Biodiesel FAQ

ASTM D6584 Lab Tests for Summit Enterprises LLC & EZBiodiesel

Click HERE to see a certified ASTM lab test for Free & Total Glycerin done by Fuel Only Laboratories on our fuel. The fuel was B100 made from used vegetable oil that titrated at about 2. We ran a single stage Transesterification process and our fuel tested WELL BELOW the allowable ASTM limit for Free & Total Glycerin, the first time we ever tested it. Free & Total glycerin is the most likely to fail with poor design, or taking shortcuts & we passed easily.

This would not be possible if you take shortcuts, or with a processor that was not designed properly.

Biodiesel is simply a very safe, Eco friendly alternative energy fuel made from a renewable resource such as soybean, Canola, etc. It's made through a chemical reaction called Transesterification that converts new or used oil into Biodiesel and a byproduct of glycerin. It is much cleaner burning and has much higher lubricity than Petro Diesel, and helps us to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Biodiesel can be used in any Diesel engine with no modification required, unless you have rubber fuel lines. If your vehicle was made from about 1995 on, you are pretty safe. Newer vehicles in the 2000s have synthetic fuel lines and are totally safe as far as I have read. The problems with older vehicles are that Biodiesel can attack rubber fuel lines over time cause leaking, etc. Another concern it that it can clean fuel lines and tanks so much that it can lead to clogging of fuel filters, etc. To be sure, CHECK YOUR FUEL LINES. If they are rubber, replace them with a synthetic line and you'll be fine. You should also check your owners' manual to be sure they don't recommend Not using Biodiesel. If in doubt, a blend of b20 (20% Biodiesel) is considered safe for most any vehicle.

Biodiesel is a legally registered fuel and fuel additive with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

There has been a lot of research done on Biodiesel. Research includes studies performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stanadyne Automotive Corp. (the largest diesel fuel injection equipment manufacturer in the U.S.), Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and Southwest Research Institute along with many others. Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have completed the stringent Health Effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. Biodiesel has been proven to perform similarly to diesel in more 50 million successful road miles in just about all types of diesel engines, including many off-road miles and countless marine hours. Currently more than 300 major fleets use the fuel.

Biodiesel is a legally registered fuel and fuel additive with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Biodiesel is being used and promoted by numerous celebrities such as Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and more. Also more than 300 major fleets currently use B20, including the U.S. Postal Service, the City of Philadelphia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), several public transit systems, national parks, school districts, private recycling and concrete companies and the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA).

And places like Xanterra Corporation are using our biodiesel processors to turn all of the cooking oil used in Yellowstone National parks into Biodiesel as part of their extensive environmental awareness programs in the national and state parks they manage.

The largest user of B20 is the U.S. Department of Defense, who planned to purchase more than 5.2 million gallons of biodiesel during the 2003-2004 contracting year. Many other federal, state, and alternative fuel provider fleets are also using B20, because it allows them to comply with EPAct regulation. B20 is even sold at retail pumps throughout the country.

B2 is sold in many outlets throughout the Midwest. Several states are considering legislation that requires the use of low-level biodiesel blends (B2-B5), and many operators in agricultural areas use biodiesel blends to support their local economies. Some fleets and many private consumers use B100.

Biodiesel is made through a process called Transesterification. Our book fully explains this process. But here's a simplified diagram & Explanation.

The first part shows the simplified version of a Tri-glyceride molecule with a glycerin molecule with 3 Long chain fatty acid molecules attached to that. When we introduce the key elements to making biodiesel which is HEAT, QUALITY used or new oil, Proper Agitation & the Methanol & Catlyst mixture, (commonly called methoxide), we can break the molecule down. But it doesn't always break down completely right away.

So the second part shows ONE of the fatty acid molecules being broken off. At that time a methanol molecule attaches to it and forms Biodiesel. But you are now left with a DI-Glyceride as shown in the second picture. With the correct processor you will break off another fatty acid molecule and make another Biodiesel molecule. You are now left with a MONO-glyceride. If you break the last fatty acid molecule off you now have 3 molecules of biodiesel & 1 glycerin molecule. The biodiesel rises & the glycerin now settles to the bottom & is drained off.

(see test batch photo on the right. Note the test batch is unwashed and therefore still cloudy.)

BUT, if your processor doesn't COMPLETELY break the triglyceride down you can end up with excess Mono & Di glycerides which are harmful to your engine. Notice that a Mono or Di glyceride still has the glycerin molecule attached to it, which doesn't burn well & contributes to coking, fouling and deposits in your engine. This can damage your engine so it's important to react the oil as COMPLETELY as possible. Our processors do this for you.

