The properties of biodiesel are promising because of its low sulfur content and the higher flashpoint for better storage or handling. They also say that there is no need for engine modification in using pure biodiesel. However if this means that there is higher flashpoint doesn't it mean that it requires more heat before it can be ignited so it means engines may be needed to be modified to use biodiesel? I want to know the proof and facts that biodiesel can be used in engines without modification please!
2007-01-03 22:25:09 · 1 answers · asked by lyxven 1 in Environment
High flashpoint isn't an issue with diesel engines. The heat of compression in a diesel, which causes the fuel to ignite, is significantly higher than diesel or biodiesel flashpoint or autoignition point.
Whether or not it can be used in engines without modifications depends upon how the vegetable oil is refined. Ordinary veggie oils have far too much wax and gum content to be used as a motor fuel and will damage the pump and injectors fairly quickly. However if the oils are properly filtered and de-waxed they can be used in most engines without modification as long as the fuel system does not contain any natural rubber components (most don't).
Interestingly, Rudolf Diesel ran his first diesel engine on peanut oil and preferred vegetable based fuel over petroleum fuels. It wasn't until the 1920s that diesel engines were switched over to petro-diesel, probably for economic reasons.
Have a look here for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel
2007-01-03 23:08:32 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