Biodiesel Conversion Kit and Buy Biofuel Kits

With gas prices increasing and growing environmental awareness, the need to consider alternate energy and fuel sources are becoming a necessity. One alternative is the use of Biodiesel fuel, which is becoming more and more popular today.

Because Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel, made from 100% natural, 100% renewable vegetable sources, its uses in today’s society may surprise you. Below are nine ways Biodiesel is being used. Some of which you may never have realized.

1) Biodiesel Car Rental - Yes that’s right. A Maui and Los Angeles car rental rents cars that run on Biodiesel. These cars get between 400 and 800 miles per tank! Not bad when consider the price of gas these days.

2) Home heating fuel - More people are taking a look at Biodiesel as an alternative for heating their home. Most oil-fired or boiler furnaces can use Biodiesel (B20), which is a fuel made of 80 percent traditional heating oil and 20 percent Biodiesel. Some people are getting their furnaces adapted to be able to burn B100, a fuel made entirely of vegetable oils, which burns much cleaner than traditional heating oil.

3) Electricity Generation - Diesel generators that produce electricity are now running on Biodiesel fuel. A superior alternative to the typical coal burning electricity generating plants currently being used in the United States. Running on Biodiesel is an inexpensive, clean and renewable way of creating electricity.

4) Trucking Industry - More and more truckers are switching from diesel fuel to Biodiesel fuel. The benefits are numerous not to mention the advantage of helping the environment and reducing our dependency on foreign oil, while saving money.

5) Agriculture - Not only a producer of Biodiesel, but also a consumer. Tractors, reapers, tillers, pickers, conveyors, generators, pumps, and irrigation systems which normally uses diesel fuel, now use Biodiesel to fuel their work, bringing agriculture full circle from producer to consumer.

6) Marine Vehicles - Commercial fleets such as ferries, recreational yachts, sailboats, and motor boats are all candidates for Biodiesel. For example Pacific Whale Foundation, located in Hawaii, use Biodiesel in their boats.

7) Tax Incentive - The IRS is offering tax incentives to anyone that produce and use Biodiesel fuel. The US Government is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving producers of Biodiesel fuel government funds. The tax incentive works to help tax paying customers by lowering the cost of the fuel bill.

Lubrication Additive - Because Biodiesel is a better lubricant than current low-sulfur petroleum, fuel injectors and other types of fuel pumps can rely on Biodiesel fuel for lubrication. With the right additives, engine performance can also be enhanced, making engines last longer. Other numerous applications can also make use of it’s lubricate properties, such as concrete forms and asphalt trucks. Its solvent properties also make it a safe parts cleaner, reducing skin and eye irritation associated with other cleaners.

9) Cleaner Environment - Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide exhaust emissions by up to 80%. Because of this, Biodiesel has the potential to reduce air toxics and cancer causing compounds. Something we all can live with! If spilled, it will quickly degrade into natural organic residues, without polluting the environment.

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Technorati Tags: alternative energy, alternative fuel, Biodiesel, uses of biodiesel

So what do I need to do to convert my car to biodiesel?

First and foremost, you need to have a diesel engine car. Biodiesel CAN NOT be used in a gasoline engine. Having said that, any engine that runs on #2 diesel can also be run on biodiesel. This means, home furnaces, generators, semi-trucks, farm equipment, fishing boats, etc. There is really nothing you need to do and nothing you need to convert. Just use it the same as any other fuel. ‘Conversion’ becomes necessary when you want to run your diesel engine on Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) For some pre-1994 model vehicles it is said that you need to replace your rubber hoses with synthetic ones. But truthfully, unless you have a leak, I wouldn’t bother.

How much money will I save?

It really depends on you, and how you decide to make your own biodiesel. For example, if you are using waste vegetable oil from restaurants, (free feedstock) and buying other ingredients in bulk, your savings are going to be substantial. Say, around $2.00 or more per gallon.

Is it true that a gradually increasing the amount of biodiesel in my diesel fuel is the best way to start using biodiesel in my vehicle?

Not necessary. There is no mechanical reason that I know of to support this. Any blend of biodiesel, from 100% biodiesel (B100) to 100% diesel can be used in any diesel engine.

Should I replace my fuel filter before using biodiesel?

Not necessary. Biodiesel is a solvent and as such will also start cleaning your diesel engine and your fuel system. What it is going to clean is the sludge left behind from regular diesel fuel. Over time, this sludge can clog your filters. The truth is, biodiesel will keep your car’s fuel system very, very, clean. The degreaser cleaning properties of biodiesel will clean the system of the accumulated diesel sludge/debris first. It might take weeks, months or years, who knows? Engines are funny. After a while, you may need to change your fuel filter, but you’ll need to change them anyway as a normal maintenance procedure. If it clogs up, or you are having a problem (loss of power, smoking, coughing, trouble starting, etc.) and you suspect it could be related to the fuel filter, then by all means, switch it out, they are fairly cheap anyway. Simply change out the filter and chances are your problems will go away. It’s not a bad idea to keep an extra fuel filter on hand anyway.!

