Get Your Green On

 Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum fuel that comes from 100% renewable resources and is biodegradable.  It can be used in a vehicle in an unaltered form or mixed with petroleum diesel to form a blended fuel.  It is nontoxic and is one of the easiest alternative fuels to use.  Compared with fuel from petroleum sources, biodiesel produces about 60% less net lifecycle carbon dioxide emission and 35% less smog-forming hydrocarbon emissions, and emits somewhat less nitrogen oxide. 

Biodiesel fuel is made through process known as tranesterfication.  In this process, glycerin is taken out from vegetable oil or fat and methyl and glycerin are byproducts.  This type of fuel is free from sulfur and other aromatics that are present in traditional fuels.  This unique quality makes it different from other alternative fuels.  Biodiesel has passed all human and environmental safety tests.  It is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.  Unlike other alternative fuels, it can be legally sold and distributed in any part of world.

The raw materials used to make biodiesel are less costly than those used in the production of petroleum-based fuels, making it a more economical as well as more environmentally friendly.  The oil used in its production usually comes from plants, including soybeans, rice, corn, and even algae.  Vegetable oils that have already been used for cooking can even be used, although this slightly complicates the production process.  Nowadays this alternative to petroleum is gradually becoming available to the general public, especially in Europe and Asia.  In Germany it is cheaper than normal diesel at gas stations.  Demand for it is starting to increase as more people become aware of its many benefits.  It is starting to be used to run farm equipment as well as automobiles with diesel engines.

There are some vehicle manufacturers that are supportive of the use of biodiesel.  These companies have released lists of their vehicles that run on it, and also cite lower engine wear as one of its benefits.  This renewable fuel source is just as good as standard diesel fuel for running vehicles and is able to remove deposited dust in the fuel line.    

Biodiesel can also be used as heating oil for domestic and commercial boilers.  Some work needs to be done to modify existing boilers before they can be run on it.  Overall, it does not take much effort or cost to convert to this remarkable new form of energy. 

Source: Renewable Energy

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