging of the fuel filter. As the biodiesel runs through it can cause corrosion to come off of the lines and clog the filter. By using a blended biodiesel for a while this will allow the process to go slower and the filter not to become clogged.

Another issue with biodiesel is that it contains far less sulfur then traditional fuel and so it is not as lubricating and may not flow without the use of additives.

In colder temperatures the biodiesel may gel, which will obvious cause running problems. It is smart to make sure the biodiesel is kept above certain temperatures or that you use a blended form of the fuel to prevent this from happening.

As you can see these problems are far less dramatic then the pollution and the damage that other fuels do to your vehicle. However, they are still things you should know when you are going to use biodiesel.

Biodiesel fuel is the fuel for the future. Learn more about Biodiesel today by visiting our website at: http://www.biodieselathome.net and learn how you make your own biodiesel.

Another alternative to water fueled vehicles, the recently most talked about source of fuel is the biodiesel trend. With the fuel prices going higher day by day, people are starting to focus on the fuel efficiency rather than the appearance of the vehicle. With advancement in science, new alternative fuel choices, like biodiesel & water which are cost-effective and more environmentally friendly, raise the awareness of many whether should they go into using alternative fuel such as biodiesel in replacement of their conventional petroleum.

No doubt, a biodiesel vehicle definitely worth considering as an fuel source as it is made from renewable resources that are natural and do not produce harmful byproducts thus no pollution to our environment. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil, but compared to other vegetable oil based alternative fuels, it is cost efficient and can be easily to make and use even from our very own homes.

Biodiesel has become such a better fuel choice that even large companies who are originally spending large amounts of money towards fuel purchase are now using it for the fueling of their equipments exclusively. Which results in the situation whereby now they can use the much cheaper choice like biodiesel. In return, the companies can either pass on their savings to consumers, or use the savings to re-invest in making better products. Which makes using biodiesel a good choice for everyone including you & me.

With the trend of easy production of biodiesel vehicle for personal use. Manufactures are very interested in making biodiesel fueled vehicles. In major cities, it shouldn’t be an issue to find dealers that are selling biodiesel vehicles, especially in areas where air pollution is a major concern since biodiesel is considered as source of clean burning fuel. However, in less populated areas, dealers who deals in biodiesel vehicles can be difficult to find.

In the market, there are a wide range of modification kits available to help you & me turn our existing vehicle into a biodiesel vehicle. Although these kits can be expensive, and may actually be unnecessary. As any petroleum based diesel engine can run on biodiesel. So, if you own a diesel vehicle, then you can simply switch to biodiesel without further concern.

Biodiesel vehicles are cost saving and are much better for the environment compared to petroleum fueled cars. Thus using a biodiesel vehicle or switching to biodiesel as your fuel choice you are actually using a resource that is renewable, clean burning, helps us to be less reliant on oil and eventually help further degrading our environment.

So by using a biodiesel vehicle you are helping yourself and those around you. A biodiesel vehicleis definitely going to save us a lot of money in the long run. Whereby the costs of biodiesel is averaging around 70 cents per gallon, by comparing the price to the prices the savings are obvious. Additionally, traditional fuels pollute the air with harmful chemicals that results in global warming, produce harmful byproducts during the manufacturing process. All around, biodiesel is simply the best choice whenever possible but by the end of the day, the choice still lies within the hand of ourselves.

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In 1900 at the World Fair in Paris, Otto Company of France demonstrated a diesel engine that ran on peanut oil devised by Rudolf Diesel which was a pioneering effort in the development of biodiesel although strictly speaking it was not exactly biodiesel but biofuel since transesterification, the process for converting vegetable oil into biodiesel was unknown at that time. Rudolf Diesel being a visionary realized the important role the fuel made from biomass was going to play in future for running engines. However the makers of biofuel from vegetable oil were finding the process expensive and the petroleum industry took this opportunity to aggressively market petroleum diesel which was cheaper. Petroleum oil compared to vegetable oil was found to be less gelling and the diesel engines were modified accordingly by the manufacturers during the twenties to enable use of petroleum diesel. Biomass fuels like biodiesel as a result got shelved for many years and the manufacturing facilities fell into decay. In spite of this slump, the IC engines continued to use vegetable oil as fuel during the period from the twenties and up to the fifties in countries like the UK, France, Germany, Brazil, China and Japan. The first production of actual biodiesel was by Chavanne, a scientist at the University of Brussels in Belgium who got a patent for it in 1937. This patent was for the process of transesterification or alcoholysis by which vegetable oil was converted for use as fuel. The process involved treating vegetable oils with ethanol and methanol to replace glycerol with alcohol after separating fatty acid from the glycerol. This production process continued till the mid seventies.

