ExGMan

Take a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel

gene1

You really should do some research before making such broad statements.
Bio-Diesel doesn't take food from anyones mouth. The biggest factor in food not making it to the needy is transport cost. If thats reduced with say, bio-diesel maybe less people would go hungry.
Unfortunately Its controlled by the farm lobby in the US who insist on making it from corn which is highly inefficient.
Its best made from recycled grease from fryers and directly from sugar cane, but the corn growers in America cant grow sugar cane. So its back to profit margin.
Oh, and one more thing...... pleeeeeeeeeease don't put bio-diesel into a BMW... thats just wrong.

AlexFW

Gene, I hear at news, every day, "The wheat is expensive because of the USA that are starting to use biofuels" .

steve_gus

That might be the case in your country, but it isnt in the UK. My local Tesco used to have pumps that sold 10% biodeisel next to the std diesel pumps - and it cost slightly more! Id consider bio a lesser product - not something to pay more for! They dont sell it any more.

Regarding food - its been stated in the UK media several tiems that crops being used for fuel production is putting up the cost of feed for animals, and hence meat etc.

gene1

Mismanagement doesn't make biodiesel a bad idea.
The American Farm lobby pushes crops they can grow even if they are wrong for the job. If biodiesel were to be made efficiently from sugar cane, American farmers (and European) would not see a cent of profit, the Caribean would be the new Saudi Arabia, and who wants that?
Also, I'd be thrilled to pay more for a steak and reduce reliance on petroleum.
I just financed a $70K station wagon. Lets put things into perspective this isn't HondaCivic.net
Just my opinion.

steve_gus

The cost of food going up isnt a problem for those who can finance $70k cars, for a lot of other people its a real hardship. Particularly those in poorer countries.

Geoff A

Creating biodiesel from oil-producing plants is a chemical process, and the resulting fuel is a little more acidic than regular diesel, so it 'cleans' internals much more effectively than regular diesel and can, I believe, lead to earlier breakdown of seals, etc. As a result, much much finer filtration (and more frequent servicing) is needed to prevent fuel rails and injectors from becoming clogged with residue that's flushed from within the fuel system when biodiesel is used....
Its calorific value is lower than regular diesel too or so I am told. Though there are fuel production standards that need to be met if it is to be commercially sold - I've been told that it can be better quality than some supermarket fuels too. Depends a lot on the chemistry and clean-up processes.....
Works successfully in tractors and lorries, which operate with high pressure common rail fuel injection and electronic management systems - just like cars do! More importantly, it needs 'sanctioning' by manufacturers, as its an 'on your head be it' approach, as many choose not to recommend it in their engines - yet. But the tide is shifting.
I wouldn't use it in my car without the manufacturer's approval while warranty could be jeopardised.
A few farmers are making biodiesel to a high standard, but the production costs don't yet add up. But there'll be pressure applied when fossil diesel gets increasingly more expensive at the pumps..... Copy and paste this link if it doesn't come alive to read what they are doing and how they are doing it - but don't be tempted to put your lab coat on and act like Dr Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker from the muppets as it ain't as easy as it seems... http://www.farmersguardian.com/story.asp?s...storycode=15266
Where biodiesel is oil-based for compression-ignition engines, bioethanol is a benzine-type product for spark ignition engines and can come from sugar cane and wheat, for example.
Ultimately, the question one day soon could be: Do you want to eat, or drive?