Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel, 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, nontoxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. TECHNICAL DEFINITION FOR BIODIESEL AND BIODIESEL BLEND Biodiesel is a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. Biodiesel is designated B100 and meets the requirements of ASTM D 6751 from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM.) Biodiesel blend is a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel, designated BXX, where XX represents the volume percentage of biodiesel fuel in the blend. For example, one biodiesel blend is B20, which is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. HOW IS BIODIESEL MADE? Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification that refines a fat or oil into a methyl ester and glycerin. Approximately 90 percent of the reaction is converted into the methyl ester which is known as biodiesel. IIS BIODIESEL THE SAME AS RAW VEGETABLE OIL? No. Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D 6751) in order to ensure proper performance. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D 6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA and it is not a legal motor fuel. WHY SHOULD I USE BIODIESEL? Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the United States from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases U.S. dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy. WHERE DO I GET BIODIESEL? Biodiesel is available nationwide. It can be purchased directly from biodiesel producers and marketers, petroleum distributors or at public pumps throughout the nation. BQ-9000 QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The National Biodiesel Accreditation Program is a cooperative and voluntary program for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel called BQ-9000. The program is a unique combination of the ASTM standard for biodiesel, ASTM D 6751, and a quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution and fuel management practices. BQ-9000 is open to any biodiesel manufacturer, marketer or distributor of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in the United States and Canada. To receive accreditation, companies must pass a rigorous review and inspection of their quality control processes by an independent auditor. This ensures that quality control is fully implemented. There are two categories of confidence: ACCREDITED PRODUCER This category is for companies that produce biodiesel fuel to the ASTM D 6751 standard. The program ensures a production company is using a system for monitoring the quality of their biodiesel, including:    • Sampling    • Testing    • Storage    • Retaining Samples    • Shipping CERTIFIED MARKETER This category is for distribution companies that sell biodiesel and biodiesel blends. This is an important designation, because proper handling of biodiesel is as critical to fuel quality as proper production. Iowa Biodiesel Board • Urbandale, IA 50322-5410 • 515.727.0664 • Toll Free 866.683.4172 • FAX 515.251.8657 HOME | IOWA BIODIESEL BOARD | BIODIESEL FACTS & FIGURES | BIODIESEL BASICS | IOWA BIODIESEL PLANTS CONTACT US | NEWS RELEASES