What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

How is Biodiesel made?

The fundamental chemical reaction process that produces bio-diesel is relatively simple and has the potential to be adopted worldwide. Bio-diesel is produced from the fatty acid molecules found in numerous feedstock oils such as plant, animal, and recycled cooking oils. By mixing a suitable feedstock oil with either methanol or ethanol in the presence of a sodium or potassium hydroxide catalyst, two products are formed: bio-diesel and glycerin, a valuable co-product that can be used to make soaps and cosmetics or sold as a fuel for other reaction processes.

The reaction used to create this golden-colored fuel is referred to as transesterification, the process of transforming one ester into another (in this case, oil into bio-diesel). The catalyst chemical is crucial to the reaction as it is broken apart, used in the intermolecular reactions, and reformed. This atomic behavior enables the transesterfication reaction to proceed and produces the catalyst alongside the reaction co-products.

After any excess methanol is recovered by distillation, the glycerin and catalyst will separate from the product solution and settle to the bottom of a reaction vessel where it may be easily removed. The remaining bio-diesel is then purified in a "water-wash" by adding a sufficient amount of water where its molecular polarity draws impurities from the non-polar bio-diesel. After the water quickly settles to the bottom and drained off, the bio-diesel must then be dried and excess water removed to produce a high-quality liquid fuel.

Is Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?

No! Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.

For entities seeking to adopt a definition of biodiesel for purposes such as federal or state statute, state or national divisions of weights and measures, or for any other purpose, the official definition consistent with other federal and state laws and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines is as follows:

Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

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. Its use promotes energy independence and empowers local communities and agriculture worldwide.

Where do I get Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is available nationwide. It can be purchased directly from biodiesel producers and marketers, petroleum distributors, or at a handful of public pumps throughout the nation.