The essential process for making diesel fuel out of biomass, was used in the 1800's for its primary product, glycerin for soap. It was also used exclusively in Rudolf Diesel's engine from the time he invented it until the 1920's, when modifications were made to the engine so that it could accept Number 2 diesel, a residue of petroleum. People have made their own biodiesel for use in their engine since the 1970's, and it has become an increasingly popular alternative today.
Biodiesel is a diesel replacement fuel made from etherification of new and used vegetable and animal oils. Biodiesel, just like ethanol and petroleum, can be blended with regular diesel fuel. Blends of biodiesel and diesel up to B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) usually can be used in unmodified diesel engines with no problems. Richer blends, even pure B100 biodiesel, can be used in some unmodified diesel engines, but the effect on the engine's durability is questioned by scientists. Biodiesel is gaining popularity in many countries, particularly in regions where regular diesel is already popular. Little testing about to the long-term effects of biodiesel on unmodified engines limits the extent of biodiesel usage, but Europe, United States, Brazil, and even Canada are all actively developing and advocating biodiesel. Brazil opened a biodiesel refinery in March 2005 which by 2011 will produce enough biodiesel to incorporate 5% biodiesel into regular diesel fuel nationwide. The United States offers a federal tax credit to biodiesel consumers, although it is still only available in ural areas.
Chandan Kumar
[III Year]
