Biodiesel Benefits

AIR QUALITY

Using 100% Biodiesel (B100) can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 75% compared with petroleum diesel. (Based on Life Cycle Emissions data)

In emissions testing done by Cummins Engine Company comparing biodiesel vs. #1 Diesel (Humphrey & Schumaker 1994) it was found that biodiesel: 1) reduced smoke up to 83%; 

2) reduced hydrocarbons by 48%; 3) decreased CO by 1%; and , 4) reduced particulate emissions by 20%.  The only increase was in oxides of nitrogen by 14% which can be mitigated by the use of additives.In addition, biodiesel has very low sulfur compared to off-road diesel which can be as high as 5,000 ppm.  

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*Emissions Characteristics of Ethyl and Methyl Esters of Rapeseed Oil Compared with Low Sulfur Diesel Control Fuel by Charles Peterson and Darly Reece Department of Agricultural Engineering University of Idaho 1994.

To calculate the average reduction in emissions resulting from replacing  each gallon of USEPA approved diesel fuel with biodiesel:    ​http://biodiesel.org/using-biodiesel/handling-use/emissions-calculator

ENGINE OPERATION 

Biodiesel fuel blends offer significantly higher lubricity than  conventional diesel. A blend of just 2% biodiesel can  provide up to 65% improvement in lubricity (http://www.crimsonrenewable.com/specs.php). This can significantly reduce wear on engine parts.  Many operators have found that engines utilizing biodiesel fuel run smoother, cooler and quieter than on traditional diesel. And 

research has demonstrated that biodiesel usage produces a similar level of torque, horsepower and fuel economy as conventional diesel.

ENVIRONMENT

Since biodiesel is not a hazardous substance it causes far less damage to the environment if it is spilled or released. It is

biodegradable and non-toxic.   It is also safer than petroleum to haul handle and transport  because it has a higher flashpoint

(130 C vs. 52 C for petroleum).

PRICE STABILITY  

Because biodiesel is made from recycled oil that is sourced locally and not imported, it is not subject to global market volitility.

This means there are no tariffs,  or surcharges.  And best of all, it is not directly influenced by the political climate or foreign relations in countries other than our own. At West Star we believe that  our country's energy security is an inherent part of our national security.