January 22nd, 2010 3:36 am
As the automotive industry becomes more sustainable and moves toward better fuel mileage efficiencies, longer-lasting engines and a significant reduction in carbon emissions, manufacturers have also been paying attention to improvements in diesel engines. As such, conventional petrol diesel now has an alternative low sulfur option and this is definitely of interest to those who want to use biodiesel in their vehicles.
Equipment manufacturers are producing diesel engines and components which are more suitable for both low sulphur diesel and biodiesel. We know that some blends of biodiesel can react with certain types of rubber compounds over time, most especially in older engines, but as better rubber compounds are developed, this problem is becoming less apparent. Indeed, if biodiesel is used in lower blends and not “neat,” any issues appear to be negligible.
Some consumers believe that should they use biodiesel in their cars they will void the warranty provided by the manufacturer. This is far from the truth as all manufacturers of diesel engine vehicles support the use of biodiesel in their engines. The US Environmental Protection Agency certifies biodiesel as the only alternative fuel so far and manufacturers are sitting up and taking notice of its potential. Auto industry chiefs can see the trend toward regulation emerging on Capitol Hill and know that they are going to have to produce vehicles with better performance characteristics and long term sustainability.
More than 50% of all vehicles in Europe have diesel engines. This is more than a 10 times higher ratio than found in the USA, but we can see that more manufacturers are now planning to import and produce vehicles with diesel engines in this country as the trend toward smaller and more economical continues.
Over a decade, interest in biodiesel has increased considerably in the USA. It is said that more than 700,000,000 gallons are produced per year, comparing to just 1 million back in 1999. Considerable growth can be expected in the future. Across the country, 14 organisations have multimillion dollar manufacturing operations, but there are hundreds of fledgling and micro operations elsewhere.
These days, making biodiesel commercially is a viable proposition and some advocates are moving up from the production of homemade biodiesel by initially supplying other consumers within a locality and gradually expanding a business. To enable commercial production of biodiesel fuel, you need to get a certificate from the EPA and a number of grants and incentives may be applicable.
Those who are maybe sitting on the fence and who are unsure about the adoption of biodiesel as their chosen fuel should recognise the growing trend toward sustainability within our societies. The US Congress is looking at legislation to force major energy consumers and polluters to cut back considerably. As this trend continues, consumers will increasingly demand that organisations and individuals become more sustainable and show evidence that they are complying; biodiesel fuel is ideally placed to contribute. If you’re interested in helping the environment, and are looking for a way help others do the same, getting invovled with the production of biodiesel fuel is a great way to start!
Tags: bio diesel, biodiesel, diesel, fuel, gasoline