The conversion of vegetable oil into biodiesel is occasionally called ester interchange or esterification. This process is completed once the vegetable oil has been combined with a small quantity of methanol. It is then introduced to a small amount of an alkaline catalyst. With vegetable oil being made up of three main components called triglycerides (a glycerin with three fatty acids), the aim of the ester interchange is to detach the fatty acids and replace them with the same amount of methanol molecules. Once complete, this process will give a supply of approximately 90% biodiesel fuel, and 10% glycerin byproduct.

A variety of esterification techniques can be applied when making biodiesel fuel. Specific oils and fats have to be filtered and contaminants and water have to be removed. If present, free fatty acids can also be removed or otherwise turned into biodiesel by the utilization of pretreatment technologies. The fats and oils, once pretreated, can then be combined with a catalyst and an alcohol. (usually sodium or potassium hydroxide and ethanol). The triglycerides (oil molecules) are then broken down and turned into glycerin and methyl esters. These are then separated and purified.

There are ways for the more adventurous person to make their own biodiesel fuel at home, although this is not generally recommended. Use around 15 liters of used vegetable oil waste (or other similar oil product) and brew in 5-gallon heavy duty plastic buckets for ease of transportation and handling of the end product. Potassium hydroxide (catalyst) and ethanol is also required. Slightly heat the ethanol and stir in the catalyst (potassium hydroxide). Stirring vigorously, introduce the mixture to the oil. Let stand overnight so that separation occurs. The biodiesel will rise to the top of the container and can be poured off. Make sure that safety equipment and clothing is worn throughout.

It has been reported that within 10 to 15 years, it will be possible to make a perfectly good and sustainable Biodiesel Fuel from micro-algae. A pilot study is soon to be set up in Wageningen, with the hopes that various techniques, funding, and production logistics will be realized and brought eventually to fruition.

One of the main problems seems to be the use of additional land being taken up simply to grow the extra crops required. To make biodiesel fuel on such a large scale obviously requires growing the crops on a large scale too. While some countries have more arable land available for this task, there are smaller countries that simply do not have the amount of land required readily available. In some countries in Europe, almost all the arable cropland would be consumed with even a modest use of biodiesel. If the trend is followed and more and more of the smaller countries decided to manufacture biodiesel, it could turn out that instead of those countries exporting their food produce they would actually have to start importing it. This would have a catastrophic impact on those countries economy.

Biodiesel fuels are also not as suitable for using in low temperatures as petroleum diesel is. Fuel has a “cloud point” which is the temperature at which a fuel starts to look cloudy. This is an indicator that wax crystals have started to form within the fuel. If this happens then the chances are that filters and fuel lines in the vehicles fuel system have become clogged. If the temperature drops even lower, the fuel can become a gel which is impossible to pump. If the fuel cannot flow then it has reached the “pour point” temperature. Because the pour points and cloud temperatures are higher for biodiesel than they are for petroleum diesel, the performance is significantly worse for biodiesels in colder weather or cold weather countries.

A rise in food prices, not meeting environmental standards, being responsible for natural habitats and rainforests being destroyed, are just some of the things biodiesel fuels and their manufacturers have been blamed for and accused of. It has been alleged that numerous suppliers of biofuel to the United Kingdom were not giving full reports on their fuel source sustainability, causing concerns and demands for the situation to be carefully monitored.

There are also concerns about the production of carbon emissions when using Biodiesel Fuels. Numerous studies have been carried out in order to analyze biofuels and their carbon footprints. It has been shown that even though biofuels are cleaner to burn, there are very strong pointers that the fuel production process itself, has very bad carbon emissions. This also includes the fuel production plants and the machinery used in the crop cultivation. Another problem could be the price of staple foods being inflated due to crops such as corn being planted and cultivated for the sole reason for using it to make biofuels. The irrigation of these extra crops could also put an untold strain on water supplies due to the huge quantities of water needed.

Over the coming years, due to pricing, availability of supplies, and among other things, efficiency, petroleum diesel remained in the picture and was proven to be the most logical and readily available fuel source, even though biodiesel fuels based on vegetable oils was still used throughout the 1930’s and 40’s. In South Africa, heavy duty vehicles were powered by vegetable oil before the onset of World War II.

In the United States during the 1970’s and 1980’s the idea of using biofuels was once again revisited. With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passing the Clean Air Act in 1970, it became one of the most important turning events for Biodiesel Fuels. The EPA looked more closely at regulating emissions for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, ozone and carbon monoxide. The stage was set for cleaner fuels and fuel additive standards.