1977-1989

A modified process of transesterification to produce biodiesel using ethanol was patented in 1977 by Parente, a Brazilian scientist. This process has since been recognized and accepted by the automobile industry as the standardized one for making biodiesel internationally. Another product ‘bio-kerosene’ by Tecbio owned by Parente has also been patented and certified by Boeing and NASA for use as aviation biodiesel. In 1979 a process was developed in South Africa whereby sunflower oil was converted to biodiesel by the process of transesterification. However it was not before 1983 that biodiesel suitable for use in automobile engine was produced, tested and accepted worldwide. The first plant using rapeseed oil to produce biodiesel at industrial scale was set up in 1989 by the Austrian firm Gaskoks.

1990-Present

Biodiesel plants started to be set up in many European countries from the early nineties. Continuous researches are being conducted to increase the proportion of the fuel up to 50% in combination with petroleum diesel. Service stations in Europe are selling 100% biodiesel. Minnesota in 2005 became the first state in the USA to stipulate minimum 2% biodiesel to be mixed in diesel fuel.

If you would like to make your own biodiesel, you can use the Biodiesel ebook
Article written by Peter Vandenberg for Biodiesel Expansion

Before you consider the biodiesel home making process there are

a more than a few things that you need to consider. Some of them

have to do with safety and others have to do with any plans you

may have about selling biodiesel product.

First off, pouring biodiesel into your vehicle’s engine may or may

not void your warranty on your vehicle. READ your OME warranty to

make a wise decision. Keep in mind too that if you sell or give

biodiesel fuel to another individual and it wrecks their engine

that it is you, not the manufacturer of the diesel engine or diesel

car that can be sued. It is also illegal to sell biodiesel that is

not fuel grade.

The biodiesel home making process can be a time consuming, labor

intensive process so set aside week for your homemade diesel

production. Also be prepared make test batches and experience a few

failures, as biodiesel production not always an exact science. The

success of the venture depends on quite a few factors such as the

humidity of the air and the quality of the vegetable oil you are

using. It also will depend on your actual skills as a chemist and

some would say luck!

Any fuel that you make should be tested to make sure that you have

ended up with a fuel grade product. Otherwise you could be risking

damage to your diesel engine or diesel car.

Biodiesel home making is not for children. Many of the materials

used to make biodiesel are very toxic so be aware of this before

making this a “kid’s science project.”

On the other hand, large numbers of ordinary people from all over

the world (especially farmers!) have been biodiesel home making for

over half a century. Many of the ingredients used in biodiesel are

toxic but they are also common household chemicals.

For instance, the lye that is used in most recipes is sold in

supermarkets and hardware stores as a drain-cleaner. Methanol is

the main or only ingredient in barbecue fuel or fuel for fondue.

Methanol is sold in supermarkets as “stove fuel” and used at the

dinner table. It’s safe if you’re careful and sensible about the

handling and mixing of the product then there is no need to be

apprehensive.

On the positive side of things Biodiesel fuel works in any diesel

engine without any conversion or modifications to the engine or the

fuel system as long as you use the percentage of biodiesel fuel to

regular diesel fuel that is recommended in your owner’s manual.

Ash Ried is the author of numerous guides and articles on Biodiesel You can find articles on How To Make And Use Biodiesel on his website. Click here to get free access http://NewBiodiesel.com/articles.html

The humble beginnings of biodiesel can be traced back to the latter portion of the 1990s. However, in spite of the more than 10 years that this technology has to its belt, it is still considered relatively new technology. This is because not too much is known by the general public about biodiesel. But if more people would know its benefits, especially the benefits of a biodiesel car, then there will surely be more people who will convert to using biodiesel in a jiff.

Of all the proposed alternatives to regular fuel, biodiesel has definitely garnered much attention. In fact, it has become the best alternative that there is. This fuel burns clean, making it safer to use when it comes to protecting the environment. And since this fuel can be produced right in your own backyard very easily, then you can expect for this fuel to be way cheaper than regular diesel. This is precisely why so many people are considering foregoing traditional diesel and converting to its modern counterpart of biodiesel.

Biodiesel is actually made from vegetable oil. This makes it an even greater option because vegetable oil is a resource that is renewable. When you extract oil from oil wells and use it to power your engine, there is virtually no way to reproduce that same oil that you just used up. With biodiesel, you can do away with this very easily.

But with all the benefits that come with biodiesel, can the same thing be said about the biodiesel car? The typical biodiesel car can actually work just like your typical vehicle. The only difference is that it has been approved for the use of biodiesel. you do not really need to have a biodiesel car just to be able to use biodiesel fuel. However, some cars, especially the older makes, do not have engines that are compatible with biodiesel. You can easily get biodiesel kits that can make certain modifications on your engine, resulting to your car becoming compatible with biodiesel usage. But then again, there are car manufacturers that render the warranties they offer void if any modifications on their engines are made. Thus, make sure to consult your car manufacturer before going with the option of conversion.

