Fuel Ez

Types of diezel fuel

Diesel fuel – One of the most popular oil. Diesel fuel. is cheaper than Gasoline, Average fuel consumption in diesel engines by 25-30% lower than gasoline . High reliability and efficiency of diesel engines to justify their widespread use , and it leads to what the needs of the world market in diesel fuel are estimated in millions tons per year. These volumes not only stimulate the increase in production of primary raw material for diesel fuel – oil, but also accelerate the development of the technological base of its processing. Production of diesel fuel – a major sector oil and gas , characterized by high profitability of investments and the ever increasing need for the application of modern scientific technologies .
Differences , standards and specifications DT
There are three brands of diesel fuel – a summer fuel ( LBD ) , winter ( DTG ) and Arctic (DTA ). The main parameters determining the membership of the fuel to one or another brand, are the temperature range in which the fuel can be used , the flash point and pour point. According to GOST 305-82 , summer fuel intended for use at a temperature of 0 ° C and above, freezes it at -10 ° C. Winter can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 ° C and above , or from -30 ° C (depending on the purpose for which climatic zones – a cold or mild – it is produced , using different additives ) and freezes at -35 ° C or – 45 ° C. Arctic diesel fuel has the greatest resistance to frost. It is used at temperatures from -50 ° C and freezes at -55 ° C.

Brands differ in sulfur content – up to 0.2 % by volume for the LBD , and 0.5 % for Graves’ disease , and to 0.4 % for DTA. It should be noted that the presence of sulfur in the composition is justified – the higher it is , the better the lubricity characteristics of fuel. But sulfur – the main source of harmful compounds in the exhaust , because there is a need to limit the amount of this element.

There are also rules that are common to all grades . Cetane number – the conditional characteristic reflecting properties of the ignition of diesel fuel – can not be below 45% (100% is considered to be the properties of pure cetane , as measured value of by comparing the the test fuel with the properties of a mixture of cetane in a- methylnaphthalene , the cetane number is equal to 0 ). It must not contain hydrogen sulfide, water-soluble acids , bases, solids , or water, must withstand corrosive to copper to GOST 6321-92 (ISO 2160-85 ).

In practice, winter , summer , or Arctic diesel fuel differ in their density. Summer fuel is obtained by distillation of crude oil at temperatures up to 360 ° C, winter – up to 340 ° C, the Arctic – to 330 ° C. The higher the temperature of distillation, the higher the density, the higher the pour point of the final product .

Use fuel at a temperature lower than the recommended , it is risky . It crystallizes , and it will lead to clogging the fuel pump and hoses, or even damage them. In this case, start the engine without serious repair just can not. The use of winter fuel during the summer the motor will not hurt , but will cause increased smoke exhaust , increase harmful emissions . Motor power will be lower than using the correct grade diesel fuel .

Diesel – the use and production
Conducted numerous studies to improve the characteristics of diesel fuel and reducing its cost. Currently, there are many different additives that change its properties. When processing fuel various additives can be substantially reduced pour point , improved cetane number improves the combustion efficiency and reduced smoke emissions. Summer fuel with a minimum threshold of -5 ° C on average cheaper than the winter in of 15-18% (according to prices in February LBD – 11,200 rubles per ton, DTG – 14200 rubles per ton). Additives themselves are quite expensive , but they provide a reduction of allowable temperature for the LBD at 10-15 ° C. As a result , the total price of the mixture in a ratio of 1:1000 can be higher than the price of pure LBD only 50-60 cents per liter, which is very beneficial economically. There are also anti-wear additives that increase lubricity characteristics of diesel fuel . It is worth noting that despite the enormous scientific potential of our country’s fuel energy , the majority of additives on the domestic market – foreign production, and some of them may have side effects , poor combined with motor oil and additives other types.

