Biodiesel is the mono-alkyl-esters of long-chain fatty-acids derived from any feed stock or lipid sources of plant or animal origin via process of transesterification. Biodiesel is a name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resource. It conforms to the ASTM-D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines and it is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Biodiesel contains no petroleum but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel. We do not know for how long the world’s petroleum resources will last and with the rising fuel prices, environmental issues and need for oil independence the availability of biofuels is becoming more and more prevalent. So before our natural fuel supply depletes, we should keep our alternatives ready for our economy and country to move on. Now, with the developed technology, biofuels can be made from renewable resources. Besides the guarantee of everlasting supply of biofuel, there are other benefits as well. The main benefit is that the feedstock for production comes from oil crops grown domestically. This boosts our economy plus guarantees jobs to our people. In this way, we can improve our energy security and we can resolve the problem of fuel importing issue. Biodiesel – it is a type of renewable energy, a substitute for fossil fuels that has gained interest from scientists, technologists and investors. It is used as an automotive fuel and it has similar properties to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be directly used in existing diesel engines with minor or no modifications. Moreover, Biodiesel would result in the reduction of emitted un-burnt Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monooxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SD), particulate matter in auto emission and will be in the line with the objectives of the Auto Fuel Policy of the Govt. of India. It has almost no sulfur, no aromatics and has about 10% built in oxygen, which helps it to burn fully. By producing and using Biodiesel we can create an environment friendly atmosphere because it has fewer harmful emissions during combustion, which ultimately reduces the build up of greenhouse gases and it can also solve the energy crisis by a huge percentage.

Pure Biodiesel (B100) needs to meet the requirements of ASTM D6751 to avoid engine operational problems.

ASTM D-6751 standards for Biodiesel

Flash point (closed cup)                              130˚C min. (150˚C average)

Water and sediment                                    0.050% by vol., max.

Kinematical viscosity at 40˚C                       1.9-6.0 mm2/s

Ramsbottom carbon residue, % mass           0.10

Sulfated ash                                               0.020% by mass, max.

Sulfur                                                        0.05% by mass, max.

Copper strip corrosion                                 No. 3 max.

Cetane                                                       47 min.

Carbon residue                                           0.050% by mass, max.

Acid number—mg KOH/g                             0.80 max.

Free glycerin                                              0.020% mass

Total glycerin (free glycerin and                  0.240% by mass, max. unconverted glycerides combined)

Phosphorus content                                    0.001 max. % mass

Distillation at 360˚C                                   90% at the rate of

Biodiesel is produced from feed stocks such as oilseeds, vegetable oils, used cooking oils, animal tallow. We produce highly purified commercial Biodiesel (B100) at our own Biodiesel plant. It can be used alone or mixed in any ratio with petroleum diesel. The most common blend is B20 (a mix of 20% Biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel). Our Biodiesel plant produces ASTM D6751- compliant Biodiesel from any vegetable oil. The Production capacity is 30 KL per day.

• Renewal energy source and thus it helps towards green future.
• Safe to store, handle and use.
• Biodiesel ensures extra mileage, increases engine life, keeps the engine cool.
• Biodiesel blends significantly and cuts particulate matter emissions.
• Lower emissions of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide and ultimately it reduces pollution.
• High cetane number improves engine performance.

• Biodiesel is a better source of energy for our community and planet.
• Provides energy security and saves foreign currency.
• Creates employment, helps rural development, provides multi-facet benefits in the rural economy, provides opportunity of self employment and used of barren and fallow land.
• Reduces energy crisis and dependence on crude oil imports

Biodiesel production majorly depends upon Tree Borne Oil Seeds (TBO). As a result substantial cultivation is necessary to grow more oil seeds (Non edible). Among the many tree born oil seeds Jatropha, Karanja and Castor have been found to be the most suitable TBO for the production of Biodiesel due to the favorable attributes. About 130 lakh Metric Tons of crude oil get used in our country at present but in the year 2010 it will reach up to 204 lakh Metric Tons. The import of crude oil consumes large volume of countries exchequer. Biodiesel severely affects the economy with its production which opens another way to Foreign Exchange Reserve [10 million hectares of waste land: 15 million tons of seeds yield (1.5 tons/hectare) = 4.0 million tons of oil]. Furthermore, petroleum availability is limited – Biodiesel from renewable sources ensures energy security of the country. GDP of the country is expected to grow by 9% by the end of 11th Five Year plan and the energy demand is expected to grow by 5%. More than 70% of India’s total petroleum conservation is imported from international market. Therefore, development of Biodiesel as an alternative and renewal source of energy is important for the nation’s self-reliance. Jatropha cultivation may lead to a revolutionary transformation of the current gloomy economic and energy scenario with an era of economic bloom and prosperity for all sections of the society. Jatropha cultivation generates an income of Rs. 25,000.00 per hectare and Rs. 1,50,000.00 from the 5th yr. in the existing system of farming.

