Biodiesel Facts and Figures

Biodiesel Facts and Information

Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide exhaust emissions by up to 80%.
Biodiesel produces 100% less sulphur dioxide than petroleum based diesel. Sulphur dioxide is the major component of acid rain.
Biodiesel reduces exhaust smoke (particulates) emissions by up to 75% so the common black cloud associated with a diesel engine can be eliminated.
The smell of the biodiesel exhaust is far more pleasant than petroleum based diesel, and has been likened to the smell of pop corn or doughnuts
Biodiesel is much easier to handle and does not require mechanics to use barrier cream on their hands to protect the skin from cracking or redness.
Biodiesel is much less dangerous to put in a vehicles fuel tank as the flash point of biodiesel is ± 150°C as opposed to petroleum diesel which is ± 70°C.
Biodiesel degrades about 4 times faster than petroleum diesel after spillage, with most of a spill broken down after just 28 days.
Biodiesel lubricates significantly better than petroleum diesel fuel giving better engine life
Biodiesel reduces the classic diesel engine "knocking" noise.
Biodiesel does not require any changes to the existing storage infrastructure so can be used in any tank or storage facility right away (and may also be mixed with any existing Diesel fuel).
A diesel engine vehicle does not need to be modified in anyway to use biodiesel.

For a list of import points to note when using Viridine VBio, view a list of things you should know when using our fuel

Bio-degradability

Over 98% of biodiesel degrades biologically in three weeks whereas in the same time only approximately 50% of fossil diesel degrades, after which degradation is much slower. Large scale spillage of Biodiesel would cause temporary de-oxygenation of water, but this is still significantly less damaging than an equivalent fossil diesel spill.

Greenhouse Gases

The government have accepted an obligation to reduce CO2 emissions, of which vehicles are a major source.

A recent study by Muschalek and Scharmer, converted all greenhouse gas emissions from Biodiesel into CO2 equivalents. This is of major importance in providing a clearer view of the overall benefits of Biodiesel production in terms of benefit to the environment. The study involved not only gaseous emissions from the combustion of Biodiesel. but took into account CO2 and other gaseous emissions for each step of production, transformation and final use.

The conclusion was that each Kg of Biodiesel produced avoids the emission of greenhouse gases equivalent to 2.88 Kg C02.

Exhaust Emisions

The incidence of asthma, particularly in the young, has increased dramatically in the last thirty years. While the link between original onset of the problem and vehicle exhaust pollution has yet to be absolutely determined, there is no doubt that this pollution can exacerbate and increase the frequency of attacks.

Diesel emission particulates are strongly linked to infant mortality in urban areas, and are probable carcinogens.

Carbon monoxide reduces the absorption of oxygen, and is associated with restricted foetal growth and tissue development in young children. lower worker productivity and has a synergistic action with other pollutants to increase respiratory and circulatory problems.

Sulphur dioxide causes impaired lung function, and is the major contributor to acid rain.

Hydrocarbons cause eye irritation. coughing and are linked to particulates in causing lung disease and cancer.

Nitrogen oxides increase susceptibility to viral infections, increase sensitivity in asthmatics, and have significantly greater effects in the presence of other pollutants.