Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Laura Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Laura asks…

Can applecider vinegar be used to make biodiesel fuel, if mixed with vege oil??

Can applecider vinegar be used to make biodiesel fuel, if mixed with vege oil??

admin answers:

No, but you can make salad dressing if you add a few spices…

Steven Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Steven asks…

explain why burning biodiesel fuel has a different impact on atmospheric c02 concentrations than does burning ?

explain why burning biodiesel fuel has a different impact on atmospheric c02 concentrations than does burning fossil fuels

admin answers:

There is no real difference at all. It is just an opportunity to source fuel from somewhere else. They both create co2 and produce toxic chemicals. Yes it is true that the plants removed co2 from the atmosphere before it’s death. But biodiesel is also made from animal fats. Now think about this. Petroleum is made from ancient plants and animals. These old plants removed the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their time as well.

Robert Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Robert asks…

In Biodiesel fuel, what are the key differences among SVO, B100, and B20?

Mainly, I want to know things like:
Do I have to buy/make an extra fuel tank/ engine conversion? How much will that cost?
Are there engines that can run two of the above or all three?
What steps do I have to take to obtain the fuel (I live in Sacramento)? How much will the fuel cost? Will I be saving money, or just the environment?
How much pollution do any of these fuels create?

admin answers:

This is not a simple question. As the state of California is now investigating with its Low Carbon Fuel Standard, you must look at the lifecycle GHG impact of a fuel. It’s a work in progress, although you can get an insight into what they’ve found at www.arb.ca.gov. Search for the LCFS as spelled above.

SVO is straight vegetable oil while B100 and B20 indicated the percentage of biodiesel mixed in the diesel fuel. Not all diesel engines can run on any of these fuels. Pre-1994 engines have issues with high percentage biodiesel fuel affected hoses, seals, etc. The big problem with these fuels is the lack of a consistent national standard for quality, combined with the fact that you’re dealing with an organic product that can change its composition over time–not something that you necessarily want in a combustion engine. That’s why no diesel engine manufacturer will warranty a current engine for B100 and most are wary of B20 (Dodge will warranty its Ram pickup engines only if the military spec B20 is used). Most manufacturers are comfortable with B5 at present but still would like stronger specifications.

That’s a quick overview. I’d contact your local biodiesel folks in Sacramento. Google “biodiesel Sacramento.” They will undoubtedly give you a more upbeat appraisal of the fuel’s prospect, but should also include some of the warnings mentioned above.

Another aspect to consider is the criteria pollutant impact of biodiesel. According to some studies, high concentrations of biodiesel increase the NOx emissions of your vehicle, which increases smog-forming pollution.

Michael Coates
[email protected]

Lisa Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Lisa asks…

How much does biodiesel fuel cost (per gallon)?

admin answers:

Locally it’s around 3.00/gal.

PD is curently 2.80/gal here.

Paul Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Paul asks…

Do taxes on diesel fuel apply to biodiesel?

Do taxes on diesel fuel apply to biodiesel?

admin answers:

Yes in fact they do. In fact any alternative fuel you can name requires that road axes be paid, even if you are making the fuel yourself.

Ruth Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Ruth asks…

Can I put biodiesel fuel in my diesel van without making any alterations to the engine?

admin answers:

Not sure about 100% biodiesel, I’m sure you can use at least a blend. Check with your service center first.

Mandy Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Mandy asks…

Alternative fuel outside of biodiesel or hydrogen peroxide?

I was wondering if there were other alternative fuels out there that requires minimal modifications to the car’s engine outside of biodiesel or hydrogen peroxide?

Someone else asked about hydrogen peroxide on this site and I looked up H2O2 already.

admin answers:

Propane is the most likley canidate at currently 2.85 a gal or so. A conversion can cost about $3,000 with some states offering rebates (Texas gives $2,500 back).
You could make your own bio diesel or a ethonal still but that will take up more of your time than its worth IMA.
I am running a duel fuel Truck runs on propane or gas at a flip of a switch

Daniel Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Daniel asks…

Biodiesel Fuel – New technology in the refinement process could break down current barriers? Interested?

I am in possession of a new refining process to make biodiesel fuel. Also am exploring new alternative “feedstock” that will break down the limitations currently facing the biodiesel industry. Between my new refining technology and “feedstock” development, there would be “no” limitations on production, including land size issues, Yes, that means I could produce 168,000,000,000 gallons of biodiesel a year to convert this country from protroleum based fuels to biobased fuels. Obviously, a project that will not happen overnight… but is scientifically solid and feasible, perhaps 20 years! Interested? Serious inquiries only can email me through this site. Those who I deem truly able to meet my criteria, will I give more pertinant info after signing a non-disclosure agreement. Interested? Write me back. For all you know-it-alls, I will not give away my secrets, so don’t ask for it! A person with such knowledge is worth how much?

admin answers:

This isn’t the classifieds.

Jenny Your Questions About Biodiesel Fuel

Jenny asks…

Are there any disadvantages in using biodiesel fuel?

admin answers:

My understanding is that even properly refined bio diesel fuel can degrade lubricating oil more quickly demanding lube oil changes at six monthly rather than yearly intervals.

Edited Comment: I don’t know why Boss H thinks I could benefit from a description of how diesels work. Anyway http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/Biodiesel_Blends_Above%20_20_Final.pdf contains a discussion of lots of problems which can occur, including the lube oil problem I mentioned.

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