Biodieselit

Biodieselit, or biodiesel, is a renewable diesel fuel produced primarily from biological lipids such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil. The common form is fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), produced by transesterification: fats react with methanol in the presence of a catalyst to yield FAME and glycerol as a byproduct. Biodieselit can be used in diesel engines neat or blended with conventional diesel, with common blends including B5, B20, and higher percentages depending on engine compatibility and climate.

Feedstock and sustainability: potential feedstocks include rapeseed (canola), soybean, palm oil, and recycled greases. Use of waste fats and non-food feedstocks is emphasized to reduce competition with food and land-use pressures.

Environmental impact: biodieselit generally reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil diesel, though the extent depends on feedstock and processing energy. It also has low sulfur content and improved lubricity.

Performance and limitations: biodieselit has slightly lower energy content than petroleum diesel, which can reduce fuel economy. It may have issues with cold flow and oxidation stability; storage requires protection from moisture and heat to prevent microbial growth. Some engines and fuel systems require calibration or components compatible with FAME.

Standards and safety: quality is regulated by standards such as EN 14214 in Europe and ASTM D6751 in the United States, which specify properties like ester content, iodine value, and oxidation stability. Biodiesel is biodegradable and considered less toxic than petroleum diesel, but proper handling is still required.