How is BioDiesel Made

The world's demand for oil has increased in the past 50 years. This is evident as more people own and drive cars and an increase in the number of passengers hopping on airplane for business and vacation.

Analysts believe this has brought the price of crude oil to almost $70 a barrel last year. Since this is a non-renewable source of energy, it won't be long before there won't be any left which is why scientists are urged to find an alternative.

Fortunately, there may be an answer. This comes from vegetable oil through a process called transesterifcation, which is how bio diesel fuel is made.

Bio diesels were first discovered in the early 1900's. This was not developed further as people relied on oil deep beneath the earth to fuel man's precious machines.

Turning vegetable oil into bio diesel takes about 6 to 8 hours and undergoes a 12-step process. The first is to get the organic oil from the plants. Once a batch has been collected, this is then heated to a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fuel should be pure and the only way to check on this is by monitoring the titration levels. If everything checks out, this is then mixed with lye and methanol in a processor. Some time must be given in order for the oil to separate. This is then cleaned with water and when it is finished, this can now be used as fuel for the car.

Is biodiesel good for the car's engine?

Tests have shown that it is safe to use and is cleaner for the environment. Some countries in South America have started used this in fueling its buses.

Aside from ingredients coming from plants, tests have shown that people can also make this at home from the oil used for cooking. The person will just need some equipment to make it pure since can cause damage to the engine if the appropriate steps are not taken.

The price of a biodiesel kit varies but in general, this comes with three things namely the heating device, the thermostat and the rubber hoses.

Tests have shown that the engines of some old cars are not compatible with this alternative fuel. The person should have it checked first with the manufacturer so if this is the case, the customer can have this converted.

In the United States, the most popular form of biodiesel is ethanol. This comes from sugar cane and is already being sold in some gas stations. Although it is cheap now because motorists are still relying on diesel and unleaded gasoline, this will change as the demand for biodiesel in the future increases.

Apart from using biodiesel to decrease the demand for non-renewable fuels, car manufacturers are also trying other things. A good example is the electric car that was made by both Toyota and Honda. Drivers can switch to battery mode since the automobile is equipped with a rechargeable battery with US manufacturers coming up with something similar to follow suit.

So, if people want to reduce the dependency of oil coming from the Middle East and do their share in protecting the environment, biodiesel fuel is the way to go. Its safe and clean so the next generation will be able to enjoy what is there like we once did.

See also: how to make biodiesel