What is BIODIESEL?

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning monoalkyl ester-based xygenated fuel made from soybean oil or other vegetable ils or animal fats. A renewable fuel domestically produced from agricultural resources, biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatic compounds. The concept of using vegetable oil-based fuel dates back to 1895 when Dr.Rudolf Diesel developed the first compression ignition engine specifically to run on vegetable oil. Because it has similar properties, biodiesel can be blended in any ratio with petroleum diesel and can be used in diesel engines with no major modifications. Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)and meets clean diesel standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Neat (100%) biodiesel has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE)and the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Biodiesel contains no sulfur or aromatics and already meets the 2007 sulfur standards.
 

How is BIODIESEL made?

Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin

is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products - methyl

esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to

be used in soaps and other products).

 

Potter Oil Company of Aurora has begun distribution of soy biodiesel in eastern North Carolina to farmers throughout several eastern counties in the state. Soy biodiesel is a non-toxic, clean burning and environmentally friendly fuel product made from renewable soybean oil. “We want our states farmers to start using a B-2 blend of soy biodiesel,” said Sam Brake, N.C. Soybean Association President form Wilson. “This is a way for soybean farmers to help boost the price of their commodity while also reducing dependence on foreign oil ”.