The use of renewable fuel is something the world has started to take notice of. People are considering their carbon footprints when it comes to their choice of fuel.
This is with good reason, as these types of fuels are better for the environment. One of the more popular renewable fuels is Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel.
Over recent years, they’ve become more well-known. This has led some to start considering them as equal options. While they are similar, there are quite a few differences to pay attention to.
What are those differences, and which fuel is better for you? To answer these questions, we’re going to compare biodiesel vs renewable diesel!
Chemical Makeup Differences
Biodiesel is created through a chemical reaction called transesterification. It separates glycerin from the fat or vegetable oil and creates a new substance called methyl ester. Renewable diesel has a similar molecular structure as petroleum-based diesel and does not require transesterification.
Biodiesel works just as well as standard diesel fuel, efficient renewable diesel outperforms both petroleum-based and biodiesel fuel cycles. It also provides more energy per gallon and has a higher flash point. Additionally, it produces less pollution in the form of soot and nitrogen oxide, making it the most eco-friendly option of the two.
Price and Costs Differences
Biodiesel is generally more expensive on a gallon-for-gallon basis. Renewable diesel, on the other hand, typically costs more to buy. But it is expected to have lower overall costs over time since it produces more energy per gallon.
It then allows for fewer gallons used. Biodiesel contains more additives, which can increase the cost of production and can potentially harm vehicle performance.
Biodiesel is known to improve engine lubricity. Renewable diesel is known to reduce emissions. This is because it is less pure than biodiesel and may require more frequent filter changes. Renewable diesel may also result in improved engine performance but this cannot be said for certain as research is still ongoing.
Biodiesel is predominantly made up of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). FAME is derived from animal fats, vegetable oils, and carbohydrates, and then chemically reacted with methanol and an alkaline-based catalyst. The production of biodiesel is done by combining fatty acid and alcohol.
It can be used in many types of diesel engines with few or no modifications. Although, some engines may require making minor modifications to ensure proper performance. View here for more biodiesel guides and renewable diesel tips.
Best Option: Biodiesel vs Renewable Diesel
Biodiesel vs renewable diesel show promise as clean, renewable sources of fuel. Biodiesel is more established, while renewable diesel is newer, but offers higher efficiency. Which to choose depends on the needs of the individual user. The two should be compared side-by-side to determine which is the best option.
If you found this article on what is biodiesel and a simple biodiesel guide, you can visit our blog for more.