In recent years, experts predict a substantial increase in production in our country DT and additives that are not inferior in quality than the imported models. This is due , according to experts ‘ Petroleum Club of St. Petersburg , primarily to the fact that in Russia between 2003 and 2010 , according to a draft federal law “Special technical regulations “On requirements for gasoline , diesel and other fuels and lubricants materials “, introduced rules that meet the Euro 2, Euro 3 and Euro 4. This means that the minimum cetane number in diesel fuel will increase to 51%, and tightened requirements for the content of the fuel sulfur. In Russia , as in most developing countries , the sulfur content limit of 0.2 % for the year and 0.5% for winter fuel, and in the EU maximum allowable rate – 0.001 %. Improving these characteristics greatly reduce fuel consumption and lead to fewer toxic compounds in exhaust gases. On the other hand , the tightening of standards will inevitably complicate the process of obtaining fuel and raise the cost of a liter to 1-2 rubles. Price increases can be avoided only by introducing new , breakthrough technologies.

an alternative raw material for diesel fuel is in many countries. Now for summer diesel fuel use , in addition to oil and natural gas , heating oil, which by its fractional composition is heavier and denser than diesel , DT expired , contaminated with microorganisms or having signs of separation , waste oil and other petroleum products. For the production of winter fuel feedstock can be unstable gas condensate – liquid mixture of high-boiling hydrocarbons, isolated from natural gases. Winter diesel fuel can be obtained by processing the summer . In this case, the summer fuel is subjected to the second distillation at temperatures up to 340 ° C , lowering viscosity and improving the frost . The cost of diesel produced from alternative raw materials , almost equal to the cost of conventional fuels . Moreover, the processing of ready-made products easier to technology that allows you to take advantage of this method.

Biodiesel – a technological breakthrough
Recent developments – the technology of diesel fuel from vegetable oils (soy , palm , rapeseed , sunflower ). In Europe, this technology has been patented already in 2001 , there are examples of its industrial use. The cost of fuel produced in this way , many times less . It also has lots of positive differences . One of them is a high lubricity , extending engine life. Fuels based on natural ingredients clean, in soil or water, it undergoes a complete biodegradable for 1 month and will not cause harm to the environment. Biodiesel has an initially high cetane number – 56-58 %, and its ignition temperature – 100 ° C , which reduces its explosive and flammable than petroleum , and in many ways makes it easier to transport. Like regular diesel, biodiesel is produced for different temperature regimes. In Germany, for example , there are three brands – ” Summer “( from 0 ° C and above ), ” Autumn Spring “( to -10 ° C ) and winter ( -20 ° C ). In the production of winter and autumn varieties are often used additives designed specifically for biodiesel.

Massive use of biodiesel as a separate fuel for diesel engines prevents while only the resulting for some need changes in their design. Nevertheless, the EU plans by 2010 to increase the share of diesel fuel derived from plant components, to 5,75 %, strongly encourage the introduction of technologies to produce biodiesel , creates legal and economic basis for the further development of environmentally friendly fuels . Of course , biodiesel – the best substitute for existing fuels based on oil and gas. With regard to the traditional synthetic diesel fuel , then, for the boldest predictions, by the middle of this century, its share will not exceed 40-45 % of the total world output.

The Future of Biodiesel

Presently, biodiesel is one of the trends engulfing the gas guzzling and petrol-pouting consumers. For the former, the reason may lie heavily on the spiking prices posted by the oil industry. If you can save a few dollars by using an additive, why not use it, right? But for the latter, it is more than money saving—it is more on environment saving. Biodiesel is ideal because it is made without any sulfur and is biodegradable, truly a treehugger’s fuel choice, not to mention the huge reduction in general emission.

The Process of Transesterification

This is the process where biodiesel comes into being. The procedure of transesterification literally allows for the extraction of glycerin by adding alcohol and lye to the waste vegetable oil or animal fats collected from various fast food stores and restaurants. Having biodiesel processors will enable you to harness what seems to be slop into an effective fuel alternative.

Note that the oil itself can be obtained from renewable sources like maize, peanuts, soybeans, or any oil-based product for that matter. With this said, if you can extract oil from an item, then most probably you can produce biodiesel out of it. Of course you need the proper biodiesel equipment to actually obtain liquid gold from a pile of sludge.

Varieties & Ratios

Biodiesel comes in a number of mixtures and combinations. This can be blended with different levels of oil or sometimes even used independently. If a biodiesel is mixed with oil, it will be identified as such, or you may look at the pump. It will reflect a letter (B) followed by a number. B, obviously stands for biodiesel then the number attached to it connotes the percentage of the biodiesel used. B20 means twenty percent of the mixture is bio while eighty percent is petro-diesel; same goes with B15 and B60.

If you plan to concoct your own environmentally friendly fuel in large batches, you may opt to buy a biodiesel expansion pack—bigger tanks, thicker hoses, and more bio-fuel for you.

