Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, which is produced from domestic and renewable resources. Biodiesel (BD100) does not contain petroleum, however it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. Having very little or no modifications, it can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
The use of biodiesel in engines that are not equipped with new diesel after treatment results in a gross reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, Carbon monoxide and particulate matter when compared to diesel fuel emissions. Both unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen-oxides are smog forming precursors. Using biodiesel substantially reduces unburned hydrocarbon exhaust pollutants. Also the exhaust emissions of sulphur-oxides and sulphates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are overall eliminated when compared to higher sulphur diesel
When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems, biodiesel is comparatively cost effective. Use of biodiesel does not require major engine modifications. Therefore, there are no major cost in changing anything in operators, spare parts, inventories and refuelling stations or in any skilled mechanics. The only thing that changes is air quality.
With little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system, biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine. Due to its solvent effect, biodiesel can release deposits of previous fuel storage on previous diesel fuel tank walls and pipes. Some precautions should be taken as some of the release of the deposits may clog filters initially. Ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel specification is used.
Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum in any percentage. B20 (a blend of 20 percent by volume biodiesel with 80 percent by volume petroleum diesel) has demonstrated significant environmental benefits.It has shown a minimum increase in cost for fleet operations and other consumers.
Solar and wind energy is successfully making our electricity grid more renewable. Which in turn reduces our dependence on oil. However, there are still many industries that will be requiring oil in the near future, such as shipping, marine, long haul trucking, and long haul flights. synthetic materials, such as asphalt, clothing, and even most pharmaceuticals require oil for production. A renewable replacement for crude oil such as biodiesel is a good strategy to make processes renewable. Using biodiesel will help with our climate change processes and will work with the existing global oil infrastructure.
