Applications of Biodiesel Passenger vehicles All petro-diesel engines can be run on biodiesel, although manufacturers do not recommend high concentration without conversion. Diesel is the consumer product that has the biggest effect on environment. As well as reduced emissions, it can lubricate engine parts and extends life of engine (B20 15% less C0 2 emissions). Any mixes higher than 50% can freeze in winter. Clogs up engines, more of a solvent. Reduced fuel economy and power. Government incentives need to be introduced, such as reduced tax and increased petrol costs. Public Transport Trains can run on biodiesel petrodiesel mixes. Around 20% to 80% mix. Flights have been run on 100% biodiesel. Buses around the UK are being run on 100% biodiesel. Heating Can also be used in heating for domestic and commercial purposes. Most furnaces can burn biodiesel without conversion. Care must be taken when first using biodiesel; solvent properties can have same effect as in cars. Blends of 20% are used. Laws in America e.g. Massachusetts and New York City means that people have to used 5% biofuel by 2012. Cleaning Oil Spills Extensive research going into removal or crude oil from shorelines. Biodiesel successfully breaks down crude oil and aids in the removal of oil spills. General Disadvantages However, amount of fuel used in production of biodiesel cancels out large amounts of overall savings.
Passenger vehicles All petro-diesel engines can be run on
biodiesel, although manufacturers do not recommend high
concentration without conversion. Diesel is the consumer product
that has the biggest effect on environment. As well as reduced
emissions, it can lubricate engine parts and extends life of engine
(B20 15% less C02 emissions). Any mixes higher than 50% can freeze
in winter. Clogs up engines, more of a solvent. Reduced fuel
economy and power. Government incentives need to be introduced,
such as reduced tax and increased petrol costs.Public Transport
Trains can run on biodiesel petrodiesel mixes. Around 20% to 80%
mix. Flights have been run on 100% biodiesel. Buses around the UK
are being run on 100% biodiesel.Heating Can also be used in heating
for domestic and commercial purposes. Most furnaces can burn
biodiesel without conversion. Care must be taken when first using
biodiesel; solvent properties can have same effect as in cars.
Blends of 20% are used. Laws in America e.g. Massachusetts and New
York City means that people have to used 5% biofuel by
2012.Cleaning Oil Spills Extensive research going into removal or
crude oil from shorelines. Biodiesel successfully breaks down crude
oil and aids in the removal of oil spills.
General Disadvantages However, amount of fuel used in production
of biodiesel cancels out large amounts of overall savings.
Sustainability concerns. The production can affect food and
livestock production (rising food costs); need protected lands to
prevent this problem. Infrastructure needed (Distribution network,
fuel stations, vehicles) Availability issues (If public authorities
provide transport, makes it more attractive to vehicles
manufacturers) Affordability
