A Brief Introduction To Biodiesel

tom · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 11:34 AM

As you may be aware, biodiesel is gaining an enormous amount of attention as a replacement fuel for petroleum products. Today, many feel that biodiesel will be the most likely fuel we will use to power motor vehicles for the next decade. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a new car, you may want to take into consideration the characteristics of biodiesel.

How Biodiesel is Made

Typically, biodiesel is made from a combination of plant based materials. As an example, vegetable fats are frequently combined with alcohols. While many people think of corn based fats, there is also a growing interest in recycling oil used by restaurants. Even though food particles and glycerin need to be removed from these oils, the process is refined enough for use.

Vehicles that use biodiesel

For the most part, you will need to buy a car with a diesel engine. If you are going to power the vehicle with fuel derived from recycled restaurant oil, you may need to purchase an additional engine attachment. Even though diesel engines have been available for decades, they are not free of issues. Among other things, you may not be able to use a car with a diesel engine in cold weather.

Advantages

The main advantage of using biodiesel is it has the potential to end reliance on petroleum based products. This is a crucial factor in ending reliance on overseas sources of fuel. At the same time, it can reduce air pollution, as well as landfill waste generated by restaurants. Focusing on biodiesel may also help spur the economy, in the sense that new business owners will invest more heavily in this industry, and hopefully provide jobs for consumers.

Disadvantages

Among other things, the ability to produce biodiesel relies on farmers. Unfortunately, as hurricanes, tornadoes, and other threats to farm crops become more prevalent, it will be harder to meet this nation's fuel needs. As it is now, our farmlands are already so contaminated with pesticides, they are virtually useless for growing food crops, let alone ones for fuel. In addition, topsoil erosion, deforestation, and desertification are imposing serious limits on the ability to create new farms.

Today, many drivers are learning that ethanol additives reduce mileage efficiency. Unlike petroleum based products, biodiesels produce less power per combustion cycle. At the same time, one gallon of biodiesel occupies more space than one gallon of gasoline. Therefore, switching to biodiesel may create an enormous increase in the cost of traveling.

Even though ending reliance on petroleum products is imperative, there are very few viable substitutes. Many people tout biodiesel because it will require the fewest changes in engine designs, as well as the fuel delivery infrastructure. At the same time, it is also important to realize that there will be enormous consequences associated with taking up more farmland for the production of fuel. Without a question, consumers are likely to find that biodiesel products will be more expensive, and less efficient than gasoline ones.