Biodiesel Fuel Stations Locations Locator Map and Directory

B100 or Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, available at fueling stations shown on our maps and directory for use in vehicles. From Wikipedia

Biodiesel or B100 refers to a diesel-equivalent processed fuel derived from biological sources (such as vegetable oils) which can be used in unmodified diesel-engine vehicles. It is thus distinguished from the straight vegetable oils (SVO) or waste vegetable oils (WVO) used as fuels in some diesel vehicles.

In this article's context, biodiesel or B100 refers to alkyl esters made from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats.

Blends

Biodiesel sample

Blends of biodiesel (B100) and conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel are products most commonly distributed for use in the retail diesel fuel marketplace. Much of the world uses a system known as the "B" factor to state the amount of biodiesel in any fuel mix:

* 100% biodiesel is referred to as B100, while

* 20% biodiesel is labeled B20

* 5% biodiesel is labeled B5

* 2% biodiesel is labeled B2

Obviously, the higher the percentage of biodiesel, the more ecology-friendly the fuel is. Blends of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines. Biodiesel can also be used in its pure form (B100), but may require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and performance problems. Blending B100 with petroleum diesel may be accomplished by:



* Mixing in tanks at manufacturing point prior to delivery to tanker truck

* Splash mixing in the tanker truck (adding specific percentages of Biodiesel and petroleum diesel)

* In-line mixing, two components arrive at tanker truck simultaneously.

* Metered pump mixing, petroleum diesel and Biodiesel meters are set to X total volume, transfer pump pulls from two points and mix is complete on leaving pump.

Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, and typically produces about 60% less net lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions, and 35% greater smog forming hydrocarbon emissions due to greater Nitrogen Oxide emissions, than petroleum-based diesel, as it is itself produced from atmospheric carbon dioxide via photosynthesis in plants. Though this figure can actually differ widely between fuels depending upon production and processing methods employed in their creation. Pure biodiesel is available at many gas stations in Germany.

Some vehicle manufacturers are positive about the use of biodiesel, citing lower engine wear as one of the fuel's benefits. Biodiesel is a better solvent than standard diesel, as it 'cleans' the engine, removing deposits in the fuel lines. However, this may cause blockages in the fuel injectors if an engine has been previously run on petroleum diesel for years. For this reason, car manufacturers recommend that the fuel filter be changed a few months after switching to biodiesel (the fuel filter, as part of a routine maintenance plan, is generally replaced anyway). Most manufacturers release lists of the cars that will run on 100% biodiesel.



Biodiesel can be distributed using today's infrastructure, and its use and production are increasing rapidly. Fuel stations are beginning to make biodiesel available to consumers, and a growing number of transport fleets use it as an additive in their fuel. Biodiesel is generally more expensive to purchase than petroleum diesel but this differential may diminish due to economies of scale, the rising cost of petroleum and government tax subsidies.