What are the differences between Biodiesel and SVO or UCO?
Biodiesel is usually derived from vegetable oil, with very similar properties to diesel. It is produced by combining organically derived oils with an alcohol to produce a Methyl Ester. This is called transesterification. Biodiesel meeting the required EN 14214 quality standard will fuel most diesel engines. However, most engine warranties will only cover up to 5% blends of biodiesel with normal diesel, even though many reports show that biodiesel is beneficial to engines. Pure Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) or suitably cleaned Used Cooking Oil (UCO) can be used as a fuel. It can be burned, without processing it into biodiesel, but only in a suitably modified engine.
