Biodiesel

1. Biodiesel

2. Introduction to Biodiesel • The name "biodiesel" was introduced in the United States in 1992 by the National SoyDiesel Development Board (now the National Biodiesel Board (NBB)) • NBB pioneered the commercialization of biodiesel in the U.S.

3. Introduction to Biodiesel • Biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters) • A diesel replacement fuel • Made from natural, renewable sources • Examples: new and used vegetable oils and animal fats • It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications.

5. Advantages of Biodiesel • Produced domestically. • Helps reduce the United States’ dependence on imported petroleum. • The industry will strengthen the rural, agricultural economy. • A renewable fuel that can be made from agricultural crops.

6. Advantages of Biodiesel • Considered biodegradable and non-toxic. • Biodiesel blends significantly reduce harmful tail pipe emissions.

8. Advantages of Biodiesel • Safety benefits over petroleum diesel • Less combustible • The flashpoint is greater than 150°C, compared to 77°C for petroleum diesel. • It is safe to handle, store and transport.

9. Disadvantages of Biodiesel • Presently the cost of biodiesel is fairly expensive. • Feedstock costs account for a large percent of the direct biodiesel production costs, including capital cost and return. • It takes about 7.3 pounds of soybean oil, which costs about 20 cents per pound, to produce a gallon of biodiesel. Feedstock costs alone, are at least $1.50 per gallon of soy biodiesel.

10. Disadvantages of Biodiesel • Can slightly increase emissions of oxides of nitrogen which could increase ozone gas levels in the atmosphere. • Has a higher viscosity than conventional diesel and therefore becomes less useful at lower temperatures.

11. References • Canadian Renewable Fuels Associationhttp://www.greenfuels.org/biopres.html • Alternative Fuels Data Centerhttp://www.afdc.nrel.gov/altfuel.html