What Is Biodiesel

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in diesel engines with no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

Biodiesel Queensland exclusively uses recycled vegetable oils as feedstock for the production of its fuel. This feedstock is rated at 5% of the emmissions level of Diesel by the Department of Climate Change (Source National Greenhouse Accounts Factors workbook Nov 2008)

Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel.

Blends are indicated in % of Biodiesel content. E.g. B100 = 100% Biodiesel, B20 = 20% Biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel.

Why Should I Use Biodiesel

Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar.

Biodiesel from UCO (used cooking oil) has only 5% of the carbon footprint of regular diesel.

Biodiesel has a much higher “lubricity” (lubricant properties) than regular diesel (especially low sulphur diesel) this has been shown to reduce maintenance on most engines.

A blend of B20 will degrade in a marine environment at twice the rate of Petroleum Diesel.

B100 has a 78% reduction of CO2 at the tailpipe than diesel

Using Biodiesel

Biodiesel can be used in any standard diesel engine 4x4's, cars, boats, machinery, generators etc. While generally there is no need for engine modification the following points should be considered:

1. Biodiesel has a very strong detergency (cleaning) effect. This means it will clean carbon, greases, waxes etc out your entire engine and fuel system and deposit them in your fuel filters. Therefore, when first switching to Biodiesel we recommend that you change your fuel filters at least once after the first or second tank and to always have a spare filter with you in case of blockage.
   
   
2. In colder conditions, Because Biodiesel has a higher freezing point than regular diesel. You may have to use a blend if travelling anywhere where temperatures go below +5c.
   
   
3. Older vehicles: have your mechanic regularly inspect fuel lines/seals and replace with compatible parts (e.g. viton) when necessary, because biodiesel can have a softening/swelling effect on some types of rubber and plastic. As a rule of thumb, vehicles manufactured from 1994 onwards have compatible components in the fuel system while older vehicles may have incompatible components. Fuel lines and seals may be at risk and should be replaced as soon as they show signs of deterioration. Please note that modern 'ultra low sulphur' diesel fuel can also affect these same components. If you have an older vehicle Biodiesel Queensland recommends that you do regularly check for any impact on old seals and lines.