More Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bio Diesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?
No! Bio diesel is produced from any fat or oil such as soybean oil, through a refinery process called transesterification. This process is a reaction of the oil with an alcohol to remove the glycerin, which is a by-product of bio diesel production. Fuel-grade bio diesel must be produced to strict industry specifications in order to insure proper performance.

Bio diesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Bio diesel that meets en 14214 and is legally registered with the Environmental Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet bio diesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EA, and it is not a legal motor fuel. Bio diesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to EN 14214 specifications for use in diesel engines. Bio diesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Bio diesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of bio diesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% bio diesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

Features

Do I need special storage facilities?
In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum diesel can be used for bio diesel. The fuel should be stored in a clean, dry, dark environment. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and Teflon. Copper, brass, lead, tin, and zinc should be avoided.

Biodiesel

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