Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 21. Effect of biodiesel fuel on pollutant emissions from diesel engines [32].
Table 20. Percentage reduction of operating cost by by-product sale [20]
Tonnes/year
Netherlands
USA
125,000
Glycerol (22%)
Glycerol (36%)
80,000
Glycerol (13%)
Glycerol (20%)
8,000
Glycerol (12%)
Glycerol (16%)
5.6. Selling Cost
Sell cost depends on the process used and the plant's capacity. Using the supercritical
method, price per liter can range from $0.52/l to only $0.17/l depending on capacity due to
economy of scale. Therefore, it is more profitable to produce from a large scale plant,
assuming the demand is available. Demand can be created, such as in Europe.
6. Environmental Protection
Scientists believe carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases contributing to
global warming. Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have a complete evaluation
of emission results and potential health effects submitted to the U.S.Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act Section 211(b). Among those countries have
completed the examination of exhaust emissions or demonstration, most results indicated that
neat Biodiesel (100% Biodiesel) reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 75% over
petroleum Diesel. Using a blend of 20% Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15%.
The government in Taiwan became the first country in far-east Asia to launch the “Biodiesel
Demonstration Programme” during 2005 to 2007 (see Figure 20) and subsequently initiated
the “National Biodiesel Promotion Programmes” by selling B1 at gas stations in 2008. In the