Biodiesel is far superior to petro diesel in all ways except cold weather performance. (See next question). It is much safer, biodegrades faster if spilled, is non toxic, burns much cleaner, has higher lubricity, is Eco friendly, and is made from renewable resources instead of a dwindling supply of petro diesel. See out About Biodiesel for a more complete list of benefits.

What are the drawbacks?

Solvency - Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls or pipes from previous diesel fuel storage and precautions should be taken when first switching over to Biodiesel. This rarely happens, and mostly happens to very high mileage vehicles with over about 80,000 miles. This solvency can lead to Filter plugging. Read below.

Filter Plugging - Biodiesel has some solvent properties and will act as a solvent in the fuel. Blends greater than B20 may have enough of a solvent effect to break down the varnish deposits on the walls of the existing fuel storage tanks or fuel systems. The break-down of these varnish deposits will contaminate the fuel with particulate, which can cause fuel filters to plug rapidly. Once the contaminant is removed from the fuel, subsequent fuel filter service intervals should return to normal. Biodiesel blends up to B20 should have minimal solvent effects on existing fuel systems and blends below B5 should have no solvent effect above that of regular diesel fuel meeting ASTM D 975 specification. Blends of B5 and below should also meet the ASTM D 975 specifications for diesel fuel. Filter plugging problems can be prevented by effectively cleaning storage tanks before introducing biodiesel. Filter plugging can also be minimized by using low blends of biodiesel and/or ensuring the biodiesel that you are using is from a quality source meeting the ASTM D 6751 specifications. BQ9000 is a quality certification that certifies biodiesel suppliers that provide quality biodiesel meeting the ASTM D 6751 specification

Cold weather - Biodiesel will generally start to gel at higher temperatures than #2 diesel fuel which can be a problem if you are running B100. But a simple fix is to run B50 or less. You can run B50 in some pretty cold climates without worry. Our Book (included with all processors) explains this in detail, along with methods to improve the cold weather performance of Biodiesel.

Nitrogen Emissions - NOx - Fueling with Biodiesel that is not additized does tend to increase emissions of oxides of nitrogen commonly known as NOx. This increase can be anywhere from 1% - 15% depending on the engine type and blend of Biodiesel used.

But, NOx emissions can be reduced using additives at a rate anywhere from 5% to 30% depending on the additive and feedstock used to produce the Biodiesel.

Bacteria - There is also a small chance that if you already have bacterial growth in your fuel tank that adding Biodiesel may cause this problem to accelerate. This is primarily a problem with fleet fuel storage due to the large tanks which when half empty have a lot of air in the tank. The air in the tank holds moisture which can be absorbed into the biodiesel. The moisture absorbed can cause bacterial growth to spread.

This is also easily remedied with inexpensive biocides which only need be added approximately once a month. The cost is minimal at about $30.00 for a bottle which will treat about 1000 gallons of fuel. For normal maintenance of the fuel, especially for small users, it really only needs to be added about once a month.

No raw vegetable is much thicker, and is totally different. Biodiesel has been put through the process of Transesterification that basically separates the thick parts of the oil out and leaves Biodiesel. Here's more information from the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboraties)

Raw or refined vegetable oil, or recycled greases that have not been processed into biodiesel, are not biodiesel and should be avoided. Research shows that vegetable oil or greases used in CI engines at levels as low as 10% to 20%, can cause long-term engine deposits, ring sticking, lube oil gelling, and other maintenance problems and can reduce engine life. These problems are caused mostly by the greater viscosity, or thickness, of the raw oils (around 40 mm2/s) compared to that of the diesel fuel for which the engines and injectors were designed (between 1.3 and 4.1 mm2/s). To avoid viscosity-related problems, vegetable oils and other feedstocks are converted into biodiesel. Through the process of converting vegetable oil or greases to biodiesel, we reduce viscosity of the fuel to values similar to conventional diesel fuel ( biodiesel values are typically between 4 and 5 mm2/s).

Yes, Biodiesel is fully approved for use in the us, and qualifies as an Alternative fuel under the EPACT regulations.

Biodiesel is a recognized alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) as amended in 1996. EPAct requires that over 75% of new vehicle purchases by certain federal, state, and alternative fuel provider fleets be alternative fueled vehicles.

Overall, Biodiesel has about a 75-90 reduction in overall emissions compared to petro diesel. About the only area that isn't lower are the nitrogen emissions.

Biodiesel will store close to the same amount of time that petro diesel will. Even petro diesel has a limited storage time. But if stored properly (in a dry, sealed, full storage container) you should be able to store it for 6 months or more.

