BIODIESEL

PROBLEMS WITH BIODIESEL

Even though biodiesel seems to be the ideal alternative energy souce, there are still several things imperfect about it.

A common problem with biodiesel is that it gels in cold weather making it impossible for an engine to run on. When this happens you will need to somehow heat up the vehicle in a heated garage for example. This is one of the biggest hassles when running on biodiesel. However, it is avoidable. Prevent gelling or freezing of biodiesel by blending in some petroleum. Antigel additive can also be added but they can only work with a biodiesel blend.

Biodiesel can be very damaging to certain types of plastic and rubber. Newer vehicles will usually have corrosion-resistant plastics in their fuel systems. This sort of problem shouldn't be prevalent in vehicles from the mid-90's+. However it is somewhat of a problem in older cars. Dissolving of plastic and rubber can result in leaking fuel lines. This shouldn't be a problem in biodiesel blends below B20. Owners should learn to check their fuel systems for corrosion and get them replaced. Also, make sure to use biodiesel before its quality starts to deteriorate (biodiesel usually has shelf life of about 6 months). The quality of biodiesel will degrade over time and when used, it can produce sediments which lead to filters becomming plugged.

Biodiesel is, for a fact, beneficial to the environment. But what most people don't take into account is that if the US starts mass prodcuing biodiesel more chances of pollution can be presented. Biodiesel itself will be very beneficial for the environment, but the process of acquiring the crops for biodiesel and producing it can present chances for pollution. Growing the crops for biodiesel involves spraying pesticides to keep crops free from pests. Those pesticides can tranfer onto neighboring crops that might be harvested as food. Biodiesel refining plants can use a lot of energy and produce a lot of pollution.

A great aspect of biodiesel is that it's renewable. But what does that really mean? A source is only renewable if it can be produced for as long as it's needed. If a demand for biodiesel goes up, demands for crops will also go up. If those demands cannot be met, biodiesel can no longer be considered a renewable source. Many have concerns that since there might a high demand, land, such as natural habitats, will be cleared for growing soybeans or any other plant that's used for biodiesel. Acres and acres of land will be used to try and produce crops for biodiesel. This could greatly disturb natural habitats, biodiveristy, and water supplies.