BioFuel FAQ
What is Biofuel?
The term "biofuel" describes any fuel made from raw or recycled, biodegradable agricultural products.
Biodiesel is a liquid biofuel that is used as an alternative for heating oil or diesel fuel. The scientific name for biodiesel is methyl-esters. It's made from plants, animal fats, and recycled restaurant oils.
Is biodiesel used alone or blended with petroleum?
Biodiesel can be used by itself, or blended with petroleum diesel and #2 heating oil in any percentage. B-20 (20% biodiesel / 80% petro fuel by volume) has shown significant environmental and performance benefits.
Once blended they are called BioHeat® and BioDiesel.
How do biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum?
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have passed the rigorous health effects testing of the Clean Air Act.
The use of BioHeat & BioDiesel results in drastic reductions of unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide compared to straight petroleum fuels.
Exhaust emissions (the major components of acid rain) are all but eliminated when compared to petroleum diesel fuel and #2 heating oil.
Where can I purchase BioHeat® and BioDiesel?
Call Independence BioFuel at 1-800-228-1883, or email us.
BioHeat and BioDiesel are all we do, so you can trust our established commitment and expertise.
We're the pioneer of biofuels from Bath to Ogunquit and Greater Portland to Lewiston-Auburn, so wholesale or retail we make using biofuels easy and cost effective for you.
Do I need special storage facilities?
No. BioHeatŪ or BioDiesel can be stored in your existing tanks, and are completely compatible with petroleum fuels.
They can be added to any amount of fuel in your tank now.
100% biodiesel will gel at 32-40 degrees F, so we are careful to keep it in heated storage during cold weather.
Is BioFuel compatable with my existing equipment?
Yes. Blended biofuels are used in existing heating systems and diesel engines, with no necessary modifications.
BioDiesel provides superior lubrication, that helps your equipment last much longer.
There is a solvent effect that may release deposits from tanks, pipes, and fuel lines from previous petro fuel use. The release of these deposits may
initially require additional filter changes, so precautions should be taken.
B-20 (20% biodiesel / 80% petroleum) has been proven to have no effect on fuel systems. 100% biodiesel may have a degrading effect on rubber parts over a long period of time.
Are BioHeat® & BioDiesel as safe as petroleum?
They are even safer to use than petroleum fuels. Scientific studies prove that emissions of cancer causing compounds are decreased 50% - 85% when compared to straight petroleum fuels.
In addition, the flash point (the ignition temperature when a fuel is exposed to spark or flame) of biodiesel is 325 F, well above the 125 F of petroleum.
Can BioFuel help stop "global warming"?
A 1988 study sponsored by the USDA and the US Dept. of Energy showed that biodiesel reduces net CO2 emissions 78% when compared to petroleum fuels.
The CO2 released into the atmosphere when biodiesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuels. This is called a closed carbon cycle.