Modification, supply and cost issues

Biodiesel can virtually make any vehicle that feeds on regular diesel run with little or no modification. But for those that require a little tweaking, it is advisable to check with your car manufacturer first before buying any Biodiesel equipment. Although most cars will work fine with biodiesel, it is better to address some warranty concerns.

You can either locate a local biodiesel station or purchase biodiesel processors. Pumping station can easily be found using the internet or let your fingers do the walking on the yellow pages. To be honest, some states have little bio-stations presently in business and the Midwest is paving the way in promoting this eco-friendly alternative. 

The cost attached with purchasing biodiesel is fairly less as opposed to its pure petrol equivalent. It is safe to claim that a gallon of Biodiesel will only cost you if you make it on your own. Now think about the pump price for diesel. No wonder why consumers are starting to shift to biodiesel.

While it is nowhere close to being capable of replacing standard fuels, it is certainly well on its way.

More Biodiesel Fuel Articles

Make your own biodiesel – part 2

Make your own biodiesel – part 2

2. Straight vegetable oil

Anybody can make biodiesel. It’s easy, you can make it in your kitchen — and it’s BETTER than the petro-diesel fuel the big oil companies sell you. Your diesel motor will run better and last longer on your home-made fuel, and it’s much cleaner — better for the environment and better for health.

 

If you make it from used cooking oil it’s not only cheap but you’ll be recycling a troublesome waste product. Best of all is the GREAT feeling of freedom, independence and empowerment it will give you. Here’s how to do it — everything you need to know.

 

Straight vegetable oil fuel (SVO) systems can be a clean, effective and economical option. Unlike biodiesel, with SVO you have to modify the engine. The best way is to fit a professional singletank SVO system with replacement injectors and glowplugs optimised for veg-oil, as well as fuel heating.

 

With the German Elsbett single-tank SVO system for instance you can use petro-diesel, biodiesel or SVO, in any combination. Just start up and go, stop and switch off, like any other car. Journey to Forever’s Toyota TownAce van uses an Elsbett single-tank system. More

 

There are also two-tank SVO systems which pre-heat the oil to make it thinner. You have to start the engine on ordinary petroleum diesel or biodiesel in one tank and then switch to SVO in the other tank when the veg-oil is hot enough, and switch back to petro- or biodiesel before you stop the engine, or you’ll coke up the injectors.

 

More information on straight vegetable oil systems in my blog.

 

3. Biodiesel or SVO?

Biodiesel has some clear advantages over SVO: it works in any diesel, without any conversion or modifications to the engine or the fuel system — just put it in and go. It also has better cold-weather properties than SVO (but not as good as petro-diesel — see Using biodiesel in winter). Unlike SVO,

it’s backed by many long-term tests in many countries, including millions of miles on the road.

 

Biodiesel is a clean, safe, ready-to-use, alternative fuel, whereas it’s fair to say that many SVO systems are still experimental and need further development.

 

On the other hand, biodiesel can be more expensive, depending how much you make, what you make it from and whether you’re comparing it with new oil or used oil (and depending on where you live). And unlike SVO, it has to be processed first.

 

But the large and rapidly growing worldwide band of homebrewers don’t mind — they make a supply every week or once a month and soon get used to it. Many have been doing it for years.

 

Anyway you have to process SVO too, especially WVO (waste vegetable oil, used, cooked), which many people with SVO systems use because it’s cheap or free for the taking. With WVO food particles and impurities and water must be removed, and it probably should be deacidified too. Biodieselers say, “If I’m going to have to do all that I might as well make biodiesel instead.” But SVO types scoff at that — it’s much less processing than making biodiesel, they say. To each his own.

 

Biodiesel Production Companies

There are many companies around the world that are involved in the production of biodiesel. The Biodiesel Company which is privately owned is one of them. The Biodiesel Company has many years of experience in the fields of sales and distribution. Based in Toronto Canada, The Biodiesel Company collects and renews fuel from the waste of cooking oil, non vegetable oils and also related feed stocks and then process them into biofuel.

When they are finished the product is then marketed. This company is always looking for new joint ventures and wants to expand from the Toronto area. They are currently working with researchers for new technology in biodiesel and its production so that only the best quality maybe available for sale on the market.