..just in case. The good news is, once your engine’s fuel system has been cleaned, it will stay incredibly clean from then on.

I have heard that biodiesel will eat or degrade the rubber in my fuel system?

Biodiesel is a solvent and a degreaser (a good one) and as a solvent, yes, it will eat rubber over time. The truth is, petroleum diesel with a high sulfur content does this too, only slower. Biodiesel acts a lot like Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) that is now fast becoming the diesel standard. Also, since 1993, diesel engines and equipment have been reworked and redesigned, using synthetic rubber with ULSD in mind. The auto makers have been phasing out rubber from the fuel systems themselves. This is resulting in fewer fuel leaks for diesel and biodiesel users alike. If you have a pre-1994 vehicle with rubber fuel hoses and are experiencing leaking problems, then yes, you should replace them with ULSD compatible hoses.

If I switch to biodiesel and don’t like it, are there any problems with switching back to diesel again?

No problems at all. You can switch back and forth as much as you like.

How are automobile makers, and specifically their warranties, responding to biodiesel usage?

It’s kind of interesting to watch, truthfully. As the biodiesel industry gets older and wiser, more and more OEMs (Original engine Manufactures) are warming up to this idea and making positive statement about 100% biodiesel and this is reflected in their warranties. The truth is, it’s kind of tough for them to argue the fact. The diesel engine, after all, was designed for this. Caterpillar, John Deere, and New Holland all accept and explicitly warrant B100 biodiesel in their engines. Others are taking a more "wait and see" attitude. They are warranting blends like B20, or B5 but stop short of wholeheartedly endorsing the idea. Other say they "neither oppose nor endorse" the use of bio-fuels.

This is where it gets interesting; Mercedes and Volkswagen both sell cars in Europe and the USA with diesel engines and there is no problem with warranty issues in Europe, but here in the good ol USA, they don’t/won’t support the use of biodiesel or the biodiesel industry. So bottom line? One, check your warranty. Two, if a OEM wants to deny a warranty based on biodiesel use, they can. But legally, they have to show a compelling reason that biodiesel hurt the engine. Which would be very hard to do. This is a very good reason to use ASTM (Commercial biodiesel) fuels, especially in newer cars or trucks.

What is biodiesel made from, besides vegetable oil?

Because modern diesel engines have been modified to meet diesel #2 viscosity standards, straight vegetable oil like the kind Rudolf Diesel used in 1912, is much thicker. This is the thing which kept biodiesel out of the energy/fuel playing field for so long. What has happened recently is a process called "transesterification." This process is used to thin the vegetable oil and remove the glycerol molecule from the vegetable oil and replaces it with methyl alcohol , or methanol. In order to do this, the methanol is mixed with sodium or potassium hydroxide (Lye) before being mixed with the vegetable oil. This is the basic process. Commercial production requires more ingredients and more refining processes, but you get the picture.

Should I worry about residual methanol, lye, or glycerol?

For home-brewers, the possibility of residual ingredients or by-products in the brewed biodiesel is a compelling reason to "wash" then test the biodiesel. Biodiesel that is commercially sold, is regulated and made to the ASTM standard, does not allow for residuals to be present. Therefore, you should have little worry with commercial biodiesel .

I’m thinking about converting my car/truck to run on straight vegetable oil (SVO) because it does not involve all the chemicals, and is cheaper. Why doesn’t everyone just convert to SVO?

As we have said, just because the first diesel engines were designed to burn vegetable oil, a lot has changed in the engine world since 1912. Biodiesel fuel, to work efficiently in a modern diesel, we need to lower the viscosity (thickness) of the vegetable oil. we accomplish this through the biodiesel production process. It can also be accomplished by modifying the engine with a SVO Conversion kit. But additionally, there are other reasons not to use straight vegetable oil. One, it still contains glycerol which doesn’t burn as cleanly as biodiesel and can leave deposits behind in the injection chambers. Two, SVO still needs to be de-watered, filtered and heated prior to introducing it into your tank. Also, filtering SVO can be very tedious to say the least, needing lots of time and energy, not to mention equipment and tools

Will biodiesel work in kerosene heaters and/or oil furnaces?

