5 Unexpected Uses for Bio Diesel Fuel

Posted: Oct 21, 2012
Author: Bumgarner Oil

Most everyone is familiar with the use of bio diesel as a substitute for diesel fuel that is gaining popularity due to increased awareness of environmental impact and skyrocketing prices. However, there are many unconventional ways to use bio diesel rather than in your car. Here are 5 unexpected ways that bio diesel is being used:

1) Domestic Heating

Although you usually hear of bio diesel being used as a vehicle fuel, many people are looking at heating their homes using bio diesel. Bio diesel is a great option for making your home a greener living space since it burns much cleaner than traditional home heating oil. Look for a business in your area that specializes in bio heat for more information.

2) Cleaning Oil Spills

Bio diesel is known as being environmentally friendly, but did you also know it can help to clean up oil spills?  Bio diesel has been tested as a potential cleaning agent for shorelines where oil spills have occurred and has been shown as being effective in coagulating crude oil and allowing it to be skimmed off the surface of water.

3) Cleaning and Lubricating Tools and Working Parts

A bio diesel such as B100 is a good solvent that can clean dirty and greasy tools and surfaces. Also, bio diesel is great for decreasing and lubricating bike-chains and other parts. It can also be used as an industrial solvent for metal cleaning, which is advantageous because of its lack of toxicity.

4) Removing Paint and Adhesives

Bio diesel can replace paint thinner, which can be extremely toxic, for paint removal. However, it is best used on small paint jobs and not something large scale like your car’s custom paint job. Also, bio diesel can be used to remove adhesives from surfaces left over from products such as duct tape.

5) As a Lubricating Additive

Bio diesel can be used to enhance engine performance since it is a better lubricant than current low sulphur petroleum. Bio diesel has superior solvent properties, reduces the risk of skin and eye irritation, and helps to make the engine and parts last longer.