The Biodiesel Handbook

Gerhard Knothe, Jon Van Gerpen, and Jürgen Krahl
Hardbound. 304 pages. 2005
Whether it is created as neat diesel fuel or in blends with petroleum-based diesel fuels, biodiesel represents a positive alternative to fossil fuels. Many researchers around the world have dealt with the legislative, chemical, and engineering issues that result from the study of biodiesel. The Biodiesel Handbook summarizes these issues and how they have been dealt with, but also presents new data and technical information. Chapters include summaries on legislative and regulatory efforts around the world, the history of vegetable oil-based diesel fuels, the basic concept of the diesel engine, and glycerol, a valuable byproduct of biodiesel production. As the most up-to-date resource on biodiesel available, The Biodiesel Handbook is a necessary book for people interested in renewable fuels.

On the ’Clean’ Road Again: Biodiesel and the Future of the Family Farm

For more than 40 years, Willie Nelson has been a national treasure, contributing many memorable songs to our musical canon. His impact, however, extends far beyond the scope of his music. A champion of family farms, Nelson has helped mobilize support for the American farmer, both as a founder of Farm Aid and more recently as one of the nation’s most knowledgeable and recognized advocates of the use of biodiesel—a clean-burning, renewable fuel made from vegetable oils or animal fats. In this funny and inspirational book, Nelson confronts our dependency on foreign oil as a source of energy. Through facts, stories, and interviews with everyday Americans, he explains the benefits of biodiesel as an alternative fuel that not only drastically reduces carbon dioxide emissions, but also may help save our family farms. 96 pages paperback

Biodiesel, Basics And Beyond: A Comprehensive Guide to Production And Use for the Home And Farm

Canadian Environmentalist William Kemp has written a number of books on sustainability now turns his attention to biodiesel in this heafty book on homebrewing. In his book he covers everything from crushing oilseeds to making biodiesel. He has detailed instructions on how to build a processor.

Do It Yourself Guide to Biodiesel: Your Alternative Fuel Solution for Saving Money, Reducing Oil Dependency, Helping the Planet

by Guy Purcella
230 pages, paperback
Containing the most current and complete information available for would-be biodiesel makers, Do-It-Yourself Guide to Biodiesel offers a step-by-step path from the initial desire to do something good for the environment to the final stage of filling the tank with low-cost fuel. As the author tells how to break free from the grip of big oil, he counters the common myths about biodiesel with facts from university studies and his own extensive experience. The many benefits of biodiesel are detailed, including higher lubricity, increased engine life, cleaner burn, less toxicity, and faster biodegrading action. Do-It-Yourself Guide to Biodiesel explains in simple terms the procedures and the equipment needed to make biodiesel at home, in small or large batches. Readers are given a complete understanding of what biodiesel is and how to make it properly and safely. There is even a section on pitfalls to avoid as well as the author’s personal tips and tricks.