Q: What is Bio-diesel?
A: Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel produced from oilseed crops (such as rapeseed). It is home-grown, renewable and contains no fossil fuel.
Q: How is Bio-diesel manufactured?
A: The oilseed is milled to release the oil which is then refined and blended with reclaimed cooking oil, Potassium Hydroxide and Methanol.
Q: Will it damage my engine?
A: No. Biodiesel has been used extensively by vehicle manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Daimler-Chrysler, Cummins, Renault & Porsche. All have found the fuel to be reliable and clean in use. Some special preparation of the engine may be required for use with pure Biodiesel.
Q: Will I get as much power from my engine?
A: The Cetane Number is a measure of the ignition qualities of a fuel. Biodiesel has a Cetane value of 46-50 and a Calorific Value of 38.4Mj/kg. Fossil diesel has a Cetane Value of 50-56 and a Calorific Value of 42Mj/kg. Biodiesel complies with the requirements of engine manufacturers and provides little or no difference in performance in use. |
Q: Why is it better for the environment?
A: The use of Biodiesel is carbon-neutral – the Carbon Dioxide produced when the fuel is burned is reabsorbed by the growing of future oilseed crops. Unburnt hydrocarbon emissions are reduced so the overall ozone forming potential of Biodiesel is nearly 50% less than that of fossil diesel fuel. The fuel is biodegradable, non-toxic, is not classified as a hazardous substance under COSHH Regulations and also has a mild solvent effect which cleans engines previously operated on fossil diesel. Biodiesel is free from sulphur, benzene and reduces particulate emissions – all of which have proven detrimental effects on health.
Q: Can Biodiesel be used in conjunction with fossil diesel?
A: Yes. Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with fossil diesel in any percentage with no detrimental effect on the engine.
Q: How does Biodiesel perform in cold weather?
A: Biodiesel will gel in very cold temperatures, just as fossil diesel does, but it is useable down to -10C. |