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.
TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS-Biodiesel, n - a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of
long chain
fatty acids derived from vegatable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) D 6751.
Biodiesel can be operated in any
diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that
may release deposits accumulated on
tank walls and pipes from previous
diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken. Ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel specification (D 6751) is used.
Biodiesel has the highest "energy balance" of any current
transportation fuel. The
DOE/USDA lifecycle analysis shows for every unit of fossil energy it takes to make biodiesel,
3.2 units of energy are gained. This takes into account the planting, harvesting, fuel production and fuel transportation to the end user.
