Biodiesel Information
One bushel of soybeans can produce 1.5 gallons of biodiesel.
Biodiesel is made from various oils, recycled grease, and/or animal fats. At this time the majority of biodiesel is made from soybean oil.
Biodiesel is made from soybean oil which is a by-product of the soymeal industry. 93% of the soybeans raised are used for animal feed which produces an abundance of soybean oil. Soybean growers through their checkoff dollars sponsored research on how to utilize the excess oil and soy biodiesel was born along with many other uses for soybean oil.
Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications. If it is an older engine frequent oil filter changes are needed as soy biodiesel is also a solvent and will clean an engine. Once the engine is clean, fewer filter changes are needed.
Biodiesel is used in blends. B5 is 95% petroleum diesel and 5% biodiesel. Common blends are B5, B10, and B20. As high as a B20 is recommended for colder climates. The B20 advantage is no black smoke from the engine. This is especially useful in working with school buses and indoor equipment.
Biodiesel is the fastest growing alternative fuel that is:
Biodegradable |
Environmentally Friendly |
Domestically Produced |
Renewable |
Not All Biodiesel Is the Same
Check with your fuel supplier and be assured they are using biodiesel product that is BQ-9000 Certified.
For more information on Biodiesel contact the National Biodiesel Board.