Biodiesel is made from new or used vegetable or animal oils or fats. Soybean and canola (rapeseed) oils are most often used, and vegetable oils are used to meet the ASTM D 6751-06 standard. Manufacturing Biodiesel uses methanol and sodium hydroxide (lye) to convert the source oil to methyl esters -the fuel product. A major by-product is glycerin, which is separated from the fuel and sold.

Biodiesel is solid in blends, labeled B2, B5, B10, B20, B50, B99, with the number stating the percent of Biodiesel in the blend. B20 (20% Biodiesel) is the most common. The highest percentage of Biodiesel usually found is B99, because the fuel must be blended for the blender to receive a federal tax credit.

That depends on the blend. Pure Biodiesel has an energy content about 10% less per gallon than regular diesel. However, torque and horsepower will not be noticeably reduced with blends up to B20.

Not unless the Biodiesel meets ASTM standards. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has defined a standard for Biodiesel: ASTM D 6751-06. To get the most reliable and consistent performance from Biodiesel, use blends that meet this standard. This ASTM specification can be found here.

No. Since Biodiesel is a solvent, it dissolves the deposits left by regular diesel in older engines and it cleans and protects the metal parts of an engine. For blends greater than B5, Biodiesel will dissolve gum deposits in your fuel system and can slowly dissolve older natural rubber fuel lines, gaskets and seals in older engines. For blends of B5 or less, these effects will not be noticeable. Cleaning up deposits can only improve engine performance, provided the dissolved deposits do not block fuel flow. To prevent this, for blends over B5, you may have to change your fuel filter after 800 miles/15 hours of first use and possibly once or twice more within 1,500 miles/30 hours. In addition, consider replacing older fuel system lines, seals or gaskets with Viton or Teflon, which are not affected by Biodiesel. No further modifications are required, regardless of engine age.

Yes. In 2006, regular diesel was changed in California to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), with a sulfur content of less than 15ppm, ten times less sulfur than previously. Sulfur provides lubricity, so wear may increase for engines running on straight regular ULSD. Biodiesel provides better lubricity than ULSD, so OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) recommend using Biodiesel blends of B2 or greater as a means of restoring lubricity to ULSD. .

Much less than regular diesel. B99 Biodiesel emissions emit 75-85 percent less cancer-causing pollutants, by weight, and even less by toxicity. Biodiesel is also more biodegradable and less likely to persist in the soil and water if spilled.

In addition, like regular diesel, Biodiesel causes less greenhouse gas per gallon than gasoline. Finally, compared with regular diesel, Biodiesel causes much less pollution, as follows:

• 70% less soot from B100/ 99, 15% less from B20
• 100% less sulfates from B100/ 99 and 20% less from B20
• 40% less hydrocarbons from B100/99 and 10% less from B20
• 50% less carbon monoxide from B100/99 and 10% less from B20

No. Biodiesel with a higher flashpoint is less likely to ignite accidentally than regular diesel.

Manufacturers cannot void warranties due to use of Biodiesel unless engine damage was directly caused by use of Biodiesel. Terms and conditions of OEM warranties regarding use of biodiesel vary. Caterpillar, for example, expressly allows use of Biodiesel blends up to B30. For individual company statements, you may visit the California Biodiesel Council.

Cold starting may be a problem during winter months. Biodiesel has relatively high cloud point compared to regular diesel. The highest blend (B99) may plug filters at temperatures below 22 o F, while lower Biodiesel blends such as B20 do not. B5 can be used at all temperatures. For details, click here and/or here.

Although the California Air Resources Board recommends using B20 Biodiesel, using Biodiesel does not currently help you comply with Air District, State, or Federal regulations in the Monterey Bay region. Pending ARB engine regulations may allow use of biodiesel blends to comply with emissions standards.

Here on the west coast, with federal tax credits, Biodiesel prices are comparable or sometimes lower than prices for regular diesel, depending on the blend. B20 often costs less than regular diesel by about 6 cents. According to the DOE Clean Cities Report from October 2006, the West Coast showed Biodiesel at $2.78/gal (+/-$0.25) and diesel averaged $2.74 (+/-$0.19).* Nationally, B20 was about the same as diesel, and B99 was about a 70 cents more expensive per gallon than regular diesel.* For details click here.

The production of Biodiesel is growing faster than any other fuel, and will continue to grow for the near future. Presently, at least two Biodiesel production facilities are planned or under construction in the Monterey Bay region. As of September 2006, there were 85 plants manufacturing and marketing Biodiesel in the U.S., and within 18 months, 65 more plants will come on line. U.S. Biodiesel capacity is currently 580 million gallons per year and is expected to reach 1.9 billion gallons by May 2008. Since the feedstock can be grown in the USA, supply and availability are more secure than for regular diesel, and therefore prices are expected to become ever more favorable compared to regular diesel.

You can pump Biodiesel blends at several card key public dispenser locations in the Central Coast region or get Biodiesel delivered from the suppliers shown below. Your regular diesel supplier may also be able to supply you with Biodiesel.

www.biodiesel.org
www.biodieselcouncil.org
www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/
www.eia.doe.gov
www.epa.gov
www.factsonfuel.org/diesel/index.html