What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. It is generally produced from vegetable oil, animal fats and greases and used cooking oil. It contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel and can be used in any diesel engine without modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable and nontoxic.

Is it better for the environment than petroleum diesel?

Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act submitted to the EPA. Biodiesel significantly reduces contributions to green house gas emissions (almost 80%). In addition, emissions of sulfur dioxides and sulfates (components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel. Emissions of nitrogen oxides are either slightly reduced or slightly increased depending on engine specifications.

Source: National Biodiesel Board

Can I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?

Yes. Biodiesel is a direct replacement for petroleum diesel (conventional diesel fuel) and can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modification. Biodiesel has solvent properties and it will clean your injectors and fuel lines as it travels through the fuel system. There are some cases where fuel filters have had to be changed as old petroleum diesel deposits are dislodged.

Is there a quality specification?

Yes. Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. We recommend asking your supplier for a copy of their registration with the IRS / EPA and a batch certificate of analysis to ensure you are receiving a legal and quality fuel.

Can I mix biodiesel and petroleum diesel in my vehicle?

Yes. Biodiesel and petroleum diesel are wholly compatible

Energy Balance: How does biodiesel compare to other fuels?

Biodiesel made from virgin soybean oil yields 3.2 units of energy for every unit invested in its production. Biodiesel made locally from used cooking oil uses much less energy to produce and therefore yields about 6 units of energy for every unit invested.

The chart below shows the comparison for the four most used fuels.

Joint study by U.S. Dept of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Dept of Agriculture (USDA), 1998.
How do I get involved with Johnson Biofuels if I own a restaurant or trucking fleet?
Johnson provides grease collection services for food service facilities and fuel distribution services for diesel fleets. Please read the Services section, and Contact Us for more information.