Biodiesel (B5, B20, B100) (H3)
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel used in diesel engines, produced from natural sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and used cooking oils. The types can be categorized by their composition, production process, and blending ratios.
Types: (H4)
- B100: Pure, 100% biodiesel. It can be used in modern diesel engines, though some older engines may require modifications to fuel lines and seals (natural rubber degrades when in contact with pure biodiesel). It has about 8% less energy content than petroleum diesel.
- B20: A blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. This is a popular blend due to its balance of cost-effectiveness, reduced emissions, and compatibility with most conventional diesel engines without significant modifications. It provides improved lubricity compared to pure diesel.
- B5: A blend of up to 5% biodiesel. It is widely used and generally performs the same as petroleum diesel in terms of fuel economy and cold-weather operation.
- B2/B7: Lower-level blends (2% and 7% biodiesel) that are common in certain regions, such as Europe and Malaysia, often as mandated minimums for road or industrial use.
Key Features: (H4)
- Renewable & Biodegradable: Derived from renewable biomass sources and degrades faster than petroleum diesel.
- Cleaner Emissions: Reduces emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide compared to petroleum diesel.
- High Lubricity: Provides better engine lubrication than petrodiesel, which can extend engine life.
- Lower Energy Content: Generally has about 8% less energy per gallon than petroleum diesel.
- Feedstock Dependent Properties: The specific physical and chemical properties (like cold flow, viscosity, and oxidation stability) depend heavily on the original feedstock (e.g., soy, palm, animal fat).