The Fuel of the Future: Biodiesel
Biodiesel: The Fuel of the Future
Biodiesel is considered the fuel of the future because it helps lessen global warming. Biodiesel is produced from domestic, renewable resources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It can be used alone or blended with petroleum.
Compression-ignition diesel engines can use biodiesel with little or no modifications at all. Scientific evidence shows that biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent compared to diesel.
Biodiesel manufacturing facilities make the fuel through a process called transesterification. In the transesterification process, the fat is purified. It then reacts with alcohol through catalysts such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. They are then transformed into glycerol and esters.
Biodiesel is what remains after the transisterification process. The fuel be derived from the plant oils of palm, sunflower, peanut, soybean or canola.
Most diesel-engine cars can also run on biodiesel. One amazing thing about the fuel is that it acts as a cleaner or solvent. It loosens deposits that could clog the engine and lubricates the engine to make it run smoother. The result is that the engine actually lasts longer because the fuel leaves few or no deposits at all.
Biodiesel is renewable and biodegradable. It helps fight global warming through its closed carbon cycle. The fuel itself is made from carbon dioxide through photosynthesis in plants. When the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, it is recycled by plants, which are then later processed again into fuel.
However, biodiesel does have a few drawbacks. It has a tendency to produce more nitrogen oxide emissions than diesel. These substances contribute to the formation of smog. Another disadvantage is its availability. Despite these problems, biodiesel is still the fuel of choice for environmentalists and people who just want to help fight global warming.
Popularity: 7% [?]