What is biodiesel?Biodiesel is a naturally oxygenated fuel produced from organic feed sources such as soybeans, cooking oil, and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended at any ratio with petroleum diesel to achieve cost efficiency and improve cold weather performance. It is commonly used as B20 - a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel.
What types of vehicles can use biodiesel?Biodiesel can be used in any diesel vehicle without modification. It is used extensively in parts of Europe and is rapidly gaining support in the United States. Applications include buses, delivery trucks, waste disposal and recycling trucks, construction and farm equipment, heavy-duty freight hauling, boats and passenger vehicles. Biodiesel may also be utilized in stationary applications such as diesel generators and boilers.
How does biodiesel perform?Biodiesel performs like traditional diesel, though B100 may result in a minimal power loss at the high end and a slight reduction in fuel economy. B20 users generally experience no marked difference in fuel economy from petroleum diesel. ASTM International has reviewed biodiesel performance and issued a final specification (users should be sure that any fuel they purchase meets ASTM D6751). Because biodiesel acts as a lubricant, it reduces wear and tear on the engine, reducing maintenance costs and extending engine life. Biodiesel remains blended with petroleum diesel so it can be easily stored and dispensed in existing facilities. Biodiesel thickens more than diesel fuel in cold weather and special considerations or minor modifications are required for use of B100. Vehicles produced prior to 1993 should have rubber seals in fuel pumps and fuel systems replaced with non-rubber (Viton) seals.
What are the benefits of using biodiesel?For every 1 unit of fossil fuel energy that goes into producing biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy are produced, a 1:3.2 energy balance ratio. Biodiesel also results in significantly lower emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, toxic contaminants, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, visible smoke and noxious odors than petroleum diesel. Depending on the feed source, biodiesel can result in a 78% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over the entire production process.
Emissions reductions achieved by biodiesel as compared to petroleum diesel (Source:
EPA)
|
B100 |
B20 |
|---|
Carbon Monoxide |
47% |
12% |
Hyrdocarbons |
67% |
20% |
Particulates |
48% |
12% |
Sulfates |
100% |
20% |
Nitrogen Oxide |
+ 9% |
+ 2% (-10%)* |
Air Toxics |
60-90% |
20% |
*A 2005 NCDOT study found a decrease in NO with B20 in on-road testing of dump trucks
Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable and therefore does not pose a threat to water and soil resources if B100 is spilled. Producing biodiesel from restaurant oil or animal processing wastes reduces the amount of materials overcrowding landfills. Additionally, biodiesel is one of the safest fuels to use, handle, and store because it does not produce combustible vapors and has a flash point that is twice that of petroleum diesel. Significant benefits of biodiesel include reducing dependence on foreign oil and providing alternative markets for farmers. Low blends of biodiesel are highly effective at enhancing the lubricity of diesel fuel. The typical blend used for lubricity enhancement is 2% biodiesel mixed with 98% diesel (B2).
Will running on biodiesel void my warranty?NO. Federal law, called the Magnuson Moss Act, prohibits the voiding of an OEM warranty just because an aftermarket additive - or biodiesel - was used. Vehicle warranties cover any problems with engine parts or engine operation due to error in manufacturing or assembly regardless of what fuel is being used. Therefore if an engine or vehicle using biodiesel experiences a failure unrelated to the biodiesel use, it must be covered by the OEM's warranty. Most major engine companies have made statements ensuring that the use of a biodiesel blend will not void their warranty.
Where can I get biodiesel?Biodiesel is currently available in NC through a state purchasing contract. This contract makes B20 available to all slate and local government purchasers, including public schools and municipalities. It is also available to entities that do not purchase from the state contract through a network of
distributors.
