Introducing Biodiesel
The ‘green’ eco-friendly alternative to fossil Diesel fuel
How is it made?
The process in which biodiesel fuels are produced is called
transesterification. Transesterification involves various
oils being converted into methyl esters through a chemical
reaction with methanol in the presence of a catalyst, for
example sodium or potassium hydroxide. The result of this
chemical reaction are glycerols and water, both of these are
not needed and removed from the fuel along with any traces of
methanol, unreacted triglycerides and catalyst.
The benefits of using Biodiesel:
- Biodiesel is safe to handle, safe to store, is biodegradable and non-toxic
- Biodiesel is produced from renewable resources
- Biodiesel can be used in unmodified engines. Diesel engines can use Biodiesel in its purity along with a conventional petroleum-based diesel fuel
- The costs of Biodiesel may be much lower than petroleum diesel – especially if used fats were included in the production process
- The high cetane numbers of Biodiesel contribute to both low idle noise and easy cold start-ups
- The use of Biodiesel results in lowered emissions
