What is BioD about?

BioD stands for Bio-Diversity (also Bio-Darren since that's my birth name). Attracting attention to the importance of Bio-Diversity for the life of our planet will bring us closer to sustainability and a symbiotic relationship with the Earth. My personal belief is that this undeniably positive quest also affects us as human beings by uniting through a just and worthwhile mission.

BioDiesel Basics

"Let me first say that I promote BioDiesel...for now! It is just a stop-gap measure that makes the most sense for current transportation energy needs and must be taken seriously enough that everyone understands some simple basics.

BioDiesel is a clean burning, renewable energy source that can be readily implemented today. Each of the major car/truck manufacturers commonly sell diesel versions of most modernly used vehicles of today which are sold in all countries...with current limitations only in the U.S..

Fuel cell technology that runs on hydrogen with the only emissions being water vapor is the longer-term solution. That technology should continue to progress, but today we can implement cleaner burning diesel and biodiesel without financial losses to the major car manufacturers.

Purchase diesel engine vehicles today...and save from now on. In 5 years plus, the hydrogen technology will be advanced enough that we can replace these purchases at that time. If we make the necessary changes in our transportation energy uses right now, we can actually lower the green house gasses we emit and possibly slow down climate change".

...BioD

Biodiesel is 100% vegetable oil based, completely natural, renewable fuel that has applications in most any situation where conventional petroleum diesel is used. Though diesel is part of its name, there are no petroleum or other fossil fuels in biodiesel.

Currently biodiesel is produced mainly from field crop oils throughout Europe and used widely in a range of diesel vehicles not easily found in the U.S. Often used with recycled cooking oil for use in generators, commercial diesel equipment, vehicles, and marine vessels. It is more economical for pump trucks to deliver used restaurant oil to distributors than to landfill it.

Biodiesel is gaining worldwide popularity as an alternative energy source because of its many benefits. In addition to landfill reduction benefits, this environment-friendly fuel reduces tailpipe emissions, visible smoke and noxious odors. Used in conventional diesel engines with very few or no engine modifications, and can also be used in a blend with conventional diesel while still achieving substantial reductions in emissions (often B20 is available which is 20% biodiesel). With a cost of approximately the same as diesel, biodiesel is becoming more attractive since it is non-toxic, biodegradable and non-flammable with handling and storage safer than conventional petroleum diesel fuel.

Biodiesel is a Fatty Acid Methyl Ester. It is formed by removing the glycerol molecule from vegetable oil in the form of glycerin. After the glycerin is removed from the oil, the remaining molecules are similar to petroleum diesel fuel. The difference is that biodiesel molecules are very simple hydrocarbon chains, containing no sulfur, ring molecules or aromatics associated with fossil fuels. Biodiesel is made up of almost 10% oxygen, making it a naturally "oxygenated" fuel.

Here are some facts provided by Pacific Biodiesel, Inc:

Power
One of the major advantages is the fact that it can be used in existing engines and fuel injection equipment (no modification required) without negative impacts to operating performance.

Fuel availability/economy
Virtually the same MPG rating as petrodiesel and the only alternative fuel for heavyweight vehicles requiring no special dispensing and storage equipment.

Storage
Readily blends and stays blended with petrodiesel so it can be stored and dispensed wherever diesel is stored or sold.

Combustibility/Safety
Biodiesel has a very high flash point (300°F) making it one of the safest of all alternative fuels.

Production/Refining
The only alternative fuel that can boast of a zero total emissions production facility

Lubricity
The only alternative fuel that can actually extend engine life because of its superior lubricating properties.

Environmental Impact
The only renewable alternative diesel fuel that actually reduces major greenhouse gas components in the atmosphere . The use of biodiesel will also reduce the following emissions: carbon monoxide

ozone-forming-hydrocarbons
hazardous diesel particulate acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide

lifecycle carbon dioxide
Biodiesel (Methyl Ester) Properties for the Pacific Biodiesel Plant in Maui, Hawaii. Comparison references are the German Biodiesel Standard E DIN 51606 and the preliminary United States Biodiesel ASTM Standard. This sample meets both US and German specifications for Biodiesel.

Remember, YOU have the POWER!

BioD is Darren Rieck