BIODIESEL

A Fuel For All

 What Is Biodiesel

q Biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional

diesel fuel that is made from organic materials.
q It is a natural fuel extracted from animal fats or vegetable oils, mostly from
Soya bean, Rapeseed, Jatropha, Palm Oil etc.
q Biodiesel is a general name given for methyl esters obtained from organic
feedstock.
q Biodiesel is either 100% esters (B100) or more typically a blend (around
20%) mixed with petroleum diesel fuel.
q Biodiesel can be used in diesel engines without any significant modifications
to the engine itself.
 Environmental and Socio-
Economic Benefits

q It is biodegradable, renewable and nontoxic in nature.

q Extremely low emission of greenhouse gases as compared to fossil fuels.
q Increase in trade balance (Indian perspective) due to lesser dependence
on foreign resources.
q Promoting environmental protection & energy security in the country.
q Meeting climate change commitments.
q Growing variety of crops increases bio-diversity.
q Promoting renewable energy sources.
q Generating rural employment opportunities.
 Biodiesel Production Process

Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fats

and an alcohol, through a Transesterification reaction.
Stages of Transesterification:
q Treatment of raw material
q Alcohol catalyst mixing
q Chemical reaction
q Separation of reaction products
q Purification of reaction products
Transesterification
Process

Transesterification is a chemical
reaction where Triglyceride is
reacted with Alcohol in the
presence of catalyst to produce
Alkyl Esters.
 The carbon cycle of Biodiesel is dynamic
through the photosynthesis process. Plants
absorb CO2, which is more than those
discharged by the biodiesel combustion
process. Thus, using biodiesel can more
effectively reduce the emission of CO2,
protect the natural environment and
maintain the ecological balance, compared
to the use of fossil fuel.
 BIODIESEL &
DIESEL
q Similarities between the combustion
properties of biodiesel and petroleum diesel
have made the former one of the most
promising renewable and sustainable fuels for
automobiles.
q Biodiesel has better flammability due to high
Cetane Number.
q Biodiesel has O2 molecule which results in
cleaner burns.
q Transported conveniently and more safely
than diesel oil, due to its high flash point.
 Advantages Of Biodiesel
q Renewable Resource: Biodiesel is typically produced from renewable resources, such
as vegetable oils, animal fats, and even algae. This makes it a sustainable and
environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

q Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Biodiesel has a lower carbon footprint thus
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, as it produces
fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during combustion.

q Biodegradable and Non-Toxic: Biodiesel is biodegradable and less toxic than

conventional diesel fuel.

q Energy Security: By reducing dependence on imported petroleum, biodiesel

production can enhance a country's energy security and reduce its vulnerability to oil
price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

q Economic Benefits: Biodiesel production can stimulate local economies by creating

jobs in agriculture, biofuel production, and related industries.

q Improved Engine Performance: Biodiesel can enhance the lubricity of diesel fuel,
which may lead to reduced engine wear and improved engine performance. It has a higher
cetane number, which can result in better combustion and reduced emissions.
 Advantages Of Biodiesel

q Blending Capability: Biodiesel can be blended with conventional diesel fuel

in various proportions (e.g., B5, B20, B100), making it compatible with
existing diesel engines and infrastructure. It can also extend the life of older
diesel engines.
q Lower Sulphur Content: Biodiesel typically has low sulphur content, which
helps reduce sulphur dioxide emissions and related air pollution.
q Promotes Agricultural Diversity: The production of biodiesel feedstock,
such as soybeans, corn, or canola, can promote crop diversity in agriculture
and reduce the environmental impact of monoculture farming practices.
q Waste Utilization: Biodiesel can be produced from waste materials, such as
used cooking oil, animal fats, and other by-products, which can help reduce
waste and improve resource utilization.