Biodiesel Technology

Biodiesel technology is an up and coming process for generating fuel that can replace or form a part of traditional diesel. Biodiesel is created by the chemical interaction of animal fats or vegetable oils with certain types of alcohol – typically methanol.

Biodiesels are an important part of the strategy of many countries for reducing their dependence on foreign oil. Because biodiesels can be locally produced by farmers, it also acts as a means of improving the employment scenario and increasing the income of those involved. Biodiesel technology has come a long way since 1893 and the process has now grown much more efficient.

Biodiesels can be mixed with regular diesel in a 20-80 percent ratio without necessitating a change in the engine. Any higher than that, and it’s usually necessary to modify the engine in order to help it cope with the new fuel and maintain performance levels. There are many caveats when mixing biodiesels with regular fuels because  biodiesel has different properties such as solvency and can corrode the pipes used to carry the mixture. Biodiesel technology has also become very popular in the railways with countries all over the world adopting their usage.

Due to the differences arising from individual biodiesel productions, there have been many attempts to apply standards to the quality based on several important parameters.