Grease Brothers make their biodiesel from vegetable oil and change it into fuel, the ultimate biodiesel guide is a company that sells instructions on how to make biodiesel so that you will be able to heat your home. Tree Hugger is a new biodiesel company that produces biodiesel through algae which has been found to be a more efficient way to make fuel. They found that algae can produce 30 times more oil per acre then the current crops that companies use do.

Other biodiesel companies include Agra Biofuels which produces over 3 million gallons of biodiesel every single year. Bently Biofuels, produce biodiesel from the oils of seeds and restaurant grease. Biodiesel production companies are the new solution to the rising prices of fuel. The fuel can be used in any diesel without having to convert it which makes it quick to Descente grate.

The majority of biodiesel production companies use canola oil. The majority of companies make it so that biodiesel meets regulatory specifications so that it can be certified for use in the engine. Although there are many companies, most use the same materials to produce biodiesel. These companies are a savior to the environment.

Find More Biodiesel Fuel Articles

Proper Processing of Biodiesel

The rising cost of fuel around the world gives way to exploration of alternative fuels which are more cost effective and environment friendly. Re-usable wastes are a great source of fuel to help us power our vehicles that bring us to everyday places. Biodiesel is a popular option in place of commercial petroleum.

Biodiesel was specifically designed to counter rising costs of oil products. It is especially formulated for use in Biodiesel cars and trucks with diesel engines. There are also available kits to convert engines that run on gasoline. Another good thing about this alternative fuel is that you can make it in your own garage or backyard by assembling your own Biodiesel processors oryou canproduce it in big quantities given a larger space.

When preparing your biodiesel at your own home, always wear protective eye glasses, don clothes which can cover much of your skin, and used gloves when handling the chemicals.

How Biodiesel is Produced There are several stages in the production of Biodiesel:

1. For the first few batches of Biodiesel that you will make, try to use clean vegetable oil. As you become more familiar with the process, you can collect the cooking oil from your kitchen or collect from restaurants, food stalls, etc.

2. If you are using used oil, filter the solid components like burnt meat, fish, or any food parts

3. Cautious steps must be taken to ensure that the amount of water and fatty acids in the vegetable oil are in their right levels.

4. Prepare a mixture of lye and methanol in a tightly sealed container. Roll the container several times (Note: Roll. Do not shake). In commercial production, the mixture is placed in an agitator

5. Pre-heat the vegetable oil to around 55 degrees Celsius

6. At this stage the animal or vegetable oil can then be poured onto the Biodiesel processors. The evaporation of alcohol is not permitted by making the vessels of Biodiesel processors completely sealed.

7. The mix of oil and alcohol is boiled around seventy degrees Celsius to hasten the reaction which normally takes 1-8 hours. The Biodiesel will come to its glycerin phase after this stage.

8. At this stage, glycerin is separated from the raw Biodiesel. The design of the Biodiesel processors allows gravity to take control of the separation by drawing off the glycerin at the bottom of the vessel. This stage is often called the Setting Phase

9. After Setting the mix for around 12 hours to a day, transfer the mix to the washer vessel

10. Next step is tomist or bubble wash the raw Biodiesel to rid of excess alcohol, glycerin, and other impurities.

11. The Biodiesel is then allowed to dry and is then filtered by the Biodiesel processor before it can be used as fuel.

The steps to make Biodiesel may sound complicated at the start. There are a lot of websites and books to help you understand the process more clearly. Biodiesel processors can be assembled or bought to produce Biodiesel in your backyard or for commercial use.

Biodiesel is in the horizon right now, timely for all the economic turmoil that’s happening around the world.

DOE Biodiesel Mandated B-20 Blend to Create USA Prosperity

Dr. Steven Chu, distinguished scientist and co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics (1997), was appointed by President Obama as the 12th Secretary of Energy and sworn into office on January 21, 2009. He is charged with helping implement President Obama’s ambitious agenda to invest in alternative and renewable energy, end our addiction to foreign oil, address the global climate crisis and create millions of new jobs, a very huge task indeed.

In 2004, the United States consumed 20.7 million barrels of petroleum products per day (about 7.5 billion barrels per year). A barrel contains 42 gallons, so total petroleum consumption in 2004 was about 318 billion gallons. Roughly 60% (~190 billion gallons) of petroleum consumed was imported, with about 13% (~40 billion gallons) coming from Persian Gulf countries. The United States primarily imports crude oil but also imports petroleum products including finished motor gasoline, aviation fuel, and fuel oil. The United States imported about 15 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline and gasoline-blending components in 2004. (Source: Annual Energy Outlook 2006 from the Energy Information Administration).

