Biodiesel Benefits

What's the next "Big Thing?" Well, clearly our energy problems seem to grow as fast as the prices at the pump, so finding an alternative fuel is now a national priority, and a common topic of conversation. For instance, just a few years ago if you mentioned the word "biodiesel" you'd probably get either a blank stare or a sarcastic remark about the exhaust smelling like french fries. Today, though, biodiesel is no joke. It's now an established alternative fuel, and becoming a mainstream commodity. In fact, the latest Energy Bill that's being signed into law will significantly increase the use of biodiesel in the United States.

Production
The rate of biodiesel production has already been ramping up at a rapid rate: Back in 2005, some 75 millions gallons of biodiesel were produced. In 2006, that figure more than tripled to 250 million, and it's expected to jump to as high as 350 million in 2007, according to Jenna Higgins, spokesperson for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). And she points out that in Europe, where diesels are much more the norm, production is 1.5 billion gallons per year. In addition, about 700 major fleets nationwide, including all four branches of the U.S. Military, use biodiesel. And about 1,100 retail pumps nationwide also make the fuel available to the public.

Questions
Such rapid growth likely prompts several questions for diesel owners who are considering filling their tanks with biodiesel. How does it differ from conventional petroleum diesel? Can I run it safely in my vehicle? What are the advantages—and disadvantages—to using biodiesel? We'll touch on these subjects and more, including how some folks are making their own biodiesel for less than $1 gallon!

Misperception
First, we need to clear up a common misperception. Biodiesel is not the same as pure vegetable oil. Even though Rudolph Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, originally designed it to run on peanut oil, biodiesel is a whole different type of fuel. Although derived or extracted from various plant oils (typically soybeans) or waste vegetable oils (such as from a restaurant fryer or poultry fat), it goes through a process called transesterification. In simple terms, this refers to stripping out the fats and glycerin the oil with a combination of lye and methanol.

Blends
Even though biodiesel contains no petroleum, it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel. Even as little as two percent biodiesel provides additional lubrication, and a number of major diesel engine manufacturers approve of percentages from five to 20 percent (referred to as B5 and B20). In some cases it is used as the sole fuel (B100). (Note, however, that running pure biodiesel might in some cases void an engine warranty claim.)