Biodiesel Fuel and Diesel Comparison

Biodiesel Fuel and Diesel Comparison. Biodiesel is a fuel of plant origin, is commonly used mixed with diesel fuel at a rate of between 10 and 20%. This type of fuel as an alternative be considered as 'green' with respect to diesel. The commercial production of fuel began in 1989 and since then its use has experienced a significant increase, especially in diesel engines. Biodiesel is made ​​from virgin or used vegetable oils.

The use of this fuel is associated with a number of drawbacks that prevent the direct use in private transportation. In Europe, the United States and Brazil on biodiesel and ethanol are used for some years as few public transport fuel or for industrial purposes. The main advantages of Biodiesel fuel are:
- Compatibility with most diesel engines currently on the market.
- Does not contain sulfur (reducing sulfur oxide emissions)
- Low level of aromatic hydrocarbons (carcinogens)
- Fuel biodegradable and less toxic than oil.
- Terms of safer storage (flash point 100 ° C higher than diesel fuel)
- Production of biodiesel is from a renewable resource.

Although biodiesel fuel use is compatible with most diesel engines, the disadvantages of its use are currently outweigh the benefits.

The main disadvantages of Biodiesel fuel are:
- Because the biodiesel releases less energy in the combustion (about 10%), fuel consumption is increased and reduced the vehicle's power.
- The quality of cold start is degraded, since the density and viscosity of biodiesel is higher.
- The amount of nitrogen oxides emitted is higher and therefore requires a special treatment system to comply with European standards pollution.
- Currently, this fuel is not recognized as an alternative for builders and therefore have not been optimized engine torque use.
- The cost of a liter of biodiesel production (0.5 €) is higher than a liter of diesel (0.2-0.25 €), which constitutes a major handicap.

The use of biodiesel can make a significant reduction of pollutant emissions and enhance economic stability by diversifying Europe's transport fuel source. Certainly in the next few years new measures at European level will be introduced to encourage the creation of centers of biodiesel production and use of this fuel 'green'.