BIODIESEL ……a renewable fuel source using primarily natural plant oils, pure alcohol and a small amount of catalyst……

….to use as an environmentally-friendly and cleaner energy for your vehicle of choice!

Biodiesel is made of……. ~ 80-90% Plant oils The top oil-producing crops include palm, coconut, peanut, sunflower, soybean and corn. The oil is extracted by pressing the nut or seed of the plant. Used veggie oil from restaurants can also be used to reduce waste. ~ 10-20% alcohol Methanol is made from coal, natural gas or wood and is a harsher type. Ethanol is made from grains and preferred because its more mild. ~ .35%-1.5% Catalyst Sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide can be used in either a powder, granular or palletized form. The purpose of the catalyst is to break down the components of the oil to bind with the alcohol.

The process of making biodiesel is called….. Transesterification Essentially, this big word means the transfer of esters which are hydrocarbon chains that bond with other molecules, such as glycerin in the case of veggie oil. In the case of biodiesel, the catalyst breaks down the oil (composed of esters and triglycerides) and causes the esters to bond with the added alcohol, leaving the fatty acids and glycerin separate. Ex: Triglyceride = ester – ester – ester ester – ester – ester glycerin methyl methyl methyl

After transesterification…….. Biodiesel Glycerin ……the separation of biodiesel and glycerin is evident if there is a proper amount and mix of components.

Advantages of Biodiesel ~Biodegradable ~Veggie oil can be used from restaurant waste ~Exhausts contains no SO2, lead or halogens ~Reduced particulates, unburned hydrocarbons, CO, or CO2 ~Only a 5% decrease in power from diesel fuel ~The byproduct, glycerin, can be made into soap or degreaser ~No modifications to car necessary for biodiesel ~Easy to produce