What is the Department of Energy's (DOE) definition of an renewable fuel?
As defined by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), DOE defines renewable fuels as: Fuels that are substantially non-petroleum and yield energy security and environmental benefits. Biodiesel was added to EPAct in 1998 as a renewable fuel when added to conventional diesel at blends of 20% or higher.


What are characteristics of biodiesel?
Chemical Structure: Methyl esters of C14-C24 fatty acids.
Primary Components: Vegetable oil, animal fats, or recycled cooking oils.
Main Fuel Source: Animal fats.
Energy Content per gallon: 117,000 to 120,000 BTU
Energy Ratio Compared to Gasoline: 1.1 to 1 or 90%
Liquid or Gas: Liquid.


How safe is biodiesel?
Most people are familiar with gasoline, so they rarely question its safety. However, people who are unaccustomed to renewable fuels may have misconceptions or doubts about their safety in vehicle applications.For more information on Biodiesel Production and Quality (28K), provided by the National Biodiesel Board.

Biodiesel is made from natural, renewable resources such as vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled cooking oils. It is less toxic than table salt and as biodegradable as sugar. In its pure form it can be handled, stored and transported with the same guidelines as vegetable oil. As with all renewable fuels, adequate training is recommended to operate and maintain biodiesel vehicles.


Does biodiesel offer any emission benefits?
Biodiesel used as a replacement, blending component or an additive for petroleum diesel fuel substantially reduces harmful emissions. A B20 blend can reduce particulate matter by 30%; carbon monoxide by 21% and total hydrocarbons by 47%. Sulfur dioxide emissions are reduced to nearly zero and visible tailpipe smoke is reduced by 35%.


What is the average price of biodiesel?
Like gasoline and diesel, the price of biodiesel fluctuates due to cost factors such as production, feedstock, marketing, distribution, retail station costs and taxes. The accessibility of biodiesel varies by geographic location and can greatly affect the price. Call 1-800-743-7413 for current pricing for Griffin's Bio G-3000™ Premium Biodiesel Fuel.


How many gallons of biodiesel can you make from a bushel of soybeans?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency, one bushel of soybeans yield approximately 1.4 gallons of biodiesel. Soybeans contain about 20% oil, so it takes almost 7.3 pounds of soybean oil to produce a gallon of biodiesel. U.S. soybean production reached about 2.5 billion bushels in 2003, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The United States produces about 20 million gallons of biodiesel per year using soybeans, used cooking grease and other feedstocks.


Can my operation benefit from using biodiesel?
As a fleet operator, fuel blender, or other diesel fuel end-user, biodiesel provides a cost-effective renewable fuel solution that can be incorporated into an existing vehicle, equipment and refueling infrastructure without further capital investment. Biodiesel and biodiesel blends operate in conventional diesel (compression-ignition) and turbine engines without reduction in performance. It provides the premium performance benefits expected of premium diesel fuels including lubricity and protection and high cetane rating. As a renewable fuel, biodiesel substantially reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon monoxide, for which the transportation sector is a major contributor worldwide.


Am I a candidate for using biodiesel?
As a fleet operator, fuel blender, or other diesel fuel end-user, biodiesel provides a cost-effective renewable fuel solution that can be incorporated into an existing vehicle, equipment and refueling infrastructure without further capital investment. Biodiesel is approved for commercial sale in the United States by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).


What is the blending range of biodiesel?
As a fully-compatible liquid fuel, biodiesel can be used as a complete replacement or alternative fuel for diesel, or as a blending component for petroleum diesel fuel in blend ranges from less than 1.0 vol% to 100 vol%. Common biodiesel blends include:

• B2 (2% biodiesel and 98% petroleum diesel): Economical and provides lubricity. A common blend offered by fuel retailers and distributors.

• B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel): Offers significant clean air benefits. A common blend used by government, utility company and school bus fleets to cut air pollution and meet clean air regulations.

• B100 (100% biodiesel): Completely replaces petroleum diesel.