Biodiesel Information and Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the raw materials come from
to manufacture Biodiesel?
The raw materials used in biodiesel are either plant or animal fats and
oils that come from America. Instead of sending a trillion dollars out of
the country we could recycle that money right here, not only enriching the
common American citizen but reducing our large trade deficit.
What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is made from used or unused (virgin) fats and oils. These fats
and oils are converted to fatty acid methyl (or ethyl) esters. The esters
are either combusted by them selves (B100) or blended with conventional
diesel fuel, once blended biodiesel will not come out of solution unless
the internal fuel temperature exceeds the cloud point.
What is the most common blend(s)?
B20 and B2 are the most common blends. A B20 blend balances property
differences with conventional petroleum diesel, performance, emission
benefits, and costs. It also requires no infrastructure or equipment
modifications. Using blends higher than B20 requires replacement of some
gaskets, hoses, and elastomers. A B2 blend is most often used as a
lubricant; biodiesel has a natural lubricating quality. This could become
a more significant blend because of the 2006 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel law
going into effect. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel requires a lubricating
additive.
What are the differences between pure
Biodiesel (B100) and Petroleum diesel?
Fuel Property |
Petroleum Diesel |
Biodiesel (B100) |
| Carbon, wt % |
87 |
77 |
| Hydrogen, wt % |
13 |
12 |
| Oxygen, wt % |
0 |
11 |
| Density, lb/gal @15°C |
7.079 |
7.328 |
| Viscosity mm2/s |
1.3-4.1 |
4.0–5.0 |
| Flash Point, °C |
60–80 |
100–170 |
| Boiling Point, °C |
180–340 |
315–350 |
| Cloud Point, °C |
-15 to 5 |
-3 to 12 |
| Pour Point, 0C |
-35 to 15 |
-15 to 10 |
| Cetane Number |
40- 55 |
48 - 65 |
| BTU/Gallon |
129,050 |
118,170 |
What are the environmental benefits of
using biodiesel?
Biodiesel contains oxygen. This allows the fuel to burn more completely. A
B20 blend will reduce hydrocarbon and particulate matter emissions 20% to
40%. Biodiesel does not contain any sulfur. The utilization of a B20 blend
will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 20%. Sulfur dioxide combines with
water in the atmosphere to form acid rain.
What is the Cetane number?
The Cetane number is a measure of drivability. Higher cetane numbers
promote good cold start properties, quieter operation and minimize white
smoke.
Will I loose power using Biodiesel?
B100 contains 8% less energy per gallon than Petroleum diesel
No. 2. A loss of fuel economy will occur using a B100. Using a B20 blend
will decrease fuel economy by 1%, using a B2 blend will not reduce the
fuel economy at all.
What is the minimum blend allowable
under EPAct?
20% blend
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