1. Module 1: Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Biodiesel Fuels

2. Objective
Upon the successful completion of this module, participants will be able to describe the chemical and physical differences between pure gasoline, petrodiesel, and biodiesel.

3. Introduction Can be: Domestically produced Renewable
Made from new & used plant oils, animal fats, & recycled restaurant grease

4. Introduction Physical properties of biodiesel similar to petrodiesel
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions & release of toxic pollutants
Biodegradable
Adaptable

5. Commercial Biodiesel Production Plants
Copyright National Biodiesel Board, reprinted with permission

6. Biodiesel Production Plants Under Construction or Expansion
Copyright National Biodiesel Board, reprinted with permission

7. Uses of Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends
Fuel for vehicles most common use
Heating fuel in commercial & domestic boilers:
Bioheat
Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

8. Ethanol Versus Biodiesel
Made by combining alcohol with food sugars
Used in gasoline engines
Miscible with water

9. Ethanol Versus Biodiesel
Made by using alcohol to remove glycerin from plant oils
Only used in diesel engines
Immiscible
Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

10. The Nature of Biodiesel
Under some conditions:
Biodiesel-blended fuels will retain petroleum-based fuel characteristics
Under other conditions:
May exhibit polar solvent-type characteristics
Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

11. Activity 1.1 — Definitions
Purpose:
To allow participants to identify the definitions related to biodiesel.

12. Characteristics of Gasoline (Hydrocarbon)
Similar characteristics whether flammable / combustible liquids
Produced from crude oil by fractional distillation
Immiscible / Insoluble
Flash point -45°F (-43°C) (depending on octane rating)

13. Characteristics of Gasoline (Hydrocarbon)
Vapor density between 3 & 4:
Gasoline vapors seek low levels / remain close to ground level
Specific gravity of 0.72–0.76:
Will float on top of water
Auto-ignition temperature between 536°F & 853°F (280°C & 456°C)
Boiling point between 100°F & 400°F (38°C & 204°C)

14. Characteristics of Gasoline (Hydrocarbon)
Not considered poisonous:
Harmful effects after long-term & high-level exposure
Can lead to respiratory failure
Smoke from burning gasoline is black & has toxic components
Greatest hazard is flammability:
Fairly narrow range of flammability

15. Characteristics of Petroleum Diesel
Produced from petroleum
Product of distillation of crude oil
Amber in color
Immiscible
High boiling point of > 300°F (> 149°C)
Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

16. Characteristics of Petroleum Diesel
Low vapor pressure: 0.40 mmHg
Flash point between 100°F & 160°F (38°C & 71°C)
Specific gravity between 0.82 & 0.95
Vapor density > 1

17. Characteristics of Petroleum Diesel
Exposure:
Irritation to eyes
Damage to respiratory system
Class B fires
Copyright 2008, TEEX/ESTI

18. Characteristics of Biodiesel
Liquid varying in color
Immiscible
High boiling point of 360–640°F (182–338°C)
Low vapor pressure: < 2 mmHg
Flash point 199°F (93°C)

19. Characteristics of Biodiesel
Specific gravity between 0.86 & 0.90
Vapor density > 1
Less hazardous in terms of flammability

20. Activity 1.2 — Comparison of Gasoline, Petrodiesel, and Biodiesel
Purpose:
To allow participants to discuss the differences & similarities in the chemical & physical properties of biodiesel, petrodiesel, & gasoline.

21. Biodiesel-Blended Fuels
Can be used alone / blended
B20: 20% biodiesel
B99: 99% biodiesel
B100: pure biodiesel
Property of DOE, reprinted with permission

22. Biodiesel-Blended Fuels
Mixing biodiesel fuels:
At the plant
Splash mixed in tanker trucks
Line-mixed

23. Summary Biodiesel plentiful & nonflammable in natural state
Important to know percentage of biodiesel in biodiesel-blended product:
Converse relationship between biodiesel level & flammability