What is BioDiesel

Biofuels are renewable liquid fuels coming from biological raw material and have been proved to be good substitutes for oil in the transportation sector. As such biofuels –ethanol and Biodiesel- are gaining worldwide acceptance as a solution for problems of environmental degradation, energy security, restricting imports, rural employment and agricultural economy.

            Biodiesel is made from virgin or used vegetable oils (both edible & non-edible) and animal fats through trans-esterification and is a diesel substitute and requires very little or no engine modifications up to 20% blend and minor modification for higher percentage blends. The use of biodiesel results in substantial reduction of un-burnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matters. It has almost no sulphur, no aromatics and has about 10 % built in oxygen, which helps it to burn fully. Its higher cetane number improves the combustion.

Sunflower and rapeseed are the raw materials used in Europe whereas soyabean is used in USA. Thailand uses palm oil, Ireland uses frying oil and animal fats. Considering the scarcity of edible oils in India it is proposed to use non-edible oils for making of biodiesel. It is proposed to take up a major plantation programme of Jatropha curcas to provide the required quantity of oil needed.

Advantages of biodiesel

• Virtually zero sulphur content

• Zero aromatic content (toluene and benzene)

• Comparable energy and power content

• Flash point of 300 °F against 137 °F for mineral diesel

• Significant reduction in particulates (soot) and hydrocarbons

• 70 per cent reduction of carbon monoxide emissions in diesel exhausts

• Non toxic and biodegradable

• Fully degraded from a waterway environment within approximately 28 days

• Significant lubricant characteristics enabling a reduction in wear

• extended efficiency for injectors and for all engines using ULSD resulting in lower maintenance costs
   

Characteristics of Biodiesel

Bio-diesel is fatty acid ethyl or methyl ester and has properties similar to petroleum diesel fuels. Similar to the HSD, bio diesel is its substitute. The specifications of bio-diesel are such that it can be mixed with any diesel fuel. Cetane number (CN) of the bio-diesel is in the range of 48-60 and the sulphur content is typically less than 15 ppm. Studies conducted with bio-diesel on engines have shown substantial reduction in Particulate matter (25 – 50%). However, a marginal increase in NO_x (1-6%) is also reported; but it can be taken care of either by optimization of engine parts or by using De-NO_x catalyst . HC and CO emissions were also reported to be lower. Non-regulated emissions like PAH etc were also found to be lower. Thus, bio-diesel can supplement the supply of environment friendly fuels in our country in future. In conventional diesel fuels, the reduction in sulfur content is compensated by adding additive for lubricity of fuel injection pump (FIP). Bio-diesel is reported to have superior lubricity. Flash point of bio-diesel is high (> 100^o C). Its blending with diesel fuel can be utilized to increase the flash point of diesel particularly in India where flash point is 35^o C well below the world average of 55^o C. This is important from the safety point of view. The viscosity of bio-diesel is higher (1.9 to 6.0 cSt) and is reported to result into gum formation on injector, cylinder liner etc. However, blends of up to 20% should not give any problem. While an engine can be designed for 100% bio-diesel use, the existing engines can use 20% bio-diesel blend without any modification and reduction in torque output. In USA, 20% bio-diesel blend is being used, while in European countries 5 -15% blends have been adopted.

Bio-diesel can be blended in any ratio with petroleum diesel fuel. It can be stored just like the petroleum diesel fuel and hence does not require separate infrastructure. Bio-diesel has been accepted as clean alternative fuel by US . Due to its favorable properties, bio-diesel can be used as fuel  for diesel engines ( as either,B5-a blend of 5% bio-diesel in petro-diesel fuel,) or B20 or  B100). USA uses B20 and B100 bio-diesel, France uses B5 as mandatory in all diesel fuel.

Specifications & Quality Standards

ASTM has issued bio-diesel standard D 6751 in December 2001, which covers the use of pure bio-diesel (B100) into conventional diesel fuel up to 20 % by volume (B20). This replaces the provisional specification PS 121 issued in1999. Austria (ON C 1191), France (JO), Italy (UNI 10635) and Germany (DIN E 51606) had issued bio-diesel standards in 1997, Sweden in 1996 and a common draft standard EN 14214 for the European Union has also been   announced. The new Italian bio-diesel standard, which will replace UNI 10 635, has been finalized and will be released this year for public. The standards for Bio-Diesel in India are under formulation and are proposed to be based on standards adopted by European Union. It is necessary that the approval of Vehicle, Engine and Fuel Injection manufactures is taken before finalizing standards and implementing fuel change. By getting warranties from OEMs and FIE manufacturers, the customer acceptance of bio-fuels will increase and shall go a long way in enhancing the use of bio-fuels.

In Indian scenario Bureau for India Standards (BIS) is authorised by the government to set standards for bio-fuels. BIS has issued the same on the lines of ASTM and EN standards existing in western markets.

Business Opportunity

Start Bio-Diesel in your city from straight vegetable oil (SVO) or waste vegetable oil (WVO) using our processors and earn Rs. 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 net per month. We provide you complete project consultancy right from begining to end. (i.e. from planning stage to the marketing of end products.) Your investment ranges from Rs. 2 Lac to 20 Crore. No specific skills are required, so long as you are keen to learn, fit to work and love cleaner environment...More...