Frequently asked Questions about Biodiesel

1. What is biodiesel?
2. How many other countries are using biodiesel?
3. Will the use of biodiesel reduce "Global Warming"?
4. Can I use biodiesel in my engine?
5. Will biodiesel benefit my engine?
6. Customs and Excise FAQ

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum but can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.

It can also be used in a compression ignition type engine (diesel) without the need for modification to the engine unit.

Biodiesel is a simple biodegradable fuel that is kind to the environment as it is free from sulphurous emissions.

Most countries in the world are now using biodiesel in an effort to reduce the usage of non-replaceable fossil fuels. For example, in the US the usage has risen as follows:

• 1998: 500,000 gallons
• 1999: 2 million gallons
• 2000: 5 million gallons
• 2001: 15 million gallons
• 2002: 25 million gallons
• 2003: 30 million gallons
• 2004: 38 million gallons
• 2005: 60+ million gallons (estimated)

A biodiesel lifecycle was the subject of a US government study in 1998. The study confirmed that, compared with burning the same sample of fossil fuel diesel, biodiesel produced 78% lower carbon dioxide emissions (the same amount that it used in its creation in plant form) and significantly lower emission of other harmful pollutants.

Biodiesel will work in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the fuel system. As biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits that have accumulated in fuel tanks and pipes from previous diesel storage, the release of deposits may clog filters during the initial use period. Provided you understand this and change the existing filters after an initial period of use, there will be no continued problem running on biodiesel.

Most serious operators, realising the massive savings on offer by switching to biodiesel, fit new higher capacity filters in the fuel lines to prevent clogging. A small price to pay in return for so many benefits.

Using biodiesel will prolong engine life expectancy beyond that of using fossil fuel diesel. Figures are not yet available to support this view but as there are virtually NO carbon deposits left by using biodiesel, it is not unreasonable to expect engine life to be extended by up to 60%.

For More Details on any aspect of Biodiesel

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