What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel, made from animal fats and vegatable oils, scientifically, biodiesel is fatty acid alkyl esters. Since biodiesel burns cleaner than petroleum diesel, and can be used in compression-ignition engines just like diesel, biodiesel is being viewed as a replacement. The greatest benefit is seen when used in its purest form, 100% biodiesel, or B100.
Biodiesel can be mixed with regular petroleum diesel, usually referred to as blends, 20% biodiesel or less, the rest normal diesel fuel.
Modifications to most diesel engines are not needed when using the 20% or less blends. If the engine was built since 1994, few if any changes will need to be made for running 100% biodiesel.
There is a great deal of excitement and optimism surrounding biodiesel as real replacement to petroleum diesel. Since biodiesel is cleaner burning, emissions are greatly reduced. To put this in perspective, biodiesel reduces the carbon monoxide emissions by half. Also, biodiesel is non-toxic and is also biodegradable.
Many stations are offering biodiesel now, so it may be available in your area. Biodiesel shows a great deal of promise to help in solving some of our most pressing needs. If you can utilize biodiesel, do a little research and give biodiesel a chance.