With the benefits of a biodiesel car outlined, there will definitely be more people who would find this option all the more attractive. Air pollution and monetary problems concerning fuel prices will be things of the past as soon as people start using biodiesel cars.

By Making Biodiesel At Home you can cut fuel cost, save on gas and the environment.

Tired of high gas prices? Want to save the earth? Want to support local economies and clean the air while getting high performance out of your vehicle? Try Biodiesel. It’s clean, sustainable, domestic, renewable AND you can make it at home!!! Wave farewell to petroleum.

Amidst the hybrid hype, there has been little mention of one of the oldest ‘alternative’ fuels with some tremendous advantages. Invented and patented by Rudolf Diesel in 1893, diesel engines were first made to run on various vegetable oils. Thus, almost any diesel engine outfitted with the right hoses is capable of cleaner, vegan, non-petroleum based Biodiesel operation. (Most newer diesels have the right hoses).

Diesels have tremendous advantages. Although their pricepoint can be somewhat higher initially, it’s well worth it in the long run. Diesel engines are well known for their consistent reliability, length of engine life, and perhaps most importantly, their fuel economy. In our ever-growing awareness of planetary resources and taking geopolitical circumstances into account, fuel economy is beginning to take a place of primacy.

When running on biodiesel, there are tremendous emissions benefits as well. Traditional dinosaur-diesel powered engines have gotten a bad rap for their dark, smoky exhaust, smell and pollution of our air. Biodiesel, on the other hand, reduces emissions significantly in every category in which pollutants are measured except nitrous oxide (NOx) which can be adjusted with some slight modifications. Unlike their petroleum powered counterparts, biodiesel exhaust smells pleasantly like the feedstock of whatever vegetable oil is used. (There are tales of people who have used recycled fryer oil for their biodiesel from their local doughnut shop and subsequently end up with visions of Krispy Kreme.)

Performance wise, biodiesel has a higher lubricity than conventional diesel, subsequently acting as a bit of an ‘enema’ for the engine, cleaning out the dinosaur residue, so be sure and replace the fuel filter after the first couple of tanks of biodiesel. After that, because biodiesel is so clean burning, it actually may reduce maintenance costs and extend engine life.

Europe, which has traditionally been more diesel-heavy than the US, (currently diesels occupy about 40 % of the European market) has recently increased its emissions standards and subsequently the use of biodiesel has taken off in a big way. Europeans are supporting the growth of the biodiesel industry through farming subsidies of biodiesel feedstocks unknown in the US until this week when Oregon introduced a similar bill in their State Legislature.

Another tremendous advantage of Biodiesel is its blend-ability. Biodiesel can be used straight (called B100) or blended in any percentage with conventional #2 diesel, and even at low percentages (B5 or B10) has incredible emissions benefits. Subsequently, if you’re out traveling and don’t have access to homemade or storebought biodiesel, you can use regular diesel in your tank with no conversion issues.

There are an ever-growing number of biodiesel filling stations available if you don’t have space or interest in making your own. Check with [http://www.biodiesel.org] for more information of what’s available in your area. For more biodiesel resources see http://www.EcoNurse.com.

On a personal note, I’ve been running my VW Jetta TDI (Turbo Diesel Injection) on Biodiesel (mostly B100) for the last three years with only good things to say. It’s been trouble-free and now it’s actually pleasant to have the sunroof open. And if your outdated ideas suggest that diesels compromise performance or speed, feel free to sniff my doughnuts

A Registered Nurse with a long-term interest in holistic wellness, Katrina Hugenot writes regularly on topics relating to health, nutrition, sustainability, and well-being. She can be contacted at: http://www.EcoNurse.com

Biodiesel has actually been around for a lot longer than most people would think. Made from natural materials, most commonly soybeans, biodiesel provides an alternative to regular diesel fuels that is comparable in terms of performance, but without the environmental risks.

Field tests have shown that biodiesel can be used in conventional diesel fuel engines without requiring any mechanical modifications. Furthermore, it offers the same mileage, torque, horsepower, and hauling capability as conventional diesel. The same tests also showed that biodiesel increased the lubrication of the engine, increasing engine efficiency by as much as 30 percent by improving lubrication and by cleaning out the engine system.

Biodiesel is best used in blends with conventional petroleum based diesels, serving as an additive. There are two main reasons for this: One, certain plastics and rubbers are degraded by exposure to high percentages of biodiesel. Conventional elastomers and natural rubbers will be rapidly degraded by constant exposure to biodiesel, so pure or high percentage blends of biodiesel are not recommended for engines that use elastomers and natural rubber tubing. Replacing these parts with chemically compatible synthetic tubing is possible, however, and eliminates this problem for vehicle owners deciding to run with pure bio diesel.

