What is the technical definition of Biodiesel and how is it made?
Technical Definition: Biodiesel, n-a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) D-6751. Biodiesel is produced from renewable resources such as vegetable oils (e.g. canola, sunflower and soybean oil), animal fats and recycled restaurant greases. These feedstocks are used to manufacture a mixture of chemicals called fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel). The chemical process is called “transesterification” (this should not be considered “refining” in the same sense that petroleum is refined) and has been around since the 1820’s. Majority inputs are 90% vegetable oils and animal fats and 10% alcohol. The majority outputs are 90% biodiesel and 10% glycerin. The hydrocarbon chain (oil or fat) has a backbone of carbon with a glycerin tail. The chemical process breaks off the glycerin tail and replaces it with an alcohol, in most cases m
