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Wise Gas
Biodiesel Defined
According to the National Biodiesel Board, Biodiesel is "Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics."
How
is Biodiesel made?
Biodiesel is made through
transesterification - a chemical
process where glycerin is separated from fat or vegetable oil.
Transesterification leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the
chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a byproduct used in soaps).
Fuel-grade biodiesel, which is different than vegetable oil, is produced
to strict industry specifications to ensure proper performance.
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the
health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered
with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale
and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel
specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal
motor fuel.
For entities seeking to adopt a definition of biodiesel for purposes such as federal or state statute, state or national divisions of weights and measures, or for any other purpose, the official definition consistent with other federal and state laws and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines is as follows:
Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).
Why should I use
biodiesel?
Biodiesel is better for the environment
because it is made from renewable resources and has
lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than
table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA
from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases our
dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.
Where do
I get biodiesel?
Biodiesel is available nationwide. It can
be purchased directly from biodiesel
producers and marketers, petroleum
distributors, or at a handful of
public pumps throughout the nation.