The short answer is…yes. Biodiesel is 100% compatible with diesel #2. There are no worries in that regard. One of the compelling reasons to buy a biodiesel conversion kit in my opinion is to get rid of that financial albatross, called "heating oil" in colder climates. A biodiesel kit can pay for itself in a matter of months, one winter definitely. Kerosene, which is also known as diesel #1, or heating oil #1, is thinner than diesel #2. This, of course, requires a bit more experimentation, but generally, if a heater is designed for kerosene, then it will work with a biodiesel blend. (meaning a higher percentage of kerosene and a lower percentage of biodiesel)

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Technorati Tags: alternative energy, alternative fuel, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conversion Kit

It is common knowledge that there are many ways to conserve fuel. A person can save money by just walking when going outside or riding a bus, train, or any other public transportation. If one wants to use his car every single day, there is still a way to save money, and that is through the use of a fuel alternative.

The use of fuel alternative is very common today because of the on-going price hike of both gasoline and diesel. Fuel alternatives are cheaper than the ordinary fuel; however, even if it is cheap, this does not mean that it is dangerous to the environment.

One fuel alternative that a person may use is Biodiesel. This fuel is famous today because it uses cooking oil, vegetable oil, restaurant greases, and animal fats as a source of fuel. Take note that the sources mentioned need not be unused; it can still be used even if it is recycled. Biodiesel is very effective because one’s vehicle can easily use this fuel alternative by just switching to an accessible Biodiesel kit. Also, it is safe and reduces harmful air pollutants caused by ordinary gas.

Another available fuel alternative is solar power. The use of solar power in one’s car has its advantage and disadvantage. Its advantage is that it saves fuel and if you run out of solar power you can easily switch to fuel mode. The disadvantage is that is will cost you a lot and the solar power stored is not that big as compared when you refill your gas tank in full. Vehicles using solar power are also called hybrid vehicles because they can use solar power and fuel at the same time. The good thing about hybrid vehicles is it uses solar power first and when it’s empty, the vehicle automatically runs on fuel.

Electricity may also be used as a fuel alternative. Electricity is easily obtainable because it is everywhere. With just one plug, the car can already start its engine. It is like charging a cellular phone or a laptop. The good thing about electric cars is that one can plug his car almost everywhere. However, the cost is pretty shocking and the horse power of the vehicle is very minimal. One cannot drive for 120 kilometers per hour if one is using an electric car. I

Other forms of fuel alternative include natural gas, mix of gas and ethanol, ethanol, and hydrogen.

The following fuel alternatives are great innovations to save fuel and also money. Ordinary gasoline or diesel will cost you much if you are driving everyday to work or to school. In addition, research and studies show that fuel alternatives contribute toward a cleaner and greener environment.

Fuel resources are not limitless, it will also disappear, and this is the reason why fuel alternatives were created. Other alternative fuel requires a specific type of engine in order to run; but there are others that may be actually used in one’s industry, machine or vehicle in order to save money and also energy.

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Technorati Tags: advantages, alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biofuel, money-saving tips

While looking closely at biodiesel fuel, you will find that its chemical and physical properties are extremely similar to all of the petroleum based diesel fuel, in relationship to its operation within the diesel or compression ignition engines. Because of this, biodiesel may be used within diesel engines without all of the other expensive alterations to the fuel system or engine. In addition to all of the savings in cost, there are several other notable benefits of using the biodiesel that includes:

1. Biodiesel fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and essentially free of aromatics and sulfur.
2. Biodiesel fuel is safer to transport and handle.
3. Biodiesel fuel has less noxious emissions than when compared to the diesel that is petroleum based, and it virtual eliminates acid rain which causes sulfur dioxide.
4. Operates in any unmodified, conventional diesel engine.
5. High octane number.
6. Improved lubricity.
7. Improved conductivity especially when compared to the ultra-low sulfur form of diesel fuel.

Overall, the best advantage of biodiesel fuel is going to be that it is a renewable fuel source, whereas all of the petroleum fuels are considered to be limited. For this reason alone, biodiesel fuel has a steadily increasing popularity.

The Disadvantages Associated With Biodiesel Fuel

1. Lower energy content: Neat biodiesel fuel has an energy content that is eleven percent lower than the energy content of diesel fuel that is petroleum based, which results the engine operation experiencing a power loss. In turn, the engine adjustment that is required for power losses may lead to violating the anti-tampering provisions of the EPA.
2. Engine operation problems: All of the engines today are designed in order to operate on petroleum fuel. The higher percentage and neat biodiesel fuels may cause a wide variety of several different engine performance problems, which includes: injector coking, fuel filter plugging, sever degradation of engine lubricant, elastomeric seal hardening and swelling, and piston ring breaking and sticking.
3. Handling and Storage: The long-term storage problems are known to occur from the biodiesel fuel’s poor oxidation. When at low temperatures, biodiesel fuels may thicken and plug the fuel filters. Biodiesel fuel is also subject to m 1000 icrobial growth which causes fuel system corrosion, operation problems and premature plugging of the fuel filter.