• We have successfully test run the following: 
  We are using (as test run) Biodiesel (5% to 20%) to run our Bolero car. For ready reference we are enclosing the Emission Test Certificate of that vehicle runs on Diesel and Biodiesel. We observed remarkable reduction in CO, HC and SD.
• It is surprising to know that a commercial vehicles in Howrah (India) run on (as test run) Biodiesel marked a significant reduction of CO, HC and SD.
• We are happy to inform that two Emission Test Certificate issuing centers have refused to issue clearance certificate as they have not found any pollution in our car run on Biodiesel after 45 minutes of vigorous Emission Test/checking.
• In our factory, we are using (as test run) Biodiesel (B20-B100) to run our Genset (Kirloskar Green 125 KVA), and marked significant performance.
• Biodiesel ensures increased Engine Life and keeps the Engine Cool significantly.
• Biodiesel ensures extra Mileage.
• We have used (as test) Biodiesel to run pump set, Auto.
• It is very important to know that Biodiesel is a diesel substitute and requires no engine (diesel) change / modifications.
• Three wheeler village carts (VANO) and diesel engine motorboats (small size) run on 5% Biodiesel blend in Sundarvan, West Bengal, India.

• The standards for storage and handling which are generally used for petroleum diesel are also recommended for Biodiesel.
• Biodiesel should always be stored in a dark, clean and dry environment.
• The storage containers should be made up of aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and Teflon.
• The storage containers should not be made up of copper, brass, lead, tin, and zinc.
• Biodiesel can act as a solvent on certain types of painted surfaces just like petroleum diesel. Therefore, in case of spills the area should be wiped clean as soon as possible.

The crush process for oilseeds produce oil and also oil cakes (solid pressed with a little oil), which has value as high quality animal feed for the agricultural industry. Glycerin is the major byproduct obtained after Biodiesel production. It is in its crude (impure) form which has a variety of uses starting from manufacturing soaps and various cosmetic products. Gum is yet another byproduct obtained during Biodiesel production. It is separated from the seed oils by the degumming process. Gums are required for pesticide application.

How is Biodiesel made?

Biodiesel is made by a chemical process known as transesterification from vegetable oils or animal fats. The two end products of this process are – methyl esters (the chemical name for Biodiesel) and glycerin (a basic byproduct used for making soaps and many other products).

What are the uses of Biodiesel?

Biodiesel can be used in generators, heavy equipments, buses, automobiles, boat engines, trucks etc.

Do I need to modify the engine to run Biodiesel?

For low Biodiesel blends (less than B40) no engine modifications are necessary. The specifications of Biodiesel have been established so that it can be used safely in any diesel engine. Some modifications are necessary for higher Biodiesel concentrations.

What is the performance of Biodiesel?

Biodiesel can be good for the engine for two reasons. First Biodiesel has more lubricating properties than petroleum diesel. Adding just a little of Biodiesel increases lubricity to an acceptable level. The second advantage is that Biodiesel will help clean the fuel system. Because it is a good solvent, it can remove deposits and buildup from tanks, lines, pumps and other fuel system components. How is Biodiesel used? Biodiesel can be blended and used with petroleum at any percentage. The most significant ratio demonstrated is B20 a blend of 20% Biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel by volume. This particular blend has environmental benefits with a minimum increase in costs.

What is Biodiesel’s performance in cold weather?

Biodiesel will gel in extremely cold temperatures similarly as petroleum diesel does. Although, pure Biodiesel has a higher cloud point than petroleum diesel, typical blends of Biodiesel (B20) are managed with the same fuel management techniques as petroleum diesel. However, blends of 5% Biodiesel and less have virtually no impact on cold flow.

What is the shelf life of Biodiesel?

Generally, it is recommended to store petroleum diesel not more than six months. This is because fuel aging and oxidation can lead to elevated acid content, high viscosity and formation of gums and sediments that may clog filters. Biodiesel is to be used within six months as per current industry recommendation.