Are there different types of biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from fats and oils such as soybeans and animal fats.

Biodiesel can be used in any concentration with petroleum-based diesel fuel in existing diesel engines with little or no modification. 

Biodiesel is not raw vegetable oil! Biodiesel must be produced by a chemical process that removes glycerin from the oil.

Biodiesel blend, nn. are a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the volume percent of biodiesel. Common blends are b2, b5, b10, b20 and b100.

Why biodiesel and why now?

To begin with, we currently import over 50% of our petroleum needs  - this is expected to grow to 70% by 2025.  Once roughly half the oil has been extracted, it becomes harder – and more expensive – to get at the remainder.  The key date is not when the oil runs out, but when production peaks, meaning supplies decline.  The peak may come by about 2020.

Thus, we should be looking at biofuels seriously as an alternative to petroleum fuels. 
For example:

• B100 biodiesel has the Energy content of #1, 8% less than #2
• High Cetane (avg. over 50)
• Its Sulfur free
• Cold flow - B2 biodiesel has the same low temperature flow characteristics as #2 petroleum diesel
• It also has an Energy Balance (3.24 to 1)
• Finally, it's Biodegradable and Non-Toxic

Like synthetic lubricants, biofuels are an important part of our energy future.  There is no question that conventional energy reserves will peak, and this reality guarantees that the era of "cheap" petroleum products is over...  From here on, we better get used to higher prices for these products.

AMSOIL Motor Oil extended drain interval recommendations do not apply to vehicles using biodiesel fuels at any mix ratios with petroleum diesel. When using biodiesel fuels at any mix ratio, follow the OEM recommended oil drain interval.

That's why any place you can save money, by use of synthetic products (and their unique advantages), is just plain smart, don't you think?

Comments

[Hank]

I like the useful info on this blog... Thanks.

[Krzysztof Lis]

The link you posted should be directed to Cetane Number, not the Cetane itself. :)

[moderator]

Krzysztof,

Thanks for catching this. I appreciate you for being so observant. It's been corrected. Thanks again