Tackling biodiesel's technical challenges

Caterpillar researchers are working to mitigate biodiesel's negative effects on engine components and aftertreatment systems.

Biodiesel is on a roll. In the U.S., production of the fuel derived mainly from soybean oil and yellow grease (recycled cooking oils) is on a record pace in 2013, reaching almost 916 million gal (3.47 billion L) through August, according to the U.S.

EPA. When combined with “renewable” diesel-a similar replacement for petroleum-based diesel that uses different processing technology-the total was almost 1.1 billion gal (4.17 billion L).