Biofuels are liquid, solid, or gaseous fuels derived from renewable biological sources. The biomass can be burned directly for thermal energy or converted to other high-value energy sources including ethanol, biodiesel, methanol, hydrogen, or methane. Currently, ethanol from corn grain and biodiesel are the only biofuels produced in the United States on an industrial scale.  Current biodiesel in the United States are made from used cooking oil, yellow grease, waste vegetable oil and animal fats.

Most of the 4 billion gallons of ethanol produced in 2005 came from 13% of the U.S. corn crops thus igniting the food vs. fuel debate. This was an increase from the 3.4 billion gallons produced in 2004. Ethanol is widely used as a fuel additive. The oxygen contained in ethanol improves gasoline combustibility. E10 & E85 blends are available from gas stations all over the United State this fuel is widely available in corn-producing states. E85 can be used as a substitute for gasoline in vehicles that have been modified to use this biofuel.

Biodiesel is a biologically derived diesel fuel substitute created by chemically reacting vegetable oils or animal fats with alcohol. Most biodiesel in the United States comes from soybean oil or restaurant greases. Biodiesel is readily used by vehicles with diesel engines. In 2005, about 75 million gallons of biodiesel were produced, tripling the 25 million gallons produced in 2004.

Creating a minimum blend requirement for the United States biodiesel biofuels industry will help accomplish the goals of alternative and renewable energy expansion, put a halt on our addiction to foreign oil, reduce the effects of the global climate crisis and create millions of new jobs.
Alternative energy research does not stop with Algae or Jatropha, other plants such as the cassava and the Honge tree from India are alternatives for renewable green fuel feedstock sources. The research in these areas will help end our addiction to foreign oil, reduce harmful emissions by introducing green renewable fuel alternatives. Jobs will be created for agricultural research, farmers and renewable fuel industries from fuels home grown in the USA.

70CentsaGallon Inc. a Florida Biofuels technology company has started a petition for submittal to the new Secretary of Energy. They hope this petition will help secure America’s future prosperity for our future generations through a biofuel mandate. They only ask for your support of the petition for a minimum blend for bio-diesel in the USA. The petition is being hosted online at GoPetition.com and you can reach this particular petition at this link http://gopetition.com/online/29302.html

Beating the High Price of Gasoline with Biodiesel

With the price of traditional fuel rising faster everyday, people everywhere are looking for alternatives. Electric cars were once touted as the way to save the environment and beat the cost of gasoline, but they are so expensive that very few people can afford to save money by purchasing one.

Alternative fuels have long been discussed as a way to cut fuel prices and help the environment, but with the specialized engines they require, and their inability to pass the regulation tests required by the EPA, they have been a disappointment. The more solutions that are offered to the problem of high fuel costs and dangerous emissions, the further it seems we are from a solution…until now.

There is a fuel alternative that is all that it has promised to be and more. Biodiesel is not only cost effective it is environmentally friendly, as well. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. That means that when you use biodiesel to power the engine of your car you aren’t robbing the earth of the riches meant for your grandchildren to enjoy.

Unlike the previous vegetable oil based fuels that can only be used in modified, specially made combustion- ignition engines, biodiesel can be used in its basic form to power the everyday diesel engines on the market today. That means that a simple to make batch of biodiesel could be used to power the family car on its daily errands.

Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel meaning that it can be sold and distributed just like the gasoline you pump into your car at the gas station. Unlike traditional gasoline, biodiesel isn’t as widely available for the average consumer. It can be purchased directly from distributors and manufactures and it is sold a few select stations around the country. If you are interested in trying biodiesel in your car, your best chance of finding it is to make it yourself.

The process is surprisingly easy and the ingredients are readily available. By simply mixing lye, alcohol, and vegetable oil in the right amounts, you can great biodiesel. This economical alternative fuel is made through the simple chemical process of transesterification. During this process, the glycerin is removed from fat or vegetable oil. The process naturally leaves behind byproducts, including methyl esters, which is the chemical name for biodiesel, and glycerin, commonly used in soap production. Biodiesel is completely free of sulfur and aromatics, something that can’t be said about traditional fuels.

Batches of biodiesel can be mixed up in small or large sizes and if done effectively will end up costing about seventy cents a gallon.

Making Biodiesel: Why is it your Best Option?

