The blue represents the ocean, the green represents the land, and the concept behind it all is an eco-friendly, cost effective alternative to greenhouse gas emitting petroleum fuels. It is the LEEP Biobus, and it uses a biodiesel fuel mixture that is an environmentally friendly, renewable resource.
The LEEP Biobus was purchased in the summer of 2006 with the help of several sponsors, including ALCOA, Noisette, and Chris Inglese. Several volunteers helped to sand it down, paint it, and get it road worthy.
Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel which can be produced from domestic renewable resources such as soybean or vegetable oil. Because of this domestic production, it helps reduce the need to import foreign oil. Fuel grade biodiesel must meet strict industry specifications in order to meet proper performance standards, and it is the only alternative fuel that can be used in existing diesel machinery and meets the requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.
While pure vegetable oil does not meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it can be processed and enhanced to do so. The term "biodiesel" refers to a pure fuel before blending, and when recycled from used cooking oil, the exhaust is often said to smell like French fries.
The LEEP biobus runs on a mixture of biodiesel, and regular diesel fuels. It is mixed at a 99% biodiesel during the summer which is referred to as a B99, and 70% biodiesel to 30% petroleum diesel mixture or B70 . Most commercial vehicles use a B20 mixture (only 20% Bio-fuel).
Exhaust from this system is deceiving. While fine particulates are produced when the engine is strained (i.e. during acceleration, or heavy use on inclines), this exhaust is actually much better for the environment than it may appear. In a pure biodiesel system, as compared to a petroleum based diesel engine, both carbon monoxide and particulate matter are reduced by almost 50%. Hydrocarbons are reduced by up to 65%, and sulfur emissions (a leading cause of acid rain) are completely eliminated. It has been estimated that biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. In addition to all these benefits, it also helps lubricate engine parts better than its petroleum based counterparts, and at a B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum) mixture, it produces similar torque, horsepower and mileage ratings.
Call us today to schedule your class or organizations field trip
800.732.9625
Thanks to:
Biodiesel.org
Biodieselnow.com
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