Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are renewable, clean-burning fossil fuel replacements that can be used in existing diesel engines and without modification. It is the nation’s first domestically produced, commercially available advanced biofuel.
Biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels are produced from agricultural by-products, wastes and residues such as:
Although both biodiesel and renewable diesel are made from similar materials, the difference between the two derive from how they are made.
Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. It is the nation’s first domestically produced, commercially available advanced biofuel.
Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications to ensure proper performance. Biodiesel blends meet specifications for legal diesel motor fuel (ASTM D7467). Also, B100 must meet the ASTM definition for biodiesel itself (ASTM D6751). Raw vegetable oil cannot meet these diesel fuel specifications and therefore is not considered biodiesel.
Biodiesel, n - a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D 6751.
Biodiesel Blend, n - a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel, designated BXX, where XX represents the volume percentage of biodiesel fuel in the blend.
Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products – methyl esters and glycerin.
Methyl esters is the chemical name for biodiesel and glycerin is used in a variety of products, including soap.
Biodiesel isn’t only used for transportation; it has an additional application in heating homes where traditional diesel is used.
Bioheat® fuel is a blend of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil. It is a simple choice and a smart solution that results in a better fuel for your home and the environment. Bioheat® fuel blends are the future of heating oil and are taking the industry by storm. Dealers today are commonly delivering Bioheat® fuel blends from as little as B2 all the way up to even B100. Heating customers should consult their fuel dealer on the benefits of each, and on what type of Bioheat® fuel blend is best for their home. More information can be found at www.mybioheat.com.
Renewable Diesel is an advanced biofuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the same ASTM D975 specification as petroleum diesel. It is produced through hydrotreating, a process like a traditional refinery operation. This high-heat, high-pressure process produces a fuel that has chemical properties similar to conventional diesel.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a substitute for fossil jet fuels that reduces carbon emissions. SAF is made from renewable biomass and waste resources and can deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel. SAF can be blended with fossil jet fuel and that the blended fuel requires no special infrastructure or equipment changes.
SAF must have the same qualities and characteristics as conventional jet fuel to substitute it. At present, the industry is focused on producing SAF for a “drop-in” replacement to conventional jet fuel. Drop-in fuels are combined with the petroleum-based fuel either as a blend or potentially, in the future, as a 100% replacement.
To ensure technical and safety compliance, SAF must undergo strict laboratory, ground, and flight tests under an internationally recognized standard. Testing Safety is the aviation industry’s top priority. Given this and the specific requirements of any fuels used in aircraft, the process for testing potential new fuels is particularly rigorous. Through testing in laboratories, in equipment on the ground, and under the extreme conditions of in-flight operations, an exhaustive process determines suitability of SAF.