You have a lot of options if you want to use alternative bio-fuels to run a diesel engine. You can use only vegetable oils by making some modifications to your diesel engine, or you can use a mix of vegetable oils and other original diesel fuels like petroleum or kerosene. But the best by far option, is to convert fresh or used vegetable oils or even animal fat to biodiesel. This is your best, clean, healthy and environment-friendly option. Let’s cover some of the basics of making biodiesel.

First of all, you don’t have to be involved in the process of making biodiesel. You can just buy biodiesel. You can use it in any diesel engine without any modifications or conversions to the fuel system. There are thousand of biodiesel filling stations in Europe and the United States and their number increases every year. Some countries even mix their original diesel fuels with a small percentage of biodiesel.

If you can’t find any of this alternative bio-fuel then it’s time to start making your own biodiesel. the feeling of freedom you’ll get making your own fuel is just great!

There are a lot of ways and recipes to make your own biodiesel. Some people claim that there are great dangers and risks involved in the process of making biodiesel but the fact is that nobody has yet hurt themselves or anyone else. It’s a safe process, if you’re careful and sensible. Surely you deal with chemicals but these are just common household chemicals sold in every supermarket.

So, if you want to start making biodiesel here are some tips:

- Start with fresh quality vegetable oil. Don’t use used wasted vegetable oil, yet!

- Start by performing lots of tests with small portions of each ingredient. Don’t go for making a tone of Biodiesel, yet!

- Make small steps, learn everything you can about the ingredients you use, about biodiesel in general, about alternative sources of energy and bio-fuels. Learn one step at a time.

Just do it! Thousands of people are already making their own homebrewed biodiesel. If they can do it, you can too.

The Pro’s and Con’s of Biodiesel

Back then, we failed to realize the implications of our actions or the repercussions of a developed society highly dependent on petroleum and incessantly slave to the dictates of the mighty oil barons.

When automated vehicles were first introduced to the world, could anyone have anticipated the vast impact it will have to the economy? Who would have thought that combustion engines would turn out and be the backbone of today’s society? Decades ago, this idea seemed to be too great to fathom. However, its environmental impact was then, not recognized probably because of lack of foresight.

Biodiesel: Pros

•    Right here and now, what we have is biodiesel. This is an alternative for petroleum-based fuel that boasts a cleaner burn as compared to its expensive and environmentally unsound counterparts.

•    Biodiesel is a  renewable fuel source that stems from various resources including vegetable, canola, palm, and soybean oils.

•    In addition, this fuel releases far less nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. And since biodiesel processors convert vegetable oil, it is biodegradable and non-toxic. Do not forget the absence of sulfur products as oppose to petro-diesel. Given this lack of sulfur, biodiesel still possesses the required viscosity to fully lubricate diesel engines, which cannot be easily arrived at when dealing with low-sulfur petroleum products.

•    With the proper biodiesel equipment, the fuel output can be used in almost all diesel engines with modifications that are considered discretionary. Also, having a renewable fuel source will moderate our reliance on foreign oil corporations, or dare we say, the Middle East oil tycoons. If local farmers produce the needed raw material for our biodeisel, then we do not need to import oil because we can manufacture it ourselves, right?

Biodiesel: Cons

•    The fuel generated by biodiesel processors is an inherent solvent; meaning, sooner or later it will trigger the deterioration of various rubber components such as hoses and pumps. Though this can be easily replaced by visiting your local dealer. Sometimes extra tubing is included in a biodiesel expansion pack. This package is ideal if you plan to make batches and batches of biodiesel.

•    Also, this solvent characteristic will clean the injectors and the tank, as well as the fuel lines; the downside is that, blockage is inevitable. But this is not a reason to be worried. Just prepare yourself to a frequent filter change for the first couple tanks of biodiesel.

•    As for the gel point, biodiesel posts higher than that of its petroleum equivalent. This connotes that the former coagulates faster. But, this too, can be resolved by using an anti-gel additive.

•    The last issue lies on the recent introduction of biodiesel. This is fairly new and consumers may have a hard time locating biodiesel processors and kits. Well, a quick search in the World Wide Web is the solution for this one.

Whether you prefer it straight up or mixed (20% biodiesel to 80% petroleum diesel), so long as nature is unscathed, then it is all good. This alternative could be one of man’s greatest achievements. Though this time around, we need to take the time to become aware of its pluses and minuses, including the ideal method of generating, regulating, and utilizing this precious liquid we call biodiesel.

