Biodiesel is an alternative fuel resource that can be prepared from vegetable oil, animal fats, and wasted cooking oils. The process of converting the oils to biodiesel is called transesterification. Crops such as palm, soybean, rapeseed, etc. are the most significant source for producing oil that is used for biofuel production.

Mostly waste vegetable oil is used for producing biodiesel. This vegetable oil comes from restaurants, chip shops, food-producing industries, etc. But the oil that is got straight from the oil industry has great potential; it is not used commercially because the price of these raw oils is costly. Product developed from this oil is also too expensive to compete with the diesel prepared with fossil materials.

This biodiesel can be used as an alternative to petroleum as it a renewable resource. Biodiesel produced from these oils causes less pollution than petroleum. Jatropha biodiesel can be used in combination with either petroleum oil or heating oil and also can be used alone. In combination with petroleum, the standard mix is 20/80 i.e., 20% of biodiesel and 80% of petroleum. The use of biodiesel in the engines requires only a little or no modification.

Biodiesel is now used as a diesel engine in the number of agencies. The results are said to be comparable with petroleum in all areas like power, efficiency, climbing, hauling, etc.

Like other conventional diesel at freezing temperatures, biodiesel also will cloud and form a gel. The recommendation for the vehicle that uses the biodiesel is the same as the others. Park them in the shelter, you can use fuel heater if necessary or can mix with diesel.

Things to be aware of biodiesel

• In the cold season, it should be handled carefully.
• It has vaguely few energy contents than diesel fuel.
• Tries to weaken as non-synthetic or natural rubber in the parts of the fuel system.
• There might be a higher level of nitrogen oxides emission depending on the state of engine tune.

Handling and Safety

Biodiesel is four times eco-friendly than petroleum. And it is also non-toxic. It will not suddenly catch fire under normal conditions since it has a high flashpoint. The odor of this biodiesel is too mild and pleasant.

(edited 2-Dec-2019)