BIO-FUELS

Total Fuel Invests in America

Biodiesel Revitalizing Our Energy Supply

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is the name of clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable, resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

How is biodiesel made?

Biodiesel is made through a chemical process transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products--methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and other products).

Is Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?

NO! Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel and is safe for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.

For entities seeking to adopt a definition of biodiesel for purposes such as federal or state statute, state or national divisions of weights and measures, or of any other purpose, the official definition consistent with other federal and state laws and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines is as follows:

Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animals fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are donated as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel contained in the blend (i.e.: B20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

Why should I use bio diesel?

Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.

Today we live in a Global Economy with ever increasing energy demands. This has lead to sharp increases in the cost of heating our homes. At Total Fuel we feel it is our responsibility, not only to ourselves, but to our customers, to constantly look for alternative products that can lower your costs. Right now Biodiesel is the most effective alternative fuel for heating your home. We are planning in the near future to be supplying your homes with Biodiesel to save you money, help our environment and contribute to our Nation’s renewable energy resources.