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Biodiesel In Winter Causes Issues

Biodiesel In Winter Causes Issues

This is the first winter I’ve seen that biodiesel (a natural fuel made from vegetable oil) is added to the winter blend (No. 1 diesel).    Most of the northern states have the label right on the pump (5 to 20% biodiesel blend added).    The importance of biodiesel is supreme to reduce carbon emmisions with the ozone and commercial trucking industry since they’re highly dependent on diesel to deliver their merchandise efficiently.     In any winter prior to 2009, kerosene was added to the diesel to keep it from gelling up in cold weather.    This year, I believe, didn’t happen.

For the past few winters, the mileage I was getting was about 37mpg.   Up until this cold season, now I’m getting about 34 on average.   What happened ?!?   I’ve done nothing different now than in the past.   I’ve always used an additive like P*wer S*rvice for cetane boost and easier starts.   Heck, I can’t even get the pump to work right.  This happened at two different stations:  It’s so SLOW and to top that off, the shut-off mechanism doesn’t work no more.  I have to babysit the pump for over spill.    We all should speak out about fuel prices these days, especially when this watered-down formula is being sold for a higher price and less quality/quantity.  

The dawn of the diesel engine:  Rudolf Diesel, back in the mid 1890′s patented the first diesel engine that ran on peanut oil.   For many decades after, the US was not making the blend of refined formula diesel fuel we see today until the 1950′s when it became a commercial aspect.    Biodiesel became a thing of the past until this past few decades and the search for renewable energy (electric hybrid) vehicles.    Along came the hybrids and on to biodiesel for those who run diesel motors.   That’s the hybrid version of diesel fueled vehicles.

Some simple facts about Biodiesel:  There are only a few ingredients necessary to make biodiesel.    Vegetable oil (new or used) is one of them and two others in a calculated formula: Which I won’t mention due to the fact that they are lethally dangerous.  This must not be breathed in as it will shut down your lungs and present an unpleasant demise.    The only way to neutralize is “Water”.   The 3 ingredients mix together at certain temperatures and let sit in a tank for 24 hours to separate.   The mixture acts as a catalyst to separate the glycerol & fatty acids from the usable fuel.    Next, there is a washing stage with water spray.    Each load is washed around 50 or more times to pull the impurities out of the concoction.  Finally, the leftover mixture is filtered into a 1 micron fuel filter.   The following step is to add to the diesel tank and run it, but not in colder weather than 40 degrees overnight.   Pure biodiesel (B100) will gel under 40 degrees, closer to the same temperatures as water does.   The BTU’s are about 10% less than pure diesel, however, the added benefit of having 10 times the cleaning detergents and 10 times the lubricant factor with NO emmisions causes the Fed to push the oil refineries to make a biodiesel formula or 3.  B20, B50 & B100 are common grades of biodiesel.    Our motors run quieter and no doubt (in Summer) get the same or better mileage.    Don’t get me wrong, biodiesel is nice when it’s warm out, but you never want to get stuck with a motor that won’t crank or start when cold.   This will screw up major diesel motor components like the fuel pump, injection pump, sensors, starter motor, etc.   I for one, don’t like being stuck in the cold without a good snowmobile suit.

Having understood the process of biodiesel, I believe that the Oil refineries wish to experiment with this process at our expense during winter.   10% biodiesel is safe for most colder areas in winter, however, when machinery (GAS station pumps) or our own equipment experience this type of failure, guess what kind of impact it has on our vehicles !  

In the past year for example, Audi & VW has introduced, “Clean diesel” catalytic converters that put out extremely low emissions by adding minor amounts of fuel directly injected into the converter periodically.   Does not affect mileage to the point that it’s just about incalcuable.    Now that biodiesel has been introduced, might affect these converters and even cause them to fail.  What’s the point ?  Other improvements include: Heated fuel filters, fuel pumps and fuel line warmers.     

We all must speak out about these issues, after all, it’s our money & tax dollars that supports their experiments, not their will to improve the environment for us.   Tell those gas station managers what you think.   Let them know how your mileage is going down and the prices going up.    They will test us until we can’t stand no more.    Nature was just fine before the motorized vehicle boom, let’s try to revive that way of life.   Remember that biodiesel is for Summer and will not harm the newer vehicles.  

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