Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils that emits fewer pollutants and cancer-causing agents than petroleum. It is approved by the EPA and can be used in diesel engines with little modification. While more expensive than petroleum, it offers economic and environmental benefits. Biodiesel can be made from discarded cooking oils, and its use should not void a manufacturer’s warranty. It is available at limited gas stations in the US.
Biodiesel is a natural and renewable household fuel alternative for diesel engines made from vegetable oils, primarily soybean and corn. It does not contain petroleum, it is not toxic and it is biodegradable.
This type of fuel burns, resulting in a significant reduction in the types of pollutants that contribute to smog and global warming and emits up to 85% fewer cancer-causing agents. It is the only alternative fuel approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has passed all Clean Air Act Health Effects Tests, and meets the requirements of the United States Air Resources Board. Calif. (CARB).
Biodiesel is made with an alcohol such as methanol and a chemical process that separates glycerin and methyl esters from vegetable fats or oils. Glycerin is used in many common products, including soap, and is highly marketable; Therefore, there is little waste in the process. That being said, growing crops requires time and significant investment, and the fuel must be made and shipped to a local station. For these reasons, biodiesel is more expensive than petroleum, gallon for gallon. However, this must be weighed against the many economic advantages that arise from a more domestic form of fuel, a cleaner environment, improved air quality, and a reduction in cancer-causing agents.
One form of “smuggling” biodiesel can be made from discarded cooking oils collected from restaurants. Cooking oil must undergo a process before it can be used as a fuel, but home cooking is not always a legal form of fuel.
Biodiesel has been rigorously and independently tested in virtually all types of diesel engines by various agencies in the laboratory and on the road. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) reports that tests combine to account for more than 50 million miles on the street, plus heavy off-road and marine use. Performance is said to be comparable to oil in all areas, from power to efficiency, hauling and climbing. It can be used in its pure form or mixed with petroleum fuel. The most common blend is 20/80, called “B20” which contains 20% biodiesel by volume and 80% petroleum.
This type of fuel can be used in any diesel engine with little to no modifications. The main effect is super lubrication, which has the benefit of acting as a solvent to clean the engine. If the engine has previously been running on conventional diesel, this may result in an initial need to change the fuel filters until the sludge left by the petroleum fuel is purged. This effect is more pronounced when B100 (100% biodiesel) is used, and may be less with B20. However, precautionary measures should be taken when checking the fuel filter after the first few hours of operation with blended or neat fuel (100% biodiesel).
When B100 is used exclusively, lubrication could degrade certain types of rubber over time, which may require replacement of fuel hoses or fuel pump seals. This is not as much of a concern with newer engines that contain parts designed for low sulfur diesel (known as #2 diesel), as these parts are also compatible with biodiesel. The use of B20 did not result in the need to replace hoses or seals in the many miles of testing mentioned above.
Like conventional diesel, biodiesel will fog and gel at very cold temperatures, but blends like B20 are only slightly more sensitive than #2 diesel in this regard. The recommendations are the same regardless of the combination: park the vehicle in or near the shelter if possible; use optional fuel heaters; or mix with diesel #1.
Biodiesel should not affect or void the manufacturer’s warranty on any compression ignition (diesel) engine, however it is always safer to check your warranty first. Call the manufacturer if you are not sure.
Agencies involved in testing this fuel include the US Department of Energy, US Department of Agriculture, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and Southwest Research Institute, among others.
In the United States, this fuel is available at limited gas stations across the country, usually in a B20 blend. It will probably cost a few cents more per gallon, but the broad benefits to the environment, human health, our own economy, and reduced dependence on foreign oil are powerful counterpoints. The NBB maintains a list of suppliers, distributors and public service stations that transport biodiesel for those who are interested.
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