Introduction to Biodiesel
Introduction To Biodiesel
A brief introduction to Biodiesel
transport | biomass | educationWith some modification it is possible to run many diesel engined vehicles on unrefined vegetable oil. The oil needs to be pre-heated, and well filtered before use to prevent coagulation.
Biodiesel is the name given to any diesel equivalent biofuel which can be used in an unmodified diesel engined vehicle.
In general biodiesel is most commonly made with a mixture of vegetable oil and methanol. With a flash point of 160 degrees C it is classified as non-flammable, and it is also biodegradable and non-toxic. On its own biodiesel has much lower emissions than petrodiesel, and it can also be mixed with petrodiesel to reduce emissions. B20 for example is a fuel containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petrodiesel. Pure biodiesel is B100.
Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 78%, and carbon monoxide emissions by 50%. It also completely eliminates sulphur emissions.
For vehicles made before the early 1990's there is a problem with the use of biodiesel. The rubber hoses and gaskets used before that time can degrade in the presence of biodiesel. Newer cars have synthetic hoses and gaskets, and of course older cars can have their hoses and gaskets replaced before biodiesel is introduced. Biodiesel is also more solvent than petrodiesel and so it will rapidly break down any deposits of old residue in a vehicle's fuel lines and fuel tank and clog the fuel filter. Therefore, after making the transition to biodiesel it is important to change the fuel filter around 1000 miles after switching.
Article Last Modified: 20:04, 20th Mar 2006Comment on this Article
If you have any comments on this article, please email them to
neil@reuk.co.uk.
Recommended Related Articles
People who read this article also enjoyed the following articles:
Tax on BiofuelsPaying the right tax to use home made biofuels in your vehicle
Article Last Modified: 09:34, 1st Mar 2007biomassCan You Run Your Car On BiodieselIs your vehicle suitable for running on biodiesel?
Article Last Modified: 16:40, 2nd Jul 2008biomass | transportJatropha for Biodiesel FiguresLook at the financial costs of commercial Jatropha growing for Biodiesel
Article Last Modified: 15:16, 19th Aug 2008biomass | general | transportWhat is JatrophaFind out more about Jatropha - a biofuel crop
Article Last Modified: 15:20, 18th Jan 2007biomassBiodiesel EquipmentBuy what you need to make biodiesel
Article Last Modified: 16:02, 29th Mar 2006biomass | transportIntroduction to EthanolA brief introduction to Ethanol powered vehicles
Article Last Modified: 20:47, 23rd Mar 2006transport | biomass | educationWaste Vegetable OilProcessing waste vegetable oil (WVO) to use as a fuel
Article Last Modified: 10:28, 16th Dec 2006biomass | transportSevern Barrage Tidal PowerFind out more about the potential for the world's largest tidal power station - The Severn Barrage
Article Last Modified: 13:16, 27th Jan 2009tidalUK Renewable Energy Degree CoursesStudy renewable energy at university in the UK
Article Last Modified: 11:18, 29th Oct 2009education | generalUK Biodiesel Processor EquipmentFind a supplier of Biodiesel equipment in the UK
Article Last Modified: 09:54, 21st Dec 2006biomass | transport
|
|
|
