Biodiesel-Alternative Fuel

Biodiesel has actually been around for a lot longer than most people would think. Made from natural materials, most commonly soybeans, biodiesel provides an alternative to regular diesel fuels that is comparable in terms of performance, but without the environmental risks.

Field tests have shown that biodiesel can be used in conventional diesel fuel engines without requiring any mechanical modifications. Furthermore, it offers the same mileage, torque, horsepower, and hauling capability as conventional diesel. The same tests also showed that biodiesel increased the lubrication of the engine, increasing engine efficiency by as much as 30 percent by improving lubrication and by cleaning out the engine system.

Biodiesel is best used in blends with conventional petroleum based diesels, serving as an additive. There are two main reasons for this: One, certain plastics and rubbers are degraded by exposure to high percentages of biodiesel. Conventional elastomers and natural rubbers will be rapidly degraded by constant exposure to biodiesel, so pure or high percentage blends of biodiesel are not recommended for engines that use elastomers and natural rubber tubing. Replacing these parts with chemically compatible synthetic tubing is possible, however, and eliminates this problem for vehicle owners deciding to run with pure bio diesel.

The other reason that biodiesel is recommended for use as an additive is that it congeals in cold weather. While this will not be a problem if the vehicle is going to be used in a hot environment, like one with a tropical climate, if the engine is going to see use in extreme cold, it is recommended that a 20% blend of biodiesel be added to 80% conventional petroleum. Anything above the 20% mark clogs up during winter. Pure 100% biodiesel actually congeals into a gel during wintertime. However, for people who want to use biodiesel exclusively as a fuel source, the use of an efficient engine pre-heater system can overcome the tendency of biodiesel to clog in cold weather.

Biodiesel is an excellent modern alternative fuel source because it is primarily made from soybeans, which is a renewable resource. Unlike normal petroleum, which experts claim will eventually run out on the planet, soybeans can be grown in most climates and can thrive under harsh weather conditions. This ensures a continuing fuel source that can be made almost anywhere.

Due to its organic nature, soybean biodiesel also emits none of the usual atmospheric pollutants associated with conventional petroleum fuels, and is readily biodegradable. This gives biodiesel high points with most environmental preservation groups, and ensures clean emission tests for vehicles. As a matter of act, due to its ability to improve the lubrication of engine parts, biodiesel actually cleans the engine as it runs through the system.

If utilized as a fuel additive instead of being employed as an alternative fuel replacement for conventional diesel, one other advantage of soybean diesel over other chemical-based diesel fuel additives is that once blended with regular diesel, it stays blended permanently with it instead of settling into its own layer of liquid eventually. This ensures maximum compatibility with petroleum diesel and causes no erratic performance problems.

Due to its high environmental safety factor, its comparative performance to conventional fuels, and its ability to improve engine efficiency, soybean biodiesel had officially been recognized by the EPA as a viable alternative fuel source and a fuel additive, and has enjoyed increased attention from international corporate investors as well at the endorsement of environmental groups.