Biodiesel Production and Use

Production  Biodiesel can be produced from any fat or oil such as soybean oil.  The refining process is called transesterification.  This process is a reaction of the oil with an alcohol to remove the glycerin, which is a by-product of biodiesel production.

BioDiesel Production Equipment

Biodiesel is more than just Vegetable Oil  Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications.  It is not registered with the EPA and it is not a legal motor fuel.

Biodiesel is more than just Vegetable Oil  The oils must be filtered and preprocessed to remove water and contaminants

Use of Biodiesel  Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency.  Biodiesel meets clean diesel standards established by the California Air Resources Board.  Neat (100 percent) biodiesel has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy and the US Department of Transportation.

Biodiesel Production  Approximately 55% of the biodiesel industry can use any fat or oil feedstock, including recycled cooking grease.  The other half of the industry is limited to vegetable oils, the least expensive of which is soy oil.

People show their concerns and support in a variety of ways. “This grass car runs on biodiesel, so can yours”

References  National Biodiesel Board  Transesterification Chart  Alternative Fuels Data Center  The Grass Car