Mainly because petro diesel was cheaper to produce. But now Biodiesel production is cost competitive, so we are seeing more of it. Plus we are realizing that our oil reserves wont last forever, and we are tired of our foreign oil dependence, and fighting wars over oil, global warming, pollution, high diesel prices, etc.

If you make it at home, you can make it for between 65 - 70 cents per gallon. That makes it a lot cheaper. But commercial Biodiesel will run about the same price as petro diesel, BUT with MANY advantages. Note that after taking advantage of Tax Incentives, you will still save a lot over running petro diesel, even when made from virgin feedstocks. See our Tax Incentives page for more information.

You'll have the same power. See the page entitled About Biodiesel, and read the 'Benefits of Biodiesel' section.

If it's made right, and of high quality it's very safe for your engine, and it's much safer than petro diesel for the environment. Also, in the event of a crash, it's much safer due to the higher flash point. It's also much safer if you get it on you as it's considered a non-Toxic substance.

Remember, Biodiesel is a legally registered fuel and fuel additive with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Engine Warranties
All diesel engine companies warranty the product they make - engines. They warranty their engines for “materials and workmanship.” If there is a problem with an engine part or with engine operation due to an error in manufacturing or assembly within the prescribed warranty period, the problem will be covered by the engine company.
Typically, an engine company will define what fuel the engine was designed for and will recommend the use of that fuel to their customers in their owner's manuals.

Engine companies do not manufacture fuel or fuel components. Therefore, engine companies do not warranty fuel - whether that fuel is Biodiesel or petrodiesel fuel. Since engine manufacturers warranty the materials and workmanship of their engines, they do not warranty fuel of any kind. If there are engine problems caused by a fuel (again, whether that fuel is petrodiesel fuel or Biodiesel fuel) these problems are not related to the materials or workmanship of the engine, but are the responsibility of the fuel supplier and not the engine manufacturer. Any reputable fuel supplier (biodiesel, petrodiesel, or a blend of both) should stand behind its products and cover any fuel quality problems if they occur.

Therefore, the most important aspect regarding engine warranties and biodiesel is whether an engine manufacturer will void its parts and workmanship warranty when biodiesel is used, and whether the fuel producer or marketer will stand behind its fuels should problems occur.

Most major engine companies have stated formally that the use of blends up to B20 will not void their parts and workmanship warranties. This includes blends below 20% biodiesel, such as the 2% biodiesel blends that are becoming more common. Several statements from the engine companies are available on the NBB website. Some engine companies have already specified that the biodiesel must meet ASTM D-6751 as a condition, while others are still in the process of adopting D-6751 within their company or have their own set of guidelines for biodiesel use that were developed prior to the approval of D-6751. It is anticipated that the entire industry will incorporate the ASTM biodiesel standard into their owner's manuals over time.

UPDATE: Daimler Chrysler Approves Use of B20 in 2007 Dodge Rams. According to another article on the National Biodiesel Boards website, Daimler Chrysler has now officially approved the use of B20 in their 2007 Dodge Rams.

Expect to see more and more manufacturers officially approving the use of Biodiesel very soon.

Our Book, BioDiesel, What it is and How to Make it, explains all of this, and much more in detail. You'll learn all about biodiesel, as well as how to make it, tips and tricks, mistakes to avoid failed batches, safety issues and much more. See our Book Description for more information.

Our processors take up only a small footprint on your floor. Our smaller units sit on a pallet that is 48" x 32" x 65" tall, even our larger processor which consists of 3 large tanks sits in an area 48" x 96" x 77" tall. You need a little more room than that all total as you'll need room for a heating barrel(s), a drying barrel(s) and some barrels to store the oil in, the finished fuel in, etc. See below for a sample layout.

You're right, there are a lot of different processors out there. There's several differences, depending on which one your comparing us to.

Simply put, we don't take shortcuts because we don't want to take the chance of poor quality fuel. And you can't tell if fuel is high quality just by looking at it. You can see low quality fuel sometimes, but just because it's clear, doesn't mean it's high quality. It can still have partially reacted mono & di-glycerides in the fuel, which can damage an engine over time.

There is a learning curve, as we have you do everything that's required to make high quality fuel. BUT, we provide one of the most well written books explaining all about biodiesel from A-Z. And our operating manuals are well written, detailing the steps 1 by 1, in as simple a manner as possible. So after making 3 or 4 batches it's starts getting easier and easier. Soon, you don't even have to think about it, you just do it. AND, we will be shipping all processors with a 'How to operate your processor' video soon. This video will visually walk you through the process step by step, showing you not only how to run the processor, but also what to look for along the way, complications you might encounter, tips and tricks, etc. (coming soon. ALL processor sold from this point on will get this video. Some may get it after receiving the processor as it is still being made)

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the drawbacks?

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