The Basics of Biodiesel

Understanding the Alternative Fuel

Biodiesel fuel is an alternative fuel source that is made from vegetable oils and other renewable resources, and compares to diesel fuel that you may put in semi or other diesel engine. Biodiesel can be used in many vehicles without having to make any modifications to the vehicle, while other vehicles may require slight modifications. Biodiesel is earth friendly and is not toxic.

Biodiesel is made by a chemical process where the glycerin is subtracted from the vegetable oil or fat. You cannot simply pour vegetable oil into your diesel engine! Through this process called transesterification, you end up with 2 products, the obvious glycerin, can be used for making soaps, and methyl esters (technical name for biodiesel.).

Biodiesel is much better for the environment due to it being made from domestic resources, and the fact that biodiesel does not emit as much emissions as petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel in the United States will make us far less dependent on other countries for their oil. Biodiesel can also be used as an alternative heat source for homes and businesses, used in place of natural gases.

Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel. Not all vehicle manufacturers recommend using biodiesel, but many are growing toward the trend. Vehicle manufacturers who make car that can run on biodiesel blends, recommend anywhere from 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum diesel, while other manufacturers say their vehicles can run on as much as 30% biodiesel and 70% petroleum diesel. Always check with your vehicles manufacturer to find out what is the best blend for your vehicle.

Biodiesel is becoming more and more popular across the world, and is being made more readily available. Many gas stations have already added biodiesel to their pumps, along side of petroleum diesel. Though biodiesel is available all over the world, you may not see it in small town's just yet, but you soon will. Biodiesel is already available in bigger cities and are expanding rapidly.