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Easier on Marine Environment
Biodiesel is an obvious candidate
for use in marine applications. Independent tests have
found that pure biodiesel is non-toxic, readily biodegradable
and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
 Biodiesel
will not harm fish. The
96-hr. LC50 (lethal concentration) for Bluegills for C16-18
methyl esters was greater than 1,000 mg./L. Concentrations
above 1,000 mg/L are deemed "insignificant" according
to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Guidelines in its Registry of the Toxic Effects of Chemical
Substances.
Biodiesel is easier on humans,
too. Vessel operators report a noticeable change in exhaust
odor. The reduction in smell and change of odor are more palatable
with engine workers. In fact, it's been compared to the smell
of French fries. Biodiesel users also report having no eye
irritation.
Biodiesel is biodegradable. C16-18
methyl esters are considered biodegradable based on their
chemical nature and test data collected for experimentally
determined oxygen demand and carbon dioxide production as
a percent of calculated theoretical values. C16-18 methyl
esters do not show any micro biological inhibition up to 10,000
mg/L.
 In tests performed by the University
of Idaho, biodiesel in an aqueous solution after 28 days was
95 percent degraded. Diesel fuel was only 40 percent degraded.
In a second study done in an aquatic environment (CO2 Evolution),
various biodiesel products were 85.5-88.5 percent degraded
in 28 days, which is the same rate as sugar (dextrose). Diesel
degradation was 26.24 percent.
Biodiesel offers more environmental
benefits. For research vessels and consumers using commercial
vessels, biodiesel offers a more environmentally-friendly
alternative to regular diesel. Because it is non-toxic and
biodegradable, consumers and researchers may pressure owners
for biodiesel use, especially in sensitive or protected waterway
areas.
Biodiesel is a renewable, domestic
fuel. Biodiesel is made from renewable fats and oils,
such as vegetable oils, through a simple refining process.
The by-product glycerin is used in commercial applications
from toothpaste to cough syrup. One of the principal commodities
used as a source for biodiesel is soybeans, a major crop produced
by almost 400,000 farmers in 29 states. 
Biodiesel helps speed diesel degradation
when used in blends with petroleum diesel fuel.
Biodiesel degrades about four times faster than petroleum
diesel fuel. Also, when blended with biodiesel, the degradation
rate of petroleum diesel tripled when compared to diesel alone,
according to a 1995 University of Idaho test.
Biodiesel can work in several
marine factions.
Because biodiesel can replace or blend with petroleum
diesel with little or no engine modifications, it is a viable
alternative to several categories of the marine industry,
including: recreational boats, inland commercial and ocean-going
commercial ships, research vessels, and the U.S. Coast Guard
Fleet. Today, much of the emphasis is on recreational boats,
which consume about 95 million gallons of diesel fuel annually.
 Biodiesel is a safe alternative.
Biodiesel has a higher flash point - a minimum of 200
degrees versus about 125 degrees Fahrenheit for regular #2
diesel. Biodiesel also offers low-pressure storage at ambient
temperatures, handles like diesel and is safer to transport.
Biodiesel has higher lubricity.
Biodiesel blended at a 20 percent rate with petroleum diesel
has a lower wear scar than traditional fuel. At the 20 percent
blend level, biodiesel shows improved lubricity with low sulfur
petroleum diesel containing high or low aromatic levels. Start-up,
power, range and cold-weather performance characteristics
are similar to diesel.
Even
low levels of biodiesel (1-5%) with diesel fuel offer superior
lubricating properties. Recent test results using the HFRR
test showed a reduction in wear scar from 0.61 mm to 0.35
mm using a 1% blend of biodiesel with the base diesel.
Biodiesel is "user-friendly."
The use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends results in a
noticeable change in exhaust odor. The reduction in smell
and change of odor are easier on ship workers and pleasure
craft boaters. In fact, it's been compared to the smell of
French fries. Users also report no having eye irritation.
Since biodiesel is oxygenated, diesel engines have more complete
combustion than with petroleum.
Please assist us
in advancing the biodiesel
product and in keeping this site current and
informative by completing a short survey.
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