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Technologies > Biodiesel Biodiesel is composed of long chain fatty acids (mono-alkyl esthers) derived from new or used vegetable oils or animal fats, which are nontoxic, biodegradable, and renewable. These fats or oils are chemically reacted with an alcohol (methanol is most common in the US) in the presence of a catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl esters. Biodiesel is typically blended with petroleum diesel, the most common blend being B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% petro-diesel), which may be safely used in any diesel engine. However, biodiesel can be the sole fuel used (B100) or it can be legally blended with petroleum diesel in any percentage (from B1 to B99). It is strongly recommended that biodiesel be purchased only from producers or marketers that have received accreditation under the industry standard BQ-9000 quality management program. Biodiesel (B100) contains about 8% less energy per gallon than petroleum diesel. For B20, this could mean a 1% to 2% difference. However, most users report no difference or even improved fuel economy with blended biodiesel. This may be a result of a biodiesel solvency effect that reduces engine deposits and creates a higher cetane rating, meaning it burns fuel more efficiently. Biodiesel also has greater lubricity, which reduces engine wear and some users have experienced successful extension of oil change intervals. Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has many health and environmental benefits when compared to petroleum diesel fuel. It produces significantly fewer emissions (unburned hydrocarbons, toxics, CO2, CO, particulates, and others).
New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition // www.njcleancities.org // 2009

Technologies > Biodiesel

Biodiesel is composed of long chain fatty acids (mono-alkyl esthers) derived from new or used vegetable oils or animal fats, which are nontoxic, biodegradable, and renewable. These fats or oils are chemically reacted with an alcohol (methanol is most common in the US) in the presence of a catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl esters. Biodiesel is typically blended with petroleum diesel, the most common blend being B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% petro-diesel), which may be safely used in any diesel engine. However, biodiesel can be the sole fuel used (B100) or it can be legally blended with petroleum diesel in any percentage (from B1 to B99). It is strongly recommended that biodiesel be purchased only from producers or marketers that have received accreditation under the industry standard BQ-9000 quality management program.

Biodiesel (B100) contains about 8% less energy per gallon than petroleum diesel. For B20, this could mean a 1% to 2% difference. However, most users report no difference or even improved fuel economy with blended biodiesel. This may be a result of a biodiesel solvency effect that reduces engine deposits and creates a higher cetane rating, meaning it burns fuel more efficiently. Biodiesel also has greater lubricity, which reduces engine wear and some users have experienced successful extension of oil change intervals. Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has many health and environmental benefits when compared to petroleum diesel fuel. It produces significantly fewer emissions (unburned hydrocarbons, toxics, CO2, CO, particulates, and others).