Overseas events like the Arab oil embargo during 1973-1974 and the Iranian Revolution during 1978-1979, along with a domestic oil production decrease, made prices rocket. Crude oil imports were reduced by 30% throughout the embargo and the price of a barrel escalated from $14 in 1979 to $35 at the start of 1981. It was 1983 before prices dropped back to between $28 and $29 a barrel. With the price of petroleum diesel fuels increasing, researchers looked for answers elsewhere. In Fargo, N.D. in August 1982 the very first International Conference was held concerning plant and vegetable oils. Matters discussed were cost and effects of using biodiesel fuels and the effects of the extraction methods for fuel additives and vegetable oil.

The Clean Air Act was amended in 1990 to include vehicle emission restrictions. And in 1992 EPACT, or Energy Policy Act was passed. This helped to increase the alternative fuel amount used in Government transportation and helped to reduce foreign oil dependency. In 1998 there was another amendment stating that the use of biodiesel fuels in existing diesel run vehicles was acceptable.

In April of 2009, The United States Department of Energy reported that biodiesel with a B20 rating was approximately 22 cents a gallon more than regular diesel, and biodiesel with a B99/B100 blend was approximately a dollar higher. For the purpose of this report, prices for conventional and alternative fuels were collected from a cross section of fuel providers, stakeholders and Clean City Coordinators. Major fuels such as propane, natural gas, ethanol, as well as biodiesel fuels were compared to conventional fuels such as diesel and petroleum. Prices from private and public gas and refueling stations around the country were collected over a two week period and then averaged to give an overall regional price. Prices included any sales prices as well as retail prices, including any motor fuel taxes.

Biodiesel fuel is also cost effective when adhering to federal regulations. An Act implemented in 1998 now permits state, federal and alternative fuel providers who comply with EPAct (Energy Policy Act) to match up to 50 percent of their alternative fuel based light duty vehicles purchased with biodiesel. This opens up the option in vehicles above 8,500 pounds to use 450 gallons of biodiesel. The stipulation is that 450 gallons of biodiesel must be purchased and used in a 20% minimum blend.

As with other regular petroleum diesels, the cost of biodiesel fuels depends largely on outside sources such as the vegetable oil market. A biodiesel of a 20 percent blend with regular petroleum diesel can cost approximately 20 cents more per gallon than regular petroleum diesel alone. In a recent study it was found that a fleet using a 20% blend would have reduced annual costs when compared to other alternative and regular fuels.

At the start of June 2010, prices for biodiesel fuels rocketed by more than 22% due to a congressional failure in renewing a tax credit that has enabled a lot of biodiesel producers to stay in business. In some areas, prices rose from $3.89 to $4.75, causing concern for businesses and consumers alike. With the tax incentive not being passed, biodiesel is not so competitive when compared to regular petroleum diesel. At the beginning of August 2010, the biodiesel market took yet another beating. Prices once again rose sharply due to a temporary ban in Russia on grain exports. This ban had a knock-on effect with the corn and soybean markets, both of which are a major part of the biodiesel production. In general, the cost comparisons between biodiesel fuel and regular fuel are varied. The costs are dependent upon many factors which are subject to change from day to day, and the decision on whether or not to purchase biofuel rather than regular fuel will depend on the reasons for wanting to use a biofuel in the first place.

It is estimated the one-quarter of grain crops like maize grown in the United States ends up in cars as biodiesel fuel. This is causing growing concerns as it means there are fewer crops available to feed people. In 2009, the grain crops used to make biofuel could have been used for a year to feed in excess of 300 million people. United States farmers grew approximately 107 million tons of corn and other grain for biofuel use. This figure is almost double the amount grown in 2007. As a result, it is estimated that food prices have increased by 75% despite claims in the US that the rise was merely 2-3%. These figures would be reduced dramatically if Biodiesel Fuels were made from waste products or recycled food oils.

However, there are also many benefits to the environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that by using biodiesel fuels in cars, Hydrocarbons will be reduced by in excess of 60%, carbon monoxide in excess of 40% and particulates in excess of 40%. It is reported that numerous toxic substances found in petroleum diesel exhaust is reduced when switching to biodiesel. There are fewer health issues and risks while handling and storing also. With the fuel being completely biodegradable and having roughly the toxicity of salt, if it is spilled there is no lasting damage to the environment.

