Frequently Asked Questions
How do Biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of Biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates (major components of acid rain) from Biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel.
Of the major exhaust pollutants, both unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides are ozone or smog forming precursors. The use of Biodiesel results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons. Emissions of nitrogen oxides are either slightly reduced or slightly increased depending on the duty cycle of the engine and testing methods used. Based on engine testing, using the most stringent emissions testing protocols required by EPA for certification of fuels or fuel additives in the US, the overall ozone forming potential of the speciated hydrocarbon emissions from Biodiesel was nearly 50 percent less than that measured for diesel fuel.
Can Biodiesel help mitigate "global warming"?
A 1998 Biodiesel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the US Department of Energy and the US Department of Agriculture, concluded Biodiesel reduces net CO² emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. This is due to Biodiesel's closed carbon cycle. The CO² released into the atmosphere when Biodiesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuel..Is Biodiesel safer than petroleum diesel? Scientific research confirms that Biodiesel exhaust has a less harmful impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrited PAH compounds that have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds. Test results indicate PAH compounds were reduced by 75 to 85 percent, with the exception of benzo(a)anthracene, which was reduced by roughly 50 percent. Targeted nPAH compounds were also reduced dramatically with Biodiesel fuel, with 2-nitrofluorene and 1-nitropyrene reduced by 90 percent, and the rest of the nPAH compounds reduced to only trace levels.
Does Biodiesel cost more than other alternative fuels?
When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems, many fleet managers have determined Biodiesel is their least-cost-strategy to comply with state and federal regulations. Use of Biodiesel does not require major engine modifications. That means operators keep their fleets, their spare parts inventories, their refueling stations and their skilled mechanics. The only thing that changes is air quality.
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.
Can I use Biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?
Biodiesel
works in any diesel engine with few or no modifications to the engine
or thefuel system. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release
deposits accumulated on
tank walls and pipes from previous diesel
fuel usage. The release of deposits may endup in fuel filters
initially, so fuel filters should be checked more frequently at first.
Ensure that only fuel meeting the Biodiesel specification (D 6751) is
used.
Biodiesel
provides significant lubricity improvement over petroleum diesel fuel.
Lubricity results of Biodiesel and petroleum diesel using industry test
methods indicate that there is a marked improvement in lubricity when
Biodiesel is added to conventional diesel fuel. Even Biodiesel levels
as low as one percent can provide up to a 65 percent increase in
lubricity in distillate fuels.
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