Saint Francis University

 Tech Check
a quick overview of the technology with resources for more info

Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel produced from vegetable oils and animal fats through a chemical reaction and meeting ASTM D 6751 standards, which ensure that all biodiesel behaves in the same way.

Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with oil or diesel.  Biodiesel is different than ethanol (find out how) and is also different from running an engine or boiler on vegetable oil.

Common biodiesel myths: 
1.  "Biodiesel is cheaper than conventional diesel and/or gasoline"--unless you make your own, in most cases it isn't any cheaper but it does help us diversity our fuel system and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels

2.  "100% biodiesel can be used year-round"--in most cases this is not true and if the temperature drops below 32 degrees biodiesel can gel and create problems.  Blends of no more than 20% are recommended during days when the temperature is below 32 degrees.

USES OF BIODIESEL
It can be used in home heating oil systems safely with no modifications to the fuel tanks, pumps or burners in concentrations up to 5% biodiesel. For fuel blends between 6% and 20%, minor changes (including a pump with proper seals) may be required. Up to 100% biodiesel can be used in any diesel-burning vehicle with no modifications.  In fact, the high lubricity of biodiesel lubricates your diesel engine and prolongs its life.

You can buy the biodiesel from one of the providers listed in this directory, or you can make your own out of fresh or used vegetable oil also by contacting one of these businesses and by visiting a number of websites that suggest recipes and procedures such as Journey to Forevever's website: http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html

Warning:  making your own biodiesel involves the use of dangerous chemicals and we highly recommend that you research the dangers and protect yourself--as well as dispose of the chemicals in a responsible way by contacting your solid waste authority.

FIND RETAIL LOCATIONS FOR BUYING BIODIESEL
You can also purchase biodiesel of various blends (5%, 10% and up to 100%) at retail locations across Pennsylvania for use as heating oil or in your private vehicle or commercial fleet.  Here's a list of these retail locations (we've talked to some of them. . .they were nice folks).

FIND A DIESEL CAR
You can also purchase a diesel car, truck or piece of equipment and run it on vegetable oil (after a simple $2,000 - $3,000 conversion, ask Fossil Free Fuel about this) and/or biodiesel.  Popular diesel cars used for this are Volkswagons and Mercedes-Benz.  Use eBay, Craig's List or other such national or local resources to find a diesel vehicle.

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