Entry

What is Biodiesel?

Oct 3rd, 2007 19:18
Joseph Then, http://www.biodieselathome.net

Biodiesel fuel is a clean burning alternative fuel that comes from 
100% renewable resources.  It is considered the fuel of the future.  
Biodiesel does not contain petroleum, but can be mixed with petroleum 
to produce a biodiesel blend that can be used in a variety of 
vehicles.  Pure biodiesel fuel, though, can only be used in diesel 
engines.  Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it so safe 
that common table salt has been proven more toxic.
Biodiesel is not like vegetable oil alternative fuels.  Biodiesel can 
be used in its unaltered form in diesel engines.  Vegetable oil fuels 
must be modified and used only in combustion- ignition engines.  This 
makes biodiesel one of the easiest alternative fuels to use.  In fact, 
it is a great option for use on farms in farm equipment.
Biodiesel fuel is made through a process called transesterfication.  
This process involves removing the glycerin from the vegetable oil or 
fat.  During the process byproducts are left behind, including methyl 
esters and glycerin.  Biodiesel is free from such substances as sulfur 
and aromatics which are found in traditional fuels.
The unique qualities of biodiesel makes it unlike other alternative 
fuels.  It has passed all the health effects testing requirements, 
unlike other alternative fuels.  This means it meets the standards of 
the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.  Biodiesel is legally registered 
with the Environmental Protection Agency as a fuel that can be legally 
sold and distributed.  Other alternative fuels can not be legally sold 
as motor fuel because they do not meet the EPA's fuel specifications.
One of the best things about biodiesel fuel is that is it not harmful 
to the environment like traditional fuels.  Biodiesel is made from 
renewable resources which means it is safe for the environment.  It 
does not produce the high emissions like traditional fuels.  Biodiesel 
does not cause harmful effects to the environment that will produce 
lasting effects on generations to come.
Biodiesel is also good for the economy because unlike traditional 
fuels, the resources to make biodiesel come form within the United 
States.  It is made with products grown in the USA without having to 
involve politics with other countries.  The country can become less 
dependent upon foreign countries for fuel supplies and the money goes 
right back into the US economy.
Biodiesel is an innovative fuel that is rapidly becoming more 
available to the general public.  It can be found around the country 
in select places or it can be bought directly from producers.  It 
costs a little more than traditional fuels at the current time because 
the demand is not as great.  However, as demand grows and the public 
realizes the benefits of a biodegradable, renewable fuel source, the 
price will drop.  Right now, though, the cheapest way to get biodiesel 
fuel is to make it at home yourself.
You can check out more information about Biodiesel at this website: 
http://www.biodieselathome.net