The widespread use of petrol, or gasoline, is the reason for the success of the modern automobile. However, this highly combustible form of petroleum comes with a number of problems, from pollution to geopolitical consequences.
That is why people and companies alike were trying to figure out alternatives. One of the best is taking diesel, a more refined version of crude oil, and blending it with biomass. This gave birth to biodiesel which quickly found fans world-over.
Diesel vs biodiesel? In this article, check out the answer to this questions and more.
What is Diesel?
Diesel is a type of medium to heavy petroleum derived from crude oil. It is typically used as a fuel for engines but can also be used as heating oil.
What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a plant-based fuel that can be used in place of diesel. Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel. It is meant to be used in standard diesel engines and is thus distinct from the vegetable and waste oils used to fuel converted diesel engines. It is produced from many types of oils, the most common being rapeseed oil in Europe and soybean oil in the United States.
Pros and Cons
Diesel is significantly more energy dense than biodiesel, meaning that a given volume of diesel contains more energy than the same volume of biodiesel. This makes diesel a more efficient fuel and also means that diesel engines tend to be more powerful than biodiesel engines.
Diesel is less likely to gel in cold weather than biodiesel, making it a more reliable fuel for winter operations. So before you switch to biodiesel, make sure to read more about the biodiesel guide to use it smoothly.
Biodiesel has many benefits compared to diesel. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from plant oils and animal fats. It is biodegradable and non-toxic. Biodiesel can also be used in any diesel engine with little or no modifications.
Manufacturers and service centers are also getting more aware and introduced to biodiesel use. Other service centers now offer parts that are diesel and biodiesel-oriented, view here for more.
Safety
The use of either diesel or biodiesel on engine are both safe. However, the handling of these two is very different when it comes to safety. Biodiesel is far more combustible than diesel making it a safety hazard when handled improperly.
Impact on Pollution
With the whole world getting more aware of global warming, Biodiesel is now the main choice of people. Biodiesel helps lower pollution by emitting fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the air.
A study has shown that emissions of 100% biodiesel are 74% lower than those from petroleum diesel. With this in hand, biodiesel is winning the battle when it comes to reducing pollution and helping fight global warming.
Which is the Best Option? Diesel vs Biodiesel
With both presents their own pros and cons, It is up to the consumer which they find better. If you are more concerned about the environmental condition, then biodiesel is for you. If your feel that diesel is the best because of its handling and effects on vehicles that is fine as well.
Diesel vs biodiesel is a very complex topic. However, using any of these has a negative effect that comes along with it, and we should always use these energies responsibly.
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Photo by Engin Akyurt
