Biodiesel production

Abstract

Biodiesel is a fuel for diesel engines that consists of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids from vegetable oils and animal fats. It can be used either pure, or in blends with petroleum-based diesel fuel. It does not require that engines or fueling infrastructure be modified although checking elastomers for compatibility is recommended when pure biodiesel (B100) is used. Biodiesel allows diesel engines to produce lower exhaust emissions of smoke, particulate, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. Oxides of nitrogen may increase slightly under some operating conditions but the difference for biodiesel blends up to 20% is difficult to measure.