Feature Articles - Weekly Feature

Diesel vs. Bio-Diesel
Today, in our fast paced world, with ever-rising fuel prices and an ever-declining fuel supply, the trucking industry needs to think about the environment and evolving its industry to adapt to our growing problem. But, can it be done? Can we find alternate fuels? The answer is yes. With the world changing, they should be greatly considered as an immense way to help the planet and our pockets.
Diesel is not only highly dangerous and unstable, but is also bad for the environment; however, it's the meat and potatoes for truckers. Honestly, we need fuel to run our vehicles, heat our homes, and keep our lives moving. But what if there was an alternate way, an alternate fuel? Putting the environment aside, who wouldn't want a cleaner burning fuel that we had almost an unending supply of to rely on? Almost everyone agrees that a different fuel source is not only great for the planet, but also contributes to our peace of mind and, of course, to our pockets.
Bio-diesel fuel source, have you heard of it? Bio-Diesel is completely renewable and made from vegetable oil. Not only is it a self sustaining fuel on its own, but it can also be safely mixed with diesel to form a bio diesel blend. It's completely safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable. But here's the big kicker: it can be used in any diesel running vehicle without any upgrades installed into the trucks. That's right! No need to spend extra money re-vamping the engine to make this transformation. Yep! Bio-diesel can be pumped right into any diesel engine.
So why bother concerning yourself with "I want to help the environment, so I need to spend a lot of money to upgrade my truck" or "With fuel prices these days, how will I afford to stay in business?" because these questions will shortly be trivial. Thanks to hard working scientists and the government, some of our fuel problems will find their place in the past.
Fun Facts about Bio-Diesel:
Biodiesel fuel is made through a process called transesterfication. This process involves removing the glycerin from the vegetable oil or fat. During the process, byproducts are left behind that include methyl esters and glycerin. Biodiesel is free from such substances such as sulfur and aromatics which are found in traditional fuels.
Compared to other alternative fuels, biodiesel has a number of unique features and qualities. It has passed all the health-effects testing requirements, unlike other alternative fuels. This means it meets the standards of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a fuel that can be legally sold and distributed. The rest of the alternative fuels can not be sold commercially as motor fuel because they do not meet the EPA's fuel specifications.
Biodiesel is made from renewable resources, which means it is safe for the environment. It does not produce high emissions like traditional fuels. Biodiesel does not cause harmful effects to the environment which will produce positive effects on our future generations.
Biodiesel is a fuel that is gaining commercial and general recognition. It is not surprising to find Biodiesel in many gas stations. It costs a little more than traditional fuels at the current time because the demand is not as great. However, as demand grows and the public realizes the benefits of a biodegradable, renewable fuel source, the price will drop.
For local and regional Bio-Diesel retailers, go to: http://www.biodieselstations.org/. Or for more detailed info, go to: www.biodiesel.org.

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