Biodiesel in Canada
Biodiesel refers to a diesel-equivalent processed fuel derived from biological sources
(such as vegetable oils) which can be used in unmodified diesel-engine vehicles.
It is thus distinguished from the straight vegetable oils (SVO) or waste vegetable
oils (WVO) used as fuels in some diesel vehicles.
Biodiesel is a better solvent than standard diesel, as it 'cleans' the engine,
removing deposits in the fuel lines. However, this may cause blockages in the fuel
injectors. For this reason, car manufacturers recommend that the fuel filter be
changed a few months after switching to biodiesel (the fuel filter, as part of a
routine maintenance plan, is generally replaced anyway).
Most manufacturers release lists of the cars that will run on 100% biodiesel. Other
vehicle manufacturers remain cautious over use of biodiesel. In the UK many only
maintain their engine warranties for use with maximum 5% biodiesel — blended in
with 95% conventional diesel — although this position is generally considered to
be overly cautious. Scania and Volkswagen are exceptions, allowing most of their
engines to operate on 100% biodiesel. Peugeot and Citroën are also exceptions in
that they have both recently announced that their PSA HDi engine can run on 30%
biodiesel. The Ford Focus has been converted to run on Biodiesel.
Biodiesel can also be used as a heating fuel in domestic and commercial boilers.
Existing oil boilers may require conversion to run on biodiesel, but the conversion
process is believed to be relatively simple. Biodiesel can be distributed using
today's infrastructure, and its use and production are increasing rapidly. Fuel
stations are beginning to make biodiesel available to consumers, and a growing number
of transport fleets use it as an additive in their fuel.
Biodiesel is generally more expensive to purchase than petroleum diesel but this
differential may diminish due to economies of scale, the rising cost of petroleum
and government tax subsidies. In Germany, biodiesel is generally cheaper than normal
diesel at gas stations that sell both products.
Source: Wikipedia
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