4/4/2019 Biodiesel Information - Biodiesel Facts - Biofuel Systems Group Ltd

Biodiesel information

Biodiesel - general information

The technical definition of biodiesel is a fuel suitable for use in compression ignition General information
(diesel) engines that is comprised of fatty acid monoalkyl esters derived from
biologically produced oils or fats including vegetable oils, animal fats and microalgal Biodiesel process
oils.
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel which can be made using a simple chemical process Biodiesel chemistry
from waste vegetable oil. It can be used directly in any diesel engine, either neat or
mixed in any ratio with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel standards
It is a green fuel, does not contribute to the carbon dioxide (CO2) burden and produces
drastically reduced engine emmisions. It is non-toxic and biodegradable. Biodiesel & uk excise
Biodiesel has a much higher lubricity than petroleum diesel and its use can prolong
ATEX
engine life...

Biodiesel advantages

- Renewable - vegetable oil derived - Dramatically reduced emissions

- Carbon Neutral - Biodegradable
- Non-toxic - Less noxious - fuel & exhaust emmisions
- Used directly in unmodified diesel engine - Biodegradable
- Higher Lubricity - can prolong engine life - High flashpoint - safer to store & transport
- Simple to make
- Used neat or blended in any ratio with petroleum diesel

Biodiesel disadvantages
Availability - very few outlets & manufacturers. Fuel giants have not explored / invested
in emerging biofuel technology such as algal oil / biologically produced fuels
Poorly made biodiesel of low quality can cause engine problems

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4/4/2019 Biodiesel Information - Biodiesel Facts - Biofuel Systems Group Ltd

Producing biodiesel without proper equipment and safety precautions can be

dangerous (Link to HSE publication regarding domestic production of biodiesel:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/biodiesel.htm)
Unsustainably produced biodiesel has tarnished the green image of biofuels. For
example in countries that have allowed rainforests to be cleared to grow biofuel crops,
or instances where food producing land has been turned over to biofuel crops. (Biofuel
Systems Group encourage sustainable biofuel production, such as biodiesel
production from used cooking oil. We actively seek to dissuade unsustainable biofuel
production)

Biodiesel - clean, green fuel

Renewable - Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oil which is essentially grown - a
sustainable resource that will not run out. Petroleum diesel is derived from crude oil,
which is finite and will eventually run out.
Carbon Neutral - Biodiesel use does not lead to any overall change in the amount of
CO2 in the atmosphere. The vegetables from which the oil has been extracted remove
CO2 from the atmosphere to grow. When biodiesel is burned the CO2 is released back
into atmosphere.
Less noxious, non-toxic - Biodiesel lacks the unpleasant odour of petroleum diesel and
exhaust emissions smell like a barbecue! Users can expect a near 100% reduction in
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), 40-60% reduction in soot & particulates, 10-50% reduction in
Carbon monoxide, and a reduction in all Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons PAHs -
Phenanthren -97%, Benzofluoroanthen -56%, Benzapyren -71%, Aldehydes &
Aromatics -13%.
Unlike petroleum diesel, it is biodegradable.

Other biodiesel advantages

Simple to make, and can be produced from waste vegetable oil.
Classed as non-hazardous because it is non-toxic and has a high flash-point.
Burns more efficiently than petroleum diesel.
Substantially higher lubricity means it can reduce engine wear and hence prolong
engine life.

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