Introduction to biodiesel

What is biodiesel

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from new and used vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled restaurant grease. Biodiesel’s physical properties are similar to those of petroleum diesel, but the fuel significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollutants. It is a biodegradable and cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel.
Biodiesel can be blended and used in many different
concentrations. They include B100 (pure biodiesel), B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel), B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% petroleum diesel), and B2 (2% biodiesel, 98% petroleum
diesel). The most common biodiesel blend is B20, which qualifies for fleet compliance under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992.


To make biodiesel, the base oil is put through a process called "esterificiation." This refining method uses an industrial alcohol (ethanol or methanol) and a catalyst (substance that enables a chemical reaction) to convert the oil into a fatty-acid methyl-ester fuel (biodiesel).

OK what does that mean? It means straight vegetable oil is not the same as biodiesel and is generally not considered an acceptable fuel for large-scale or long-term use. The base oil has to be processed first.

One caution before we go to far.
Studies of B20 and lower blends have not shown long-
term effects for in-specification biodiesel. In general, B100 can soften and degrade certain types of elastomers and natural rubber compounds over time. Using higher-level blends (above B20) can impact fuel system components (primarily fuel hoses and fuel pump seals) that contain elastomer compounds incompatible with biodiesel. The effect is lessened as the biodiesel blend level is decreased.

What does that mean? basically it means that using pure biodiesel b1o0 can eat the rubber parts of your car.b20 2o percent biodiesel
80 percent regular diesel is considered safe for most vehicles it really
depends on the year of your car and the elastomer compounds used.

As long as the vehicle was manufactured after 1993, biodiesel can be used in diesel engines and fuel injection equipment with little impact on operating performance. If your vehicle is older than that, beware. The engine could be assembled with incompatible elastomers, which can break down with repetitive high-blend biodiesel usage.
Regardless of your vehicle’s age, it’s a good idea to check original engine manufacturer (OEM) recommendations before using biodiesel. Most OEMs approve blends up to B5 in their vehicles. Some approve blends up to B20 if the fuel meets certain specifications and standards. One even approves B100 in certain types of farm equipment.


one more caution
Biodesiel acts like a cleaner and can cause a lot of junk to come out of your tank and clog your fuel filter.

The release of deposits in higher biodiesel blends may initially
clog filters, so you should be proactive in checking for and replacing clogged fuel filters. Once the build-up is eliminated, return to your regular replacement schedule. This issue is less prevalent with B20 and lower blends. There is no evidence that lower-blend levels plug filters.

I am not trying to discourage anyone from using biodiesel. I use it myself. If you know the facts you will be ahead of the game.