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.
Scientific research shows that biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. In some countries, it is also cheaper than 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 process. Manufacturers can use the fats of animals and a number of plant oils to make the fuel. It can be derived from the plant oils of palm, sunflower, peanut, soybean or canola. Even recycled cooking grease can be made into biodiesel, though it is not the same as raw vegetable oil.
Most cars that run on diesel engines can use biodiesel. Car manufacturers have lists of cars that can run on pure biodiesel. One amazing thing about the fuel is that it acts as a solvent or cleaner. It loosens deposits that could clog the engine. Because of this, it lubricates the engine and makes it run smoother. The result is that the engine actually lasts longer because the fuel leaves few or no deposits at all.
Biodiesel is a biodegradable and renewable fuel. It helps fight global warming because it has a closed carbon cycle. Biodiesel itself is made from carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. When the carbon dioxide from the fuel is released into the atmosphere, it is recycled by plants. The oils of the plants 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.
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