Overall, these are the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with biodiesel fuel. In the event that you are interested in learning more about biodiesel fuel, there is a ton of information online that you are able to use as valuable resources. Online you will be able to find any information you could ever imagine about biodiesel fuels, you just have to make sure that you take the time to read it carefully until you understand each aspect.

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Technorati Tags: alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel conversion kits, biofuels

Numerous individuals are attempting to learn how they are able to use Biodiesel fuel instead of gas that our vehicles require. The increase in fuel prices is forcing people to rethink certain things and they are seeking desperately to save money. Other reasons individuals are thinking about utilizing Biodiesel is to help to save the environment.

Biodiesel fuel is quite friendly to the environment because it utilizes reused cooking oils, vegetable oil, and animal fats. This means that it does not discharge detrimental chemical substances into the air. Instead it burns clean into the air and does not hurt us or plants and animals. In order to use this kind of fuel without any problems you should understand a couple of essential things.

The fuel quality that you utilize is quite crucial and has to meet the specifications created by ASTM. If you are going to buy the fuel from someone make sure that they have a BQ9000 accreditation.

It is strongest to use B1 and B2 with an ultra low sulfur diesel. This helps to give it the lubrication that makes it easy to use. There are different states that will sell it in B1 to B5. There is normally no difference in these.

You can always blend the contrasting types all the way to B20 as long as you are using the proper equipment. Make sure that there are no alterations made to it. Using this kind may alter the torque, fuel consumption, and horsepower in a negative way - but it might be tricky to notice.

Any extra homemade Biodiesel fuel that you have must be stored in 10 degrees Fahrenheit. You should never keep it more then six months. During the summer months it will only last four months. The tanks that they are kept in should never be in direct sunshine or put in spots where it can be.

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Technorati Tags: alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel storage, storing biodiesel

There has been a lot of discussion about biofuels these days. With the cost of fuel increasing in price and decreasing in availability, the need for an alternative fuel is on the rise. Many have heard the term biofuel but knowing what it means, well that can be tricky.

Technically, biofuel is any fuel that is derived from biomass-recently living organisms or their metabolic by-products, such as manure from cows. It is considered ‘green’ because it comes from a renewable energy source, unlike other natural resources such as petroleum, coal and nuclear fuels.

Agricultural products specifically grown for use as biofuels include corn and soybeans (primarily in the United States) as well as flaxseed and rapeseed (primarily in Europe).

Biofuels can also be made from waste. For instance, straw, lumber, manure, sewage, garbage and food leftovers from industries like agriculture, forestry and households can also be used to produce bioenergy.

There are pros and cons when it comes to the various types of biofuels. One of the largest discussions now is regarding the use of fuel made of corn. This is often called the "food vs fuel" debate. Some of the cons in harvesting corn for fuel is the amount of carbon emissions levels, having enough corn to create a sustainable biofuel production, deforestation and soil erosion that comes with growing more corn, impact on water resources, turning potential food into fuel and its human rights issues. But corn is only one source of making biofuel.

What material can be used to make biofuels? Conventional ethanol is made from sugar cane, corn, and sweet sorghum. Soybean and rapeseed oil are often used to make biodiesel. Algae is also used to make biodiesel.

Trees, grass, agricultural residue, and municipal solid waste can also be converted into biofuel. Cellulose makes up the majority of a plant’s structure and can be broken down into sugars, which can then be fermented and made into ethanol. Recent research is making this process less expensive and more energy efficient.

As the world’s top producer, Brazil uses sugar cane to make ethanol. Many other developing countries, such as those of southern Africa, produce large amounts of sugar and also have potential to become ethanol producers. The Midwestern United States relies on corn to produce nearly one-quarter of the globe’s ethanol, and China is quickly emerging as the third largest ethanol supplier.

Other countries with limited fossil fuel res 1000 ources are examining the prospect of producing domestic fuel supplies. Thailand has an aggressive policy to make use of tapioca and sugar cane for ethanol production. Other countries are ramping up biodiesel production as well. The Philippines recently mandated incorporation of coconut oil biodiesel into diesel fuel, the first time coconut oil has been used as a motor fuel.

Cars, trucks, and farm machinery can all run on low-volume biofuel blends without any alteration. Current car warranties cover operation with ethanol-blended gas of up to ten percent. Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) operate on any combination of ethanol and gasoline. FFVs are being sold in the U.S., Brazil, and China. As ethanol has a higher octane, it is used as a gasoline additive to improve vehicle performance. In fact, many international racing teams use ethanol because of its high performance qualities. Biodiesel blends of 20% show similar operation in conventional diesel engines as regular diesel fuel.

Will biofuels replace are dependency on foreign oil? It may be too soon to tell but it certainly is a fuel worth looking into.

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Technorati Tags: alternative energy, alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel conversion kits, biofuel