Bio-diesel contains no petroleum, but it can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with no modifications. Alternatively it can blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a bio-diesel blend. Bio-diesel is simple to use, biodegradable, non-toxic, carbon neutral and essentially free of sulphur and aromatics.
It is made through a process called transesterification whereby the glycerine is separated from the vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products – bio-diesel (Mono-alkyl ester) and glycerine (a valuable by-product used in soaps and other products).
Biodiesel
is a renewable substitute fuel for the mineral diesel sold at the
filling stations today. It is made from vegetable or animal fats using
a refinery much akin to a brewery.
Biodiesel significantly
reduces the carbon dioxide emissions which are seen a major contributor
to negative climate changes. When the Biodiesel is processed from waste
vegetable oil, the fuel is almost carbon neutral i.e. the carbon
dioxide released during combustion and processing is offset by the
carbon dioxide consumed during the growth of the crops that are used to
produce the raw oil and other useful by products such as feedstock for
cattle.
Biodiesel
has similar characteristics to mineral diesel and the two mix well
without the need for any mechanical stirring. The main difference is
that biodiesel produces significantly lower exhaust emissions.
Biodiesel
works with current engine technology and fuelling infrastructure. It’s
the first clean fuel that does not require fleet operators to make
specific modifications to their existing vehicles or purchase new
specially built (and therefore more expensive) vehicles.
Examples of well publicised advantages of Using Biodiesel:
· Reduced pollution to humans, animals and plant life
· Biodiesel is biodegradable. This means that the environmental issue of oil spills is minimised
· Exhaust emissions are reduced
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Offers improved lubricity over mineral diesel |
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Higher cetane rating than mineral diesel can assist in engine performance |
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Can be added to or mixed in with existing mineral diesel tanks |
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Runs in existing unmodified diesel engines |
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The much higher flashpoint of biodiesel makes it safer and easier to store |
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Removes the problem and the expense of disposing of waste vegetable cooking oils. |
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Low-risk. It is easy to switch from one fuel to another |
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It is a local renewable source of energy. |
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