Although there may be technological hurdles to overcome, there is the possibility that algae-based biofuels of the future could help to significantly reduce the effects of global warming. Compared to regular petroleum diesel fuel, a biodiesel fuel made from a neat mixture of soybeans has already been estimated to have the capacity to cut the global warming pollution by more than half. The benefits are higher still for canola based biofuel.

For drivers owning a diesel car, converting to high-blend biodiesel fuels could give them an opportunity to have an impact on global warming emissions, so long as they keep in mind that the magnitude of these emissions would depend on the biodiesel source and the quantity of the biodiesel in the mix. It is also worth remembering that even though global warming emissions could be reduced, nitrous oxide (smog-forming) emissions could increase.

Economically, the domestic economy has been contributed to significantly by the biodiesel industry. There are estimated to be well in excess of 51,000 jobs currently being supported by the industry. This directly highlights the impact it has already had on economic growth, and reflects its potential to create even more jobs within the United States. With in excess of $4 billion being added to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the biodiesel industry, there is potential for more than 78,000 jobs being supported by the biodiesel industry by the year 2012. For the United States to ultimately benefit from the biodiesel industry and biodiesel fuels in general it has to thrive and become more stable. It is estimated that more than 16.500 jobs and $1.400 billion will be added to the GDP for every 100 million gallons of biodiesel being produced from algae.

Environmentally, in 2002, biodiesel completed the Tier 1 and Tier 2 EPA required health affects testing, becoming the only alternative fuel in the United States to be successfully tested under the Clean Air Act. This proved that biodiesel poses no threat to human life or health by conclusively demonstrating a significant reduction of almost all emissions being regulated. A study by the Department of Energy showed that there was a 78.5% reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide when using producing and using biodiesel fuel, compared to regular petroleum diesel. At least 4.5 energy units are gained for every 1 unit of energy used when producing a single gallon of biodiesel, giving it a positive energy balance.

With regular petroleum prices reaching record highs, while at the same time record lows are being recorded for the prices of agricultural commodities, it is obvious that there can and must be more done to use up the vegetable surpluses while at the same time giving a more enhanced energy security. Using conventional equipment and existing production capacity, the manufacture of biodiesel fuels makes sense. There is an opportunity within the biodiesel industry to assess the United States energy issues immediately.

Apart from the benefits listed above, there is the benefit of a car engine lasting longer when using biodiesel fuel because of the added lubrication a biodiesel fuel gives. Biodiesel gives less noise pollution also because of an increased cetane ignition rating. It is an affordable and clean alternative to use in heavy transportation as well as domestic cars. Couple this with the continuing rise of fuel prices internationally and it is predicted to become more and more popular within the driving community.

Liquid biofuels such as biodiesel fuels come into play more and more as people become more aware of the environment and the effects of Global Warming. Cars that run on regular petroleum diesel or gasoline give out gases which are harmful to the ozone layer, causing irreparable damage to the protective barrier between space and earth. With the progression of the manufacturing process of liquid biofuels, there are more opportunities for consumers to switch. With more vehicles using liquid biofuels the destructive emissions are less and the process of Global Warming can be slowed down.

However, older versions of biofuels have been in existence since time began. Grass cutting, wood, and sawdust are all readily available natural sources, and can very easily be turned into an alternative solid fuel source by compression of the mass into pellet which can then be burned. While these products will burn without being compressed, the compressed versions last longer and give off a more prolonged heat. Unfortunately, while these forms of solid fuel are more readily available, they are not as eco-friendly as biodiesel fuels and in most instances will give off noxious pollutants which are then released into the air. This can obviously cause its own damage to the ozone.

It has been said though, that liquid biofuels such as biodiesel fuels are not always the best thing due to the conversion process being so inefficient. Liquid biofuels being used in internal combustion (diesel) engines can be equally as inefficient, although there are numerous arguments for and against. According to studies taken, corn-based liquid biofuels are beaten by their solid counterparts when produced from energy crops of the 2^nd generation. Reportedly being 570% more efficient than liquid fuels such as, solid biofuels are being raved about in countries like Canada where there is a definite calling for more solid fuels to be put into operation. There are however, no subsidies for solid biofuels in Canada; a fact that those pushing for more solid biofuel developments are trying to overcome.

There always have been and always will be negative and positive factors when deciding which biofuel to use. Some say that a solid biofuel such as wood should be used because it is a “natural” product and therefore can’t cause that much damage. Others will say that a liquid biofuel such as biodiesel fuel is the way forward and that progression should be made to find ways to lessen the financial and environmental cost. Whatever version people decide to use, it looks like biofuel is here to stay, in its solid and liquid form.

