Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from agricultural resources
such as vegetable oils. In the United States, most biodiesel is
made from soybean oil; however canola oil, sunflower oil, recycled
cooking oils, and animal fats are also used.
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How It's Made
To make biodiesel, the base oil is put through a process called "esteriflciation." This
refining method uses an industrial alcohol (ethanol or methanol) and a catalyst (sub-
stance that enables a chemical reaction) to convert the oil into a fatty-acid methyl-
ester fuel (biodiesel),
Biodiesel in its pure form is known as "neat biodiesel" or B100, but it can also be
blended with conventional diesel, most commonly as B5 (5 percent biodiesel and
95 percent diesel) and B20 (20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel). Biodiesel is
registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is legal for use
at any blend level in both highway and nonroad diesel vehicles.
Most diesel engines can run on biodiesel without needing any special equipment. If
you are interested in using biodiesel in your vehicle or equipment, check with the
manufacturer for any recommendations and information regarding engine warranties.
In addition, once you have determined the proper blend for your vehicle, make sure
to purchase your fuel from a reputable dealer selling commercial grade biodiesel.
Biodiesel -vs-Vegetable Oil
In 1895, Dr. Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine with the intention of running
it on a variety of fuels, including vegetable oil. In fact, when he demonstrated his
engine at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900, he fueled the vehicle with peanut
oil. However, biodiesel and vegetable oil are very different.
Raw vegetable oil or recycled greases (also called waste cooking oil) that have not
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
EPA-420-F-09-064
October 2009
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been processed into esters are not biodiesel, and are not registered by EPA for legal use in ve-
hicles. In addition, vehicles converted to use these oils would likely need to be certified by the
EPA; to date EPA has not certified any conversions. These conversions may also violate the
terms of the vehicle warranty. For more information on the certification process, please visit
EPA's Web site at: www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/dearmfr/cisd0602.pdf,
EPA has published guidance that explains and clarifies EPA's regulatory requirements for biodie-
sel producers and biodiesel blenders/users. This document is available at:
www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/420b07019.pdf
Performance
Vehicles have similar horsepower and torque as conventional diesel when running on biodiesel.
Chemically speaking, biodiesel has a higher cetane number, but slightly lower energy content
than diesel. To the average driver, this means better engine performance and lubrication, but a
small decrease in fuel economy (2-8 percent). Biodiesel vehicles can also have problems starting
at very cold temperatures, but this is more of an issue for higher percentage blends such as B100
and easily solved the same way as with conventionally fueled vehicles -by using engine block or
fuel filter heaters or storing the vehicles in a building.
Availability
In 2004, 25 million gallons of B100 were sold. By 2005, that number had tripled. Today, approx-
imately 600 fleets nationwide use biodiesel blends in their diesel engines, and biodiesel is avail-
able in its various blends at approximately 800 locations across the United States. A complete
list of stations is available at www.biodiesel.org.
Affordability
The price of biodiesel blends varies depending on geographic area, base material (corn, soy-
beans, etc.), and supplier. Although biodiesel can cost more than petrodiesel, diesel drivers can
transition to biodiesel without purchasing new vehicles. In the case of fleets, managers can tran-
sition to biodiesel without acquiring new spare parts inventories or rebuilding refueling stations.
Maintenance
Generally, the use of biodiesel does not cause many maintenance issues. However, when used for
the first time, biodiesel can release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous
diesel fuel, initially causing fuel filter clogs. As a result, vehicle owners should change the fuel
filter after their first tank of biodiesel. Also, biodiesel can degrade rubber fuel system compo-
nents, such as hoses and pump seals. This is especially true with higher-percentage blends, and
older vehicles. Many newer vehicles have biodiesel-compatible components, but it is best to
consult your owner's manual or contact your vehicle manufacturers for specific information.
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Benefits
Biodiesel has a number of important benefits. As an alternative to diesel, it can help reduce U.S.
dependence on foreign oil. Biodiesel also provides significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission
reductions. B100 reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent, while B20
reduces GHG emissions by at least 10 percent.
In addition, biodiesel offers several criteria emissions benefits for the existing vehicle fleet. It
reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM), and sulfates, as well as hydro-
carbon and air toxics emissions,
A 2002 EPA summary analysis of existing data suggests vehicles using biodiesel may emit
slightly more nitrogen oxide (NOx) (about 2% for B20 and 10 percent for B100). Subsequent
studies have yielded mixed results, with some showing small increases and others showing small
decreases. EPA plans a further investigation to fully assess this issue, including the emissions
impact of using biodiesel in vehicles equipped with PM traps and NOx aftertreatment designed
to meet strict new emission standards.
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