Biodiesel

As our political landscape continues to change and the need for petroleum and energy independence increases, bio-diesel is becoming an exciting alternative to fossil fuels. At this time, PetroClean is studying the feasibility of providing biodiesel to our customers. More details on this exciting opportunity will emerge following the results of our feasibility study.

The following general information on bio-diesel is intended to answer some common questions regarding its storage and use.

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a clean burning, premium, diesel fuel produced from oil bearing plants and recycled oils and greases. Biodiesel is used as a cleaner and more efficient burning replacement, supplement, or additive, to a conventional petroleum based diesel fuel.

Biodiesel comes in several grades:

B20 - 20% Biodiesel & 80% petroleum diesel

B50 - 50% Biodiesel & 50% petroleum diesel

B100 - 100% Biodiesel

What are the environmental benefits of using Biodiesel?

Using biodiesel in ANY diesel engine can help reduce vehicle emissions by more than half. When Biodiesel is made by recycling oil or grease, or from plants not in our food system, it is particularly beneficial.

How does Biodiesel benefit our economy?

Biodiesel supports our American markets by creating jobs in production, distribution, and agriculture, and helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Is Biodiesel safe to use?

Biodiesel is classified as a nonflammable liquid by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). NFPA Ratings: Health: 0. Flammability: 1. Reactivity: 0.

Who is using Biodiesel?

Many European nations have realized the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of biodiesel, and for over a decade they have led the way in biodiesel production and use. In the United States, the U.S. Navy is the largest consumer of biodiesel, and more than 45 states are now using biodiesel in school buses, public transit vehicles (buses, ferryboats, & trains), cars, trucks and home heating furnaces.

Will Biodiesel harm my engine?

Using traditional petroleum diesel will lead to heavy sediment build up in a vehicle's engine and fuel tank(s). Switching to biodiesel immediately starts to break down and wash away these deposits, ultimately leading to a cleaner, healthier engine. Initially, users should expect to see a higher volume of particulates in their fuel filters, as well as increased filter usage as the engine is cleaned and flushed with premium biodiesel. Biodiesel also has a higher natural lubricity level than today's ultra low-sulfur diesel, which is much better for your engine.

Is Biodiesel compatible with my existing fuel lines?

Biodiesel will break down natural rubber components when in contact for prolonged periods. Fuel delivery systems must contain synthetic rubber or metal parts for extended usage of high percentage biodiesel blends. Pure biodiesel is incompatible with: Brass, Bronze, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Tin, Polypropylene, and Polyvinyl.

Can I use Biodiesel at low temperatures?

Biodiesel, like all diesel fuels, will start to gel at low temperatures. Many biodiesel producers combine their fuel with proprietary seasonal additives to lower the freezing point for pure biodiesel.

Does Biodiesel degrade?

All diesel fuels degrade over time, though biodiesel tends to be more stable than 'cracked' petroleum diesel. In the early years, diesel was created using distillation. Currently, North American petroleum diesel is created by 'cracking' the molecules, as this increases the amount of fuel created from each barrel of crude oil. The problem with this process is that petroleum diesel has more 'memory' of its original state and begins to recombine its molecules which forms a solid particulate called 'asphaltines'. This process of degradation takes only a matter of months.