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Bioheat® Basics

Bioheat® is traditional home heating oil blended with Biodiesel. To understand what makes Bioheat® thecleaner and renewable home heating oil for now and the future, its important to understand the basics about Biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a renewable energy resource made domestically from fatty acids found in soy and other vegetable oils, recycled restaurant oils, and other natural sources.

HOW MUCH BIODIESEL IS BLENDED WITH HEATING OIL TO MAKE BIOHEAT®?

Bioheat® blends usually range between 2% and 5%. Pure Biodiesel is called B100. A Bioheat® blend with 2% Biodiesel is referred to as B2, a blend with 5% Biodiesel as B5 and so on up to B100 – pure Biodiesel.

WHAT IS BIODIESEL MADE FROM?

Currently 47% of Biodiesel is commonly made from soybean oil. Another 14% is corn oil derived from a high nutrient livestock feed and co-product of ethanol production. 13% comes from animal fats and the remainder is a combination of canola oil, yellow grease, brown grease, and other materials. The majority of the materials are EPA approved. There are constantly new sources being explored, such as pennycress, algae, jatropha, palm oil, low ricin castor, and seashore mallow.

HOW IS BIODIESEL PRODUCED?

Through a chemical process known as transesterification – when glycerin is separated from fats or other oils of the feedstock.The glycerin is sold for use in the manufacturing of soaps and other household products. The remaining, purified methyl esters are Biodiesel.

WHERE IS BIODIESEL PRODUCED?

Independent production facilities across the nation are capable of producing more than 2 billion gallons of Biodiesel per year, using a variety of feedstocks. It is readily available through direct shipment from over 1,459 petroleum distributors, and a few public pumps as well.

HOW MUCH BIODIESEL IS BEING PRODUCED?

With the EPA’s commitment to renewable energy standards, the demand for domestic fuel alternatives, and the growing endorsement of manufacturers, Biodiesel production is expected to rise considerably within the next few years. A billion gallons should be produced in 2012, and 1.28 billion gallons are expected to be produced by 2013.

BIOHEAT® AND BIODIESEL IS QUALITY ASSURED.

BQ-9000 is a voluntary quality assurance program that accredits producers of Biodiesel. BQ-9000 promotes the success of Biodiesel, warrants that the quality is maintained at proper specifications, and helps monitor quality throughout the distribution system.