There are many benefits of using Biodiesel rather
than petroleum based diesel. Biodiesel is a renewable resource
that is significantly cleaner that traditional diesel.
Biodiesel emits up to 100% less sulfur dioxide, a major
component of acid rain, and 80-100% less carbon dioxide
than traditional diesel.
- Biodiesel reduces smoke particulates up to 75%.
- Pure Biodiesel is biodegradable and breaks down as fast
as sugar.
Biodiesel breaks down four times faster than regular diesel,
with most of a spill broken down only 28 days later.
- Biodiesel is safer to transport and handle, because it
has a higher flash point (greater than 150C) than traditional
petroleum (77C), and is non-corrosive for human contact.
- Since Biodiesel can be used in conventional diesel engines,
the renewable fuel can directly replace petroleum products;
reducing the country's dependence on imported oil.
Fortunately the transition between Biodiesel and traditional
diesel can be easy. Transport, storage, distribution of Biodiesel
can be facilitated through traditional means of tankers and
gas pumps. Because Biodiesel and traditional diesel can be
mixed without issue no major cleaning would be required of
existing infrastructure. In fact, Biodiesel and diesel are
currently sold as mixtures, for example, a 20% Biodiesel blend
is B20, and a 5% blend is B5.
Biodiesel is also more lubricating than diesel fuel, which
increases the life of your engine, and replaces the sulfur
that can produce acid rain. Engines running on Biodiesel normally
have similar fuel mileage, and auto ignition, fuel consumption,
power output, and engine torque are also similar to traditional
diesel. Most websites agree that no modification of engines
is required to run pure Biodiesel, but the U.S. Department
of Energy suggests consulting your engine warranty or dealership
when running blends or pure Biodiesel.
|
|