As
we strive towards a green earth and towards reducing the levels of greenhouse
gas emissions, we have to find fuel alternatives. One fuel alternative is
biofuels, which emit less pollution in comparison to fossil fuels.
As
gas prices keep rising, and global warming more prevalent, the world it turning
towards biofuel to reduce costs and to protect the environment. Biofuels
release fewer greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and help to reduce gases
that trap heat. Biofuels exist in three forms:
- Solid: Dried plant material,
manure or wood
- Gaseous: Biogas
- Liquid: Bioethanol and
biodiesel
In
this article, we shall discuss the benefits of biodiesel:
Biodiesel
is a first-generation biofuel, and it comes from waste cooking oil, animal
fats/oils, tallow or vegetable oil. The most biodiesel currently produced by oil recycling companies comes from
waste cooking oil. The waste oil mainly comes from restaurants, fast food
joints, industrial food producers, and individual home users. The benefits of
using biodiesel over diesel include:
It Is
Renewable Energy
Biodiesel
is a source of renewable energy. Renewable energy is derived from natural
resources that are constantly renewed, such as sun, wind, geothermal heat, etc.
Fossil fuel form over millions of years and is not termed as a renewable energy
source because it would take millions of years to replenish.
Biodiesel
is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats, and the production of the diesel
can happen on demand.
Does Not
Require A Special Engine
A
significant advantage of using biodiesel is that it does not require a
particular type of engine. Any diesel engine or oil heating system with minimal
or no alterations can use biodiesel. You can use biodiesel in its pure form, or
blend it with petroleum diesel. For example, B20 is a mixture of biodiesel and
diesel.
Biodiesel
Prolongs Your Engine’s Life
Biodiesel
contains higher ratings of cetane and better lubricating capabilities than
sulfur types of diesel. These two properties help in reducing the wear and tear
in your fuel system. The absence of sulfur in biodiesel helps to extend your
engine and catalytic converter lives.
Biodiesel
Emits Fewer Greenhouse Gases
Fossil
fuels have been the source of greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer.
The destruction of the ozone layer causes changes in climate, destabilizes
weather patterns, and is a significant cause of global warming.
Biodiesel
in place of petroleum diesel is cited for causing a significant reduction in
greenhouse gases. B20, a blend of pure biodiesel and petroleum diesel can
reduce carbon dioxide by 15%
Biodiesel
Has a Higher Flashpoint
Petroleum
diesel has a flashpoint of 52, while biodiesel has a flashpoint of more than
152. This difference in flashpoint means that petroleum diesel is more
combustible and poses a more significant fire risk than biodiesel. Biodiesel is
more comfortable to transport, store, and handle in comparison to petroleum
diesel.
Economy
improvement
Vehicles
that use biodiesel are infinitely more economical in fuel usage than diesel
engines. The biodiesel run engines consume a lower amount of gas and run for
more miles for every gallon consumed.
Production
of biodiesel locally helps to employ thousands of individuals in the biodiesel
production plants. Waste cooking oil that would otherwise go to waste is bought
off individuals by oil recycling companies, creating incomes for many people in
that chain.
Health
Benefits
Pollution
in the air is one of the major causes of diseases, some of which are fatal.
Contaminants emitted from petroleum engines cause smog and global warming.
These pollutants, as a result, cause thousands of sicknesses per year. Biodiesel
does not emit toxic pollutants and is an overall benefit for the environment
and people’s health.
Conclusion
The
global warming effects will become progressively worse if nothing is done about
greenhouse gas emissions. As more campaign is done on the subject, there is
increased awareness on the same. Oil recycling companies buy waste oil from
restaurants and food production companies and produce biodiesel in an attempt
to reduce environmental degradation. With time, fossil fuel will run out because
consumption is higher than replenish. All we shall be left with is biofuel, and
with it, greener earth.