The other reason that biodiesel is recommended for use as an additive is that it congeals in cold weather. While this will not be a problem if the vehicle is going to be used in a hot environment, like one with a tropical climate, if the engine is going to see use in extreme cold, it is recommended that a 20% blend of biodiesel be added to 80% conventional petroleum. Anything above the 20% mark clogs up during winter. Pure 100% biodiesel actually congeals into a gel during wintertime. However, for people who want to use biodiesel exclusively as a fuel source, the use of an efficient engine pre-heater system can overcome the tendency of biodiesel to clog in cold weather.

Biodiesel is an excellent modern alternative fuel source because it is primarily made from soybeans, which is a renewable resource. Unlike normal petroleum, which experts claim will eventually run out on the planet, soybeans can be grown in most climates and can thrive under harsh weather conditions. This ensures a continuing fuel source that can be made almost anywhere.

Due to its organic nature, soybean biodiesel also emits none of the usual atmospheric pollutants associated with conventional petroleum fuels, and is readily biodegradable. This gives biodiesel high points with most environmental preservation groups, and ensures clean emission tests for vehicles. As a matter of act, due to its ability to improve the lubrication of engine parts, biodiesel actually cleans the engine as it runs through the system.

If utilized as a fuel additive instead of being employed as an alternative fuel replacement for conventional diesel, one other advantage of soybean diesel over other chemical-based diesel fuel additives is that once blended with regular diesel, it stays blended permanently with it instead of settling into its own layer of liquid eventually. This ensures maximum compatibility with petroleum diesel and causes no erratic performance problems.

Due to its high environmental safety factor, its comparative performance to conventional fuels, and its ability to improve engine efficiency, soybean biodiesel had officially been recognized by the EPA as a viable alternative fuel source and a fuel additive, and has enjoyed increased attention from international corporate investors as well at the endorsement of environmental groups.

About the Author: Win Paulson is a contributing editor at http://www.info-biodiesel.com where you will find information about soybean and other biodiesel. Head to FlexFuel-Info.com for information on other biofuels and renewable energy.

Any vegetable oil like Soya oil as also oils used for frying can go to make biodiesel. In diesel engines, one can either use biodiesel fully replacing diesel or combination of diesel and biodiesel in any proportion. The fuel tank can be filled with just diesel, just biodiesel or diesel-biodiesel at any ratio.

Why Biodiesel?

Demand for fuels like diesel or petroleum is so overwhelming that most of the countries have to import them. On the other hand, biodiesel can easily be manufactured indigenously. Thus precious dollars which would otherwise have gone to a foreign country can be saved and dependence on them for fuels reduced. While biodiesel manufacturing would create job within the country, reduction of import would strengthen the balance of trade. IsnâEUR(TM)t that great? Apart from these economic considerations, the other weighing factor is that the oil is not going to last forever. Oil is non-renewable and also a pollutant. Biodiesel is ever renewable and without any toxic effects. As it is made from vegetable oil, it is no pollutant of air. We all know how rampant use of carbon fossil fuels is contributing to global warming and climatic change. The air is foul with carbon emissions. With biodiesel which is almost free from carbon, emissions warming the globe are almost gone and we can take a deep breath in a cleaner air. The wear and tear of automobile engines is far less when diesel is replaced by biodiesel. Even a small addition of biodiesel to the diesel increases the lubrication which means longer engine life. Less noise and less smoke- thatâEUR(TM)s what clinches the deal for biodiesel. Anyone who has abhorred the belching smoke and the engine noise of a diesel run automobile would heartily welcome the soothing biodiesel.

Minuses

Biodiesel is also not without its disadvantages. In spite of steadily rising availability, biodiesel is still to be available readily across the country. The consumption for biodiesel is increasing by leaps and bounds (gone up 5 times in 5 years between 2001 and 2006) and the indigenous production can hardly keep pace with this growth in consumption. Using biodiesel in fuel tanks hitherto using diesel clogs the fuel filter by peeling off the accumulated diesel on the tank wall. This may be a problem for the fuel injectors. Biodiesel is more gelling than diesel and at a temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit may get a little sticky. The problem can be overcome by keeping the proportion of biodiesel to 20% and mixing the fuel with 80% diesel. This combination is most widely used having a gel point of 15 degrees Fahrenheit. In extreme cold climates, additives like kerosene in the diesel-biodiesel mixture can further bring down the gel point. While biodiesel poses no problems for new cars, rubbers used in fuel lines of old cars may get eroded with use of biodiesel. The NOx emissions from biodiesel cause smog but reductions of greenhouse gases far outweigh this small disadvantage.

This article is written by Peter Vandenberg for Biodiesel Expansion. This is a website dedicated to biodiesel ebook