OSU Biodiesel Initiative Homepage
We are currently working on the design of a sustainable fuel system for the village of Narukunibua in Fiji. Click the projects tab above if you would like more information, or would like to help out.
What is the OSU Biodiesel Initiative?
The OSU Biodiesel Initiative is a collaborative effort of students and community members
who meet regularly to discuss the use of biofuels in diesel-powered vehicles.
Emphasis is placed on sustainable, environmentally safe products with standards guiding
use (ASTM D 6751 from ASTM Committee D02 is an example).
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel that can be produced from domestic
renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at
any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in
compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel
is simple to use, biodegradable, non-toxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
(Source: National Biodiesel Board)
How do biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health
effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of biodiesel
in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned
hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions
from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and
sulfates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially
eliminated compared to diesel. (Source: National Biodiesel Board)
(C) 1995-2008 OSU Biodiesel Initiative.
Questions or comments regarding the OSU Biodiesel Initiative can be sent to
osubiodiesel@lists.oregonstate.edu.
Site submissions or feedback can be sent to backmant@onid.orst.edu.
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