What is Bio Diesel

What is Bio Diesel

Simon White asked:


If your diesel engine has an indirect fuel, like most yachts and motor boats, you may be running on pure vegetable oil - also known as biodiesel.

What are biofuels? - Biofuels for diesel engines are manufactured from any organic matter that can be pressed for oil. It is important to distinguish between pure plant oil (PPO) and biodiesel. PPO, which includes waste vegetable oil filter, fuel is more viscous than diesel refined. Diesel engines with indirect fuel systems can be modified to run on PPO. Common rail engines and the most modern fuel injection system can not be modified to run on PPO, because it undermines the injection.

How it works? - OPP is viscous at normal temperatures, it is difficult to start a cold engine. To run the PPO, an indirect fuel injection system must have a second fuel tank filled to less viscous normal diesel engines to start the engine. A system is heated, the operator of passage in the main tank of vegetable oil until just before the end of the journey.

Otherwise, the main tank can be modified to preheat the oil to about 70 degrees before starting the engine. Conversion kits are available for diesel and car engines could be adapted for marine engines.

Where to buy - Pure biodiesel can be purchased at stations across the country. There is no more water facilities for boat owners. However, Portland Marina berth new fuel is to establish plans for a fuel tank if the demand continues to grow.

The cost of biodiesel - the price for pure vegetable oil has doubled in recent years, due to the increase in the biodiesel industry. The cost varies depending on the material used to produce it. Fuel made from pure virgin oil complaint is about the same price as standard diesel, despite a lower rate of service. Fuel made from cooking oil, and other source of waste, is generally less expensive.

PPO is considered as an alternative fuel and is taxed at the same rate. Using store bought PPO is not profitable, but less expensive sources, such as large suppliers could save money.

Emissions - Pure biodiesel is a solvent, and the old fuel tanks can be stripped of sediment from the tank and clog the filter. Biodiesel can also attack rubber hoses and gaskets.

Biodiesel creates 10% higher levels of nitrogen oxide emissions than diesel standard, although its emissions of carbon and sulfur levels are much lower. International Maritime Organization emissions regulations set maximum limits for emissions of all vessels. Manufacturers of combustion engines to change the settings to meet the emissions standards. Boat owners are not required to maintain these standards, but for environmental reasons, catalectic converters may be equipped with emission reduction.

Storage - Biodiesel can be stored in the same way as normal diesel, using closed containers, with so little free space at the top as possible. Biodiesel can also be contaminated by fuel bug, like other gas, to avoid the half-fuel tank where condensation may collect. Containers should be protected from direct sunlight and lower temperatures.

The advantages and disadvantages of biodiesel - Apart from the lack of water, there are doubts about the reliability of the use of biofuels. Home really that production is profitable for owners of boats with high fuel and those who are willing to sell their surpluses. In addition, emissions are a concern. However, biodiesel can save you money.

Biofuel production requires some technological improvement before it can be used globally without causing damage to the environment.