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What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is simply organic oil such as soy or canola oil that has been chemically altered using a chemical process called “Transesterification”. In this process an alcohol, typically methanol, and a catalyst detach the glycerin molecule and replace it with an alcohol molecule, changing the properties of the oil. This allows it to mimic the properties of petroleum diesel fuel.
Biodiesel is chemically known as “fatty acid mono-alkyl ester”. This is a technical way of saying it is a product made from organic oil or animal fats with all the sticky stuff removed. Biodiesel is a quality, clean burning alternative fuel made from our own renewable resources and can be combined in any percentage with petroleum diesel to make a blend. The performance of biodiesel is comparable to traditional diesel in torque and horsepower but with superior lubrication qualities and much lower emissions.
In the U.S biodiesel must meet strict ASTM-D6571 testing standards to be resold as biodiesel fuel - Biodiesel not meeting this standard is not biodiesel but simply modified vegetable oil. Biodiesel often referred to as B-100 is pure with no petroleum diesel present. A biodiesel blend is referred to as B-5 or B-20. The number references the percentage of biodiesel in the petroleum mix.
Biodiesel has solvent like properties which have a cleaning effect on the fuel system, removing any old sludge or buildup from petroleum diesel. Due to the solvent properties of biodiesel it will also degrade rubber components in the fuel system. As a rule in general, any vehicle manufactured after 1990 requires no modifications to use biodiesel. This is due to the use of synthetic fuel lines and components used during this time frame. Using biodiesel in some diesel engines may void some manufacturer's warranties due to the manufactures inability to control the quality of fuel being used.
Biodiesel is considered a fuel, so if you plan to use it in a vehicle for on-road use, it may be subject to taxes. Check with your state and federal taxing agencies if in question.
Biodiesel itself, when properly made, is quite safe. It's less toxic than table salt and degrades faster than sugar.
Precautions: BE SAFE WHEN MAKING BIODIESEL.
When making Biodiesel, it's important to be safe.
You are using potentially dangerous chemicals. Methanol is extremely flammable as well as poisonous. Caustics such as Sodium hydroxide, “Lye”, and Potassium hydroxide, “caustic potash”, are highly corrosive and pose an inhalation hazard. The transferring and mixing of flammable liquids and caustics can raise the risk in handling, and there is a potential to seriously hurt, injure, or even kill yourself and others.
Before making biodiesel please read the MSDS information provided on this site.
Make sure you are using the correct safety equipment and have proper knowledge of safety procedures and chemical storage. This site and its contributors will not be held responsible for any injury, death, or destruction of property that occurs while attempting to make biodiesel from any information obtained on this site.
Biodiesel should always be made in a well ventilated area, away from children and pets with the proper safety equipment utilized. Before making biodiesel, check with your local municipality and fire marshal to ensure that any chemicals, alcohol, or other substances you will use are being stored and used within the proper laws and ordinances for your area. Some areas refer back to state and federal fire codes. It's always a good idea to check before you get started.
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