Biodiesel fuel has been gaining buzz in the industry for years. It’s made using chemically processed vegetable oil rather than fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. Biodiesel has been around since the 70s, but it only recently became a viable alternative to petroleum diesel fuel. You can now safely use biodiesel fuel to power your engine without sacrificing power or performance, but it behaves differently than standard diesel. Learn more about the differences between biodiesel and diesel and how they affect your diesel parts, so you can choose the right type of fuel for your vehicle.
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What is Biodiesel Fuel?
Biodiesel was created to mimic the properties of petroleum diesel, but they are made using different ingredients. It goes by many names, including “green diesel” for reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. It is both biodegradable and renewable, which limits the industry’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Biodiesel is made with processed vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. These oils undergo a process known as transesterification, which turns the fat into biodiesel and glycerin, a sugar commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, around 100 pounds of oil or fat are mixed with 10 pounds of short-chain alcohol, usually methanol, and a catalyst, usually, sodium hydroxide [NaOH] or potassium hydroxide [KOH], to form 100 pounds of biodiesel and 10 pounds of glycerin.
Biodiesel fuel is usually listed based on the percentage of biodiesel present in the fuel. B100 means 100% biodiesel fuel. Anything less would be a biodiesel blend. For example, B20 represents 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel, one of the most common blends on the market today.
How is Biodiesel Different from Diesel?
Both types of fuel can be used in diesel engines, but they contain different chemical properties. Biodiesel is made with fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), which contain unsaturated “olefin” components. During the transesterification process, the ester atoms in the plant material gets replaced with alcohol molecules. The FAMEs are the hydrocarbons that combust in the engine.
Petroleum diesel consists of around 95% saturated hydrocarbons and 5% aromatic compounds. These are complete hydrocarbons, which means they don’t have room for adding hydrogen or carbon. This makes them extremely stable. They also have higher energy density than olefin components because they are made up of longer, bigger chains.
Biodiesel fuel has around 8 and 10% lower energy density lower than low-sulfur diesel. That means you’ll need more biodiesel fuel to go the same distance as you would with diesel. The difference will be less pronounced with a biodiesel blend.
Benefits of Using Biodiesel Fuel
Despite the loss in energy density, biodiesel can help improve engine performance.
Biodiesel is considered more slippery than traditional diesel, which will help lubricate the various parts and components in your engine. Diesel fuel systems need to be repaired over time as the metal parts rub against each other, including the pistons, fuel injectors, and variable geometric turbo. Using more slippery fuel can reduce this friction to prevent long-term damage.
Biodiesel fuel also leads to lower carbon emissions. Studies show it decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 56% to 86%. We may see more drivers and manufacturers using this fuel as a way of reducing their impact on the environment. It may also play a key role in new emissions standards. It contains practically no sulfur and more oxygen than petroleum diesel, which reduces exhaust emissions.
It is also less toxic than traditional diesel, which can make all the difference in the world when you’re cleaning up a spill. B100 will degrade naturally in the environment for more peace of mind.
These benefits will vary based on how much diesel is in the fuel.
Additional Considerations
Biodiesel also has its fair share of flaws.
In addition to the loss in peak power, it tends to gel up or thicken, faster than diesel fuel when exposed to low temperatures. Because it contains more oxygen, it is more likely to form a gel-like solid mass that will clog the engine. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of saving the planet. It’s best to use fuel additives in the winter to prevent gelling and buildup. Some manufacturers will also add a cold flow improver to smooth things out or reduce the amount of biodiesel in the fuel. You shouldn’t notice a difference when using a low biodiesel fuel blend, such as B5. It performs about the same in the winter as No.2 diesel.
There’s also room for microbes to grow in biodiesel, considering all the added oxygen and carbon. The microbes can clog lines and reduce performance. You’ll have to use a special antimicrobial additive to get rid of them.
You can also use a corrosion inhibitor or detergent additive to add a protective layer around your diesel parts to protect them from wear and tear. This will also help remove any built-up carbon inside the fuel system.
Biodiesel can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but make sure you’re using the right type of fuel for your system. Switching to a new fuel may affect your injection control pressure sensor, especially if you have the 6.0 Powerstroke engine. Shop for new 6.0 ICP sensors and other diesel parts online to maintain proper exhaust pressure. You should always buy fuel from a reputable seller or processing plant. Biodiesel fuel from smaller plants may not be up to industry standards. Use these tips to make an informed decision at the pump.