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Biodiesel is
non-toxic, readily
biodegradable
and
essentially free of
sulfur and
aromatics.
Here are
only some of many
benefits of
Biodiesel for marine
use
-
Non-toxic
-
Biodegradable
-
Cleaner Exhaust
Above and Below
Deck
-
Higher, Safer
Flashpoint vs.
Diesel
-
Superior
Lubricity
Improves Engine
Life
Biodiesel
reduces harm to
fish and humans:
Biodiesel is
considered
non-toxic, as
printed in NIOSH
(National
Institute for
Occupational
Safety and
Health)
Guidelines in
its Registry of
the Toxic
Effects of
Chemical
Substances.
Vessel operators
and engine
workers report a
noticeable
change in
exhaust odor.
Biodiesel users
also report
having no eye
irritation
compared with
petroleum diesel
fumes.
Biodiesel is
biodegradable:
Biodiesel is 10
times less toxic
than table salt
and more
biodegradable
than sugar.
According to a
1995 University
of Idaho test,
Biodiesel (even
Biodiesel
blends)
accelerate the
biodegradability
of petroleum No.
2 diesel. For
example a 20%
Biodiesel blend
degrades twice
as fast as No. 2
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
having no eye
irritation.
Since Biodiesel
is oxygenated,
diesel engines
have more
complete
combustion than
with petroleum.
Biodiesel is a
safe
alternative:
The flash point
(the point at
which fuel
ignites) for
Biodiesel (B100)
is a minimum of
300 degrees
versus about 125
degrees
Fahrenheit for
regular
petroleum diesel
#2. These
factors make
Biodiesel one of
the safest fuels
to use, handle
and store. It is
even less
irritating to
skin than a 4%
soap and water
solution.
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.
Start-up, power,
range and
cold-weather
performance
characteristics
are similar to
diesel.
Biodiesel is the
perfect fuel
additive:
Biodiesel's high
lubricity
effectively
compensates for
the lack of
fuel-related
lubrication in
the new Ultra
Low-Sulfur and
CARB petroleum
diesel fuels.
Moreover, the
higher levels of
cetane will help
reduce engine
knocking and
provide for
smoother engine
performance.
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