WHAT IS BIODIESEL?
Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum diesel or “petrodiesel.” It is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oil that can be blended with petrodiesel and used to heat homes or to operate any diesel-powered engine. Biodiesel manufacturers adhere to quality standards, and many engine manufacturers will warranty use of biodiesel up to and including B20 (a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petrodiesel). Biodiesel should not be confused with straight vegetable oil, which requires engine modifications.
IS BIODIESEL SAFE?
Pure biodiesel contains no volatile compounds that would produce noxious fumes and has a higher flash point than petrodiesel. It does not contain known carcinogens. However, avoid getting it in your eyes and treat spills as you would any other fuel. B20 is still 80 percent petroleum diesel, which has been shown to have significant health impacts.
DO I HAVE TO MODIFY MY ENGINE TO RUN ON BIODIESEL?
A 20 percent blend of biodiesel has very similar flow characteristics to petrodiesel even in cold weather, and biodiesel blends may make an engine run smoother at lower RPMs. If you use a higher concentration of biodiesel (B50 or more), due to the solvent properties of biodiesel, you may have to replace older fuel lines, gaskets and filters. This is not necessary for the commonly used B20.
CAN I USE MORE THAN A 20 PERCENT BLEND?
Yes, but follow these recommendations: Start with a clean fuel and clean fuel tanks; inspect filter regularly; keep tanks topped off to reduce moisture condensation and bacterial growth; monitor rubber fuel hoses, gaskets and filters and replace them with USCG approved A-1 components, which do not have the same problems.
DO PROBLEMS OCCUR?
In a 1997 survey of 100 boaters using biodiesel, only 6 percent reported any problems. Most of these were due to using blends of biodiesel higher than B20 with old fuel lines and dirty tanks
WHY USE BIODIESEL?
It is made in the USA. It reduces U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern crude oil. It provides a market for restaurant oil that businesses now pay to dispose of. Producing biodiesel in Maine will create jobs.
All blends of biodiesel reduce harmful emissions. Emissions from pure biodiesel are as much as 73.5 percent less cancer causing than diesel emissions.
Biodiesel is beneficial for the environment because it is made from plants, which take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. B100 contributes 78 percent less carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and global warming, and B20 contributes 16 percent less. Biodiesel does not contain sulfur and thus does not contribute to acid rain and health problems caused by sulfur compounds.
Biodiesel improves engine performance and maintenance. A 5 percent blend will add lubricity to the fuel, which is especially important with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.
Cost:100 percent biofuel prices have remained stable while petroleum prices have increased. As petroleum prices rise, B20 and other blends of biodiesel may become cheaper than petroleum diesel. q
Source: www.renewmaine.org.