BiodieselBiodiesel

Introduction to BiodieselIntroduction to Biodiesel

The name "biodiesel" was introduced in The name "biodiesel" was introduced in the United States in 1992 by the National the United States in 1992 by the National SoyDiesel Development Board (now the SoyDiesel Development Board (now the National Biodiesel Board (NBB))National Biodiesel Board (NBB))

NBB pioneered the commercialization of NBB pioneered the commercialization of biodiesel in the U.S. biodiesel in the U.S.

Introduction to BiodieselIntroduction to Biodiesel

Biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters) Biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters) A diesel replacement fuel A diesel replacement fuel Made from natural, renewable sources Made from natural, renewable sources Examples: new and used vegetable oils and Examples: new and used vegetable oils and

animal fats animal fats

It can be used in compression-ignition It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. modifications.

Advantages of BiodieselAdvantages of Biodiesel

Produced domestically. Produced domestically. Helps reduce the United States’ Helps reduce the United States’

dependence on imported petroleum. dependence on imported petroleum. The industry will strengthen the rural, The industry will strengthen the rural,

agricultural economy.agricultural economy. A renewable fuel that can be made from A renewable fuel that can be made from

agricultural crops.agricultural crops.

Advantages of BiodieselAdvantages of Biodiesel

Considered biodegradable and non-toxic. Considered biodegradable and non-toxic. Biodiesel blends significantly reduce Biodiesel blends significantly reduce

harmful tail pipe emissions. harmful tail pipe emissions.

Advantages of BiodieselAdvantages of Biodiesel

Safety benefits over petroleum dieselSafety benefits over petroleum diesel Less combustibleLess combustible The flashpoint is greater than 150°C, The flashpoint is greater than 150°C,

compared to 77°C for petroleum diesel. compared to 77°C for petroleum diesel. It is safe to handle, store and transport. It is safe to handle, store and transport.

Disadvantages of BiodieselDisadvantages of Biodiesel

Presently the cost of biodiesel is fairly Presently the cost of biodiesel is fairly expensive. expensive.

Feedstock costs account for a large percent of Feedstock costs account for a large percent of the direct biodiesel production costs, including the direct biodiesel production costs, including capital cost and return. capital cost and return.

It takes about 7.3 pounds of soybean oil, which It takes about 7.3 pounds of soybean oil, which costs about 20 cents per pound, to produce a costs about 20 cents per pound, to produce a gallon of biodiesel. Feedstock costs alone, are gallon of biodiesel. Feedstock costs alone, are at least $1.50 per gallon of soy biodiesel. at least $1.50 per gallon of soy biodiesel.

Disadvantages of BiodieselDisadvantages of Biodiesel

Can slightly increase emissions of oxides Can slightly increase emissions of oxides of nitrogen which could increase ozone of nitrogen which could increase ozone gas levels in the atmosphere.gas levels in the atmosphere.

Has a higher viscosity than conventional Has a higher viscosity than conventional diesel and therefore becomes less useful diesel and therefore becomes less useful at lower temperatures.at lower temperatures.

ReferencesReferences

Canadian Renewable Fuels AssociationCanadian Renewable Fuels Associationhttp://www.greenfuels.org/biopres.htmlhttp://www.greenfuels.org/biopres.html

Alternative Fuels Data CenterAlternative Fuels Data Centerhttp://www.afdc.nrel.gov/altfuel.htmlhttp://www.afdc.nrel.gov/altfuel.html