Biodiesel FAQs.

What are biodiesel's benefits?
Biodiesel can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel; it can be used in compression (diesel) engines without major modifications; it is simple to use, nontoxic, biodegradable, and virtually free of sulfur and aromatics; it is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments; and the meal remaining from crushed oilseed crops can be used as an animal feed; production of biodiesel has quadrupled from 2004 to 2005.

What are its drawbacks?
It is a solvent that requires special storage, and cold weather can effect high percentage blends: B99.9 will begin to turn to gel (between 32-36 degrees F) and will clog fuel filters between 22-28 degrees F.

How do I address this problem?
The fuel rarely gels while the engine is running, and fuel is circulating through the system. Though starting your car on a cold morning can be a challenge, you can add heat, petroleum, or a winterizing additive. The easiest solution during winter months is to use a B80 blend (80% biodiesel/20% petro-diesel). To avoid using petroleum, you can use a cold flow additive.

What is B20, B80, or B99.9?
These are biodiesel-petroleum blends. B20 is 20% biodiesel, B80 is 80% biodiesel; and B99.9 is 99.9% biodiesel. The remaining percentage is the amount of petroleum.
Do any changes need to be made to my engine to run biodiesel?
No. Biodiesel performs just like gasoline. However, because biodiesel is a solvent, some fuel lines, particularly those manufactured before 1993, will degrade. To avoid this problem, change your fuel line to make it biodiesel compatible.

Are tax credits available?
Yes. Petroleum blenders who blend biodiesel into their fuel receive roughly $1.00/gallon off the company's excise tax liability if the biodiesel is made from virgin oils. They receive $0.50/gallon off for biodiesel made from recycled oils.

Is biodiesel better for the environment than petroleum?
Yes. Biodiesel contains no sulfur and is virtually carbon neutral. Its nitrous oxide production is inconclusive.

How does biodiesel compare in power and efficiency?
Biodiesel compares favorably: it contains less than 5% BTUs per gallon than petroleum diesel.

Can biodiesel be used in any engine?
Biodiesel can power all diesel engines. If you own an older car and your fuel line is rubber, it will need to be replaced. This is an inexpensive fix.

How do I store it?
For the most part, the same storage and handling procedures for petroleum apply for biodiesel: a clean, dry, dark environment. Storage tanks should be constructed of aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene, and Teflon. Avoid copper, brass, lead, tin, and zinc.