Monday, 15th March 2010

   home     about     authors     news     physics forums         RSS feed     sitemap     privacy     physics archives     free magazines
Can Biodiesel be used as an alternative fuel? - Science Articles Science Articles

There are 18 users online

folder add to favorites
folder make home page

blank
Astronomy/Cosmology
Education
How Stuff Works
Mathematics
Mystics/Pseudo Science
Other Sciences
Physics
Technology
Theoretical Physics

Our Newsletter



Subscribe
Unsubscribe
  Voting Poll

Favorite type of Galaxy
Eliptical
Spiral
Barred Spiral
Irregular


  Featured Book

  Physics Tip


potential energy
Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object because of its height above the ground. The amount of potential energy possessed by an object depends on its mass and its height. A roller coaster car is initially hauled by a motor and chain system to the top of a tall hill, giving it a large quantity of potential energy.

 

  Physics Quote


It is not uncommon for engineers to accept the reality of phenomena that
are not yet understood, as it is very common for physicists to disbelieve
the reality of phenomena that seem to contradict contemporary beliefs of
physics - H. Bauer


 

 
 
 

Can Biodiesel be used as an alternative fuel?
Author: Guest Writer
Added: 12/01/2006
Type: Summary
Viewed: 11661 time(s)
Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10Average visitor rating of 7.8/10

How would you rate this article:    Bad Good   Go » 

  

Can Biodiesel be used as an alternative fuel?

Biodiesel is a fuel that is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled restaurant greases. It is comparatively safer using biodiesel as it is biodegradable and thus reduces the pollutants in the air. By using biodiesel as an alternative fuel, the air pollutants like particulates, hydrocarbons, air toxics and carbon monoxide is reduced considerably.

Biodiesel can be used on its own, or combined with other fuels. Most of the vehicles run on a mixture of fuel and biodiesel. However, it is better to consult the OEM and engine warranty statement to verify using biodiesel in the vehicle. And when using pure biodiesel, some cars may need engine modifications so that there will not be too much of maintenance and performance problems needed for the car. However, biodiesel will not be suited to be used in cars, such as during wintertime.

Biodiesel is a great alternative fuel as not much of biodiesel is required to run a car. Moreover, there is no need of special pumps or any high pressure equipment for fueling purposes. Biodiesel can be used in conventional diesel engines so there is no need of buying special vehicles or engines to use biodiesel.

Another reason for using pure biodiesel as an alternative fuel is that it emits more than 75% less of carbon dioxide than petroleum diesel. A mixture of 20% biodiesel and petroleum fuel leads to a decrease of 15% of carbon dioxide. Moreover, biodiesel is a fuel that produces fewer pollutants like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

By using biodiesel, the country’s dependence on imported oil is reduced greatly. Moreover, biodiesel is much safer oil, with a flash point greater than 150% when compared to 77% of petroleum. So biodiesel is safe to handle, store and transport. And lastly, biodiesel is a fuel that can be produced at home using certain oilseed crops like coconut, sunflower, canola and any other oil producing crop. Oil is extracted from these crops using a press to be mixed with other agents to cause a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction produces two products; soap and biodiesel. This biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel while the glycerin soap is used as it is or with scented oils.



Article Pages:  1  
                          


  Article Comments   Add Comment | View All (0)


    There are currently no comments for this article.


Advanced Search

recent Recent Science Articles



Recent Articles function is down for the time being as we update the script. Stay tuned for a better and more updated news rotator.


links Science Links


Physics Post is just one of many quality physics sites on the web. Contact us if you feel you've found a diamond in the rough.

Astronomy and Cosmology

Chemistry

Credit Counselors

General Discussion

Philosophy

Securities Brokerage

Technology


 

Physics Songs

 
We provide daily science articles, physics articles and science news.
Our mission is to create a wide array of basic and advanced science articles for you to read and expand your science knowledge. Content here is not reviewed for accuracy, we rely on the expertise of the authors and the peer review in the comments section. If you want to submit a physics or science article please contact us.
All content © 2010, Physics Post. .