BioDiesel

Renewable fuels
Biodiesel is one of the most studied alternative fuels in the world and has a number of promises for cars with diesel engine compression igniton.

Properties
The liquid, non-toxic and biodegradable

Manufacturing
Biodiesel begins with fresh vegetable oil (such as soybean, rapeseed, palm or coconut oil), animal fats and oils fish or recycled cooking oil. Using the producers of chemical reaction called “transesterification” chemically react acids in vegetable oils with methanol () and adding catalytic converter. Fat molecules in the oil in a fatty acid methyl esters (FAM) or alkyl esters.

Emissions of CO₂
Net of zero emissions
Only CO2 released by burning biodiesel is the beginning of CO2 absorption of biological material (plants, etc.) during their development. However, fossil fuels are currently used in production.

The fuel mixtures
Yes.
Biodiesel can be used with conventional diesel in any proportion, either at the factory or in a tank. Nevertheless, it is usually mixed about 2% (B2) 20% (B20). Mixtures B5 do more to the user requirements, changes and demands special treatment.

Infrastructure
In its place.
Order. You can take advantage of the current road system of conventional diesel fuel, but also their ability destructive problematic for the pipeline system.

Compared with diesel
She higher density, lower calorific value, lower sulphur content, falling oxidation stability, and is about 92% as efficient as conventional diesel fuel (that is 8% less energy per unit volume).

Advantages

• Biodiesel is already largely compatible with existing conventional diesel engines, and some of its infrastructure.
• The burning does not contribute more CO2 in the atmosphere.

Disadvantages

• Recording B100 (100% biodiesel), may be exempt from nitrogen oxides.
• Some corrosion of metals can be in contact with biodiesel, the creation of deposits and fuel system. It can also be used in respect of certain types of plastic and paint industries.
• Currently, the total cost associated with biodiesel are inaccessible.

In the future…
… This is brilliant for biodiesel. Throughout the world, this rapidly growing industry, and is considered one of the most promising new fuel during this period. In the U.S. alone, there are currently more than 140 biodiesel plants in operation and another 96 in accordance with construction

Source :

1. http://www.futurecars.com/futurefuels/biodiesel.html
2. picture from : http://i.treehugger.com/images/2007/10/24/biodiesel-sunflower.jpg