Made from vegetable oils and animal waste, biodiesel fuel is used exclusively in diesel engines as a natural fuel alternative. A commercial biodiesel is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, providing that it meets the industries strict specifications and guidelines and is in accordance with ASTM D6751, which are the specifications and standards set out for middle distillate fuels blended with biodiesel. These specifications outline specific tests performed, including but not limited to, kinematic viscosity and flash point. Biodiesel is legal to sell as a motor fuel provided that it is fully registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

More recently, a new way of developing biodiesel fuel has been discovered in Texas. A microbe has been newly created by scientists, produces cellulose, which in turn can be made into ethanol and other biofuels. It is stated to have been said, that if production can be scaled up and increased in speed, this could turn out to be a major contender and provide fuel to a significant proportion of the Nations public transport. This in turn, could result in improving the nation’s economy as it is a relatively inexpensive source of providing natural materials for ethanol and other biofuels.

Any vehicle can be converted to using biodiesel fuel provided that the fuel used is of a high caliber. This is not always possible however, because quality biofuel is hard to come by. Even though biofuel has many benefits, the actual number of people using it in their vehicles is very low. This could be because of a lack of supply, or it could be because of a lack of public knowledge about biofuel. People may be wary about trying something they don’t know much about, and could be having concerns about whether converting to biofuel, could in fact cause damage to their vehicle in the long run.

This fear is relatively unfounded, although the older the vehicle, the more maintenance it will require when using biofuel. This happens mainly because while using petroleum diesel, fuel tanks, hoses and fuel filters build up layers of dirt and waxes. Biodiesel fuel will, however, clean the wax build-up out of your engine in time. Patience and perseverance will pay off eventually, and you’ll be driving a car, van, or truck that is environmentally friendly. Even though the cost of biofuel is higher than petroleum diesel, you can learn how to make your own at a relatively low cost.

So what exactly are these additives?

One is EthylHexyl Nitrate (EHN).

EHN is a small molecule containing the nitrate grougp and by adding a catalytics amount to the fuel (0.1-0.5%) it helps to enhance the burn process. It does this by creating more free radicals at a different stage of the combustion and results in the fuel burning more efficiently. EHN is not a commonly available chemical because a) it’s quite toxic if drunk b) it’s smells to high heaven c) having litres of it in your garage is a fire risk – well, it does burn well.

You can purchase some from the internet and can get it delivered to your door, from a couple of companies, Goat Industries and also Trinity Chemicals.

We use it in our diesel engines and they do run more efficicently (5-10% more economy) and less black smoke when accelerating hard. Measuring out the amount of EHN because more than 0.5% results in no benefit so you need to stick in the range of 0.1%-0.5% of volume. You can do this my measuring out 50mL into a 5L can, filling up the can with normal diesel. Then when you are nearly empty go the service station and just before you fill up from the pump put your EHN fuel in. Then fill up to the top. (This is based on a 50L tank). You’ll need to add a bit more if you have a larger tank.

Workng out the maths shows that you can save a lot of money by buying EHN rather than filling up with Super Diesel.

* Scientific studies have shown that ethylhexyl nitrate provides radicals early in the combustion process but does not directly change the basic ignition chemistry of diesel.

Discalimer: This is not advice, but our own observations, and we do not hold any liability on handling chemicals or putting them in engines.

Methanol is one of the main components used in the process. It is an alcohol, and is part of the same family as Ethanol. However it is very toxic. It will do severe damage to your body and some cases in the past methanol poisoning has led to blindness and also death. So beware! Keep all methanol fumes down to  the absolute minimum. It is absorbed through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion so minimise exposure to all methanol! And use in a well ventilated area.

Quite a few professional chemists underestimate the health hazards of exposure to methanol. They should know better and if it was wasn’t for good ventilation their health might be compromised. So any spillages are not to be inhaled but it is better to evacuate the area until the vapour has dissipated and cleared.

For this reason if you have a garage adjoined to use your house it’s not a good idea to use this for manufacture of biodiesel. Fumes will get into the house.

Another component used in the production of home-made biodiesel is caustic soda. It’s real name is Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). It is a powerful alkali, and base. This means that it will attack skin if left to dwell. Any contact with NaOH or a powerful solution of NaOH should be thoroughly washed, quickly.