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Biodiesel Basics

 

What is Biodiesel?

 

A fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids (known as Fatty Acid

Methyl Esters or FAME) derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, officially designated as B100 or 100% Biodiesel in compliance with ASTM D6751 (USA) or EN 14214 (Europe) industry specifications. The standard manufacture process to make biodiesel is called transesterification. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel, defined by ASTM International (D6751), consists of longchain fatty acid alkyl esters and is made from renewable vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils, or animal fats. Biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters) is a cleaner-burning diesel replacement fuel made from natural, renewable sources such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats. Just like petroleum, biodiesel operates in compression-ignition engines. Blends of up to 20% biodiesel can be used in nearly all diesel equipment. Low levels generally do not require any engine modifications.

 

 

How Is Biodiesel Made?

 

Biodiesel can be produced by several processes. Vegetable oils or fats can be converted to fatty acids, which in turn are converted to esters. Oils or fats can also be converted to methyl or ethyl esters directly, using an acid or base to accelerate (catalyze) the transesterification reaction. Base catalyzation is preferred, because the reaction is quick and thorough. It also occurs at lower temperature and pressure than other processes, resulting in lower capital and operating costs for the biodiesel plant. The most common method of producing biodiesel is to react animal fat or vegetable oil with methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide (a base, known as lye or caustic soda).The process of making biodiesel starts with the addition of vegetable oil, catalyst, and methanol into a reactor. The oil and methanol are converted to biodiesel and glycerin through a process called transesterification. The biodiesel and glycerin are separated and further processed so that the result is a biodiesel product.

 

Why Use Biodiesel?

 

·         Renewable energy alternative, biodegradable & nontoxic.

 

·         Using biodiesel decreases this dependency on foreign oil.

 

·         B2 level provides significant lubricity improvement.

 

·         Biodiesel improves air quality, which makes the environment healthier for our communities.

 

·         Biodiesel contains more energy than what was used to produce it. For every one unit of energy that goes into making a gallon of biodiesel, 3.24 units of energy are stored for future use. For every one unit of energy that is used to make a gallon of petroleum diesel, only 0.83 units of energy (0.17 less than the amount of energy used to produce the fuel) are stored for future use.

 

·         When using pure biodiesel, the exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas and a factor in local smog formation) are 50 percent lower than when using petroleum diesel. The exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons, which also contribute to smog formation, are 95 percent lower.

 

·         The exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides (Sox) and sulfates, which are major components of acid rain, from biodiesel are almost completely eliminated.

 

·         Biodiesel has a higher flashpoint, so it safer - it won’t catch fire as easily.

 

·         Readily mixes with petroleum diesel fuel in any ratio