Biodiesel: What is and What is it Used For?

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel of natural origin, renewable and much cleaner than traditional diesel.

Biodiesel and its production have aroused great interest in recent times, due to the increasing shortage of fossil fuels, in addition to the severity of climate change.

For this reason, John David Kaweske, founder of Bio Clean Energy, will teach you everything you need to know about biodiesel.

Types of biodiesel

Biodiesel is a fuel of natural origin. It can be manufactured from various renewable sources. Depending on the source it classified into different types.

John David Kaweske shares that there are three main classes of biodiesel:

· Biodiesel from crops. Such as soy, corn or rape, whose oils are used for biofuel.

· Biodiesel from trees. Such as palm or even pistachio, common in China. Again the oils of these plants are the product used.

· Biodiesel from animal fats or waste oils. Like the ones we usually use at home or used by the food industry.

How is Biodiesel Made

John David Kaweske indicates that there are two traditional methods of making biodiesel from vegetable oils, direct mixing and micro emulsion. Alcohol and a catalyst are used in that mixture to create the biofuel.

Other more modern methods use the so-called transesterification, a chemical reaction between the triglycerides of the oil and alcohol, which transforms the former and provides a reliable biodiesel with less inconvenience to be used in engines.

What is biodiesel used for?

John David Kaweske claims that its main use is as a substitute fuel for diesel in engines of this type.

Another of the most common uses is the mixture of biodiesel with traditional diesel, in proportions that are usually 5%, 10%, 20% or even more.

The use of biodiesel in the world

John David Kaweske claims that biodiesel and other biofuels are experiencing a boom worldwide. Led by China and India, production and consumption data is increasing.

According to John David Kaweske, energy independence from oil-producing countries and environmental goals are the two reasons for its popularity. Especially in developing countries, where the electric alternative for transportation is not so affordable, they represent an important renewable resource.