They've been ground to make burgers and roasted to make snacks, now soybeans are being turned into fuel. And, the next time you pass a Pennsylvania Turnpike vehicle, it could be powered by biodiesel.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has taken delivery of nearly 2,000 gallons of soybean oil which will be mixed with 10,000 gallons of regular diesel fuel to help power the Turnpike's vehicle fleet. Since 75% of the vehicles owned by the Turnpike run on diesel, the switch to biodiesel represents a significant effort on the part of the Turnpike to switch to alternate fuels.          "The Turnpike heard about the great results with biodiesel nationwide," said Daryl Alger, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Soybean Board (PASB). "They were eager to try it out because of its reputation as probably the easiest, quickest way to meet federal Clean Air regulations."

         Jack Doyle, Fleet Equipment Systems Manager for the Turnpike, said that biodiesel has been used by vehicles refueling at the Trevose and Devault maintenance sheds for the past few months and "we've experienced no problems".

Farm to fuel - Pennsylvania soybean farmer Bill Beam (left) holds a stock of soybeans while PA Turnpike equipment operator Brad Hackman displays a can of biodiesel now being used to help fuel the Turnpike's vehicle fleet. A mixture of 20% soy and 80% regular diesel creates a cleaner burning fuel which officials hope will help the Turnpike comply with federal clean air regulations.

         The addition of biodiesel to the two Turnpike fueling stations comes after a test conducted last winter at the New Cumberland maintenance shed in which 600 gallons of the 20% soy/80% regular diesel fuel mix were used in a number of Turnpike pick-up trucks. "That test went well so we decided to expand the program," said Doyle. "Biodiesel will be used in all types of diesel-powered vehicles including large trucks, small trucks -- even tractors."

The biodiesel mix is about $.50 a gallon more expensive at the moment than regular diesel fuel. "That's basically because the national soybean reserve is low and there isn't a large stock available for conversion to fuel," Doyle explained.          A $3,348.00 grant from the PASB is helping to finance the Turnpike's experiment with biodiesel. "Developing a biodiesel market is a key goal for both national and state soybean organizations," said Alger. "So supporting the Turnpike's trial run fits right in with our nationwide strategy."          But cost isn't the only factor in the Turnpike's experiment with biodiesel. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) requires the Turnpike to

utilize alternative fuels in 10% of its vehicles under 8700 pounds gross weight by 1997. By 2001, 75% of the vehicles purchased by the Turnpike in that weight category must run on alternative fuels.
         "The law covers most of the vehicles in the Turnpike's fleet," said Doyle. "All our cars, pick-up trucks, utility trucks, vans and some small trucks fit into that category."
         Biodiesel does not yet qualify as an alternative fuel under federal law, but efforts are underway in Washington to have the fuel included. "We hope biodiesel will qualify because there are a number of benefits for the Turnpike," Doyle continued. "One of the top advantages of biodiesel is that it doesn't require special tanks, special handling or expensive alterations to the vehicles."
         Biodiesel is also environment-friendly. It results in fewer emissions of smoke and particulate matter. During the Turnpike's test program last winter, vehicles using biodiesel emitted 17% less particulate matter. The fuel is also non-toxic and biodegradable.
          "In fact," Doyle said there has been just one problem identified with using biodiesel. "The exhaust smells like cooking french fries so the equipment operators are getting hungry quicker."
         The experiments with biodiesel are not the Turnpike's first venture into alternative fuels. There are two natural gas- powered pick-up trucks in the Turnpike fleet with fueling stations near Gibsonia and Plymouth Meeting. In mid-October, the Turnpike took delivery of a propane-powered pick-up truck which is stationed at the Western Regional Office in New Stanton.
         Efforts to introduce alternative fuel-powered vehicles into the Turnpike fleet have been frustrated by the lack of available refueling locations. "Basically we have to develop our own network of refueling stations," said Doyle. If the expanded biodiesel test program goes well, all 20 of the Turnpike's diesel refueling stations will begin using the fuel.
         "If biodiesel is accepted by the federal government as an alternative fuel, it looks like the most economical way for us to comply with EPACT regulations," Doyle concluded. "In the meantime, we will continue our experiments with other environment-friendly fuels."

How is biodiesel made?
Biodiesel is made through a conventional chemical process called transesterification. This process makes biodiesel and a by- product called glycerin, which is used in everything from toothpaste to antifreeze.

What specific emissions does biodiesel reduce?
Independent research shows that biodiesel in a 20 percent blend with petroleum diesel, along with the use of a catalytic converter, reduces particulate matter by 31 percent; carbon monoxide by 21 percent; and total hydrocarbons by 47 percent.

Has biodiesel been thoroughly tested?
Biodiesel has been extensively tested by government agencies, university researchers, and private industry in the United States, Canada and Europe. Demonstration programs in the United States have logged more than seven million miles on biodiesel blends.

In addition, the National SoyDiesel Development Board has commissioned more than 20 research projects to explore benefits ranging from increased lubricity to biodegradability.

Who blends the fuel, and how is it done?
Transit properties can have their diesel suppliers obtain biodiesel and simply blend it before delivery. Or they can have biodiesel delivered directly to the transit site and mix it themselves. It blends easily, stays mixed, and requires no special handling.

Which blend is best?
Fleet managers have had success with a variety of blends, but a 20-30 percent blend of biodiesel with petroleum diesel is generally recommended.

What else does biodiesel offer?
Because it is made from renewable resources like soybeans, biodiesel has a positive energy balance. That means every gallon of biodiesel provides more energy that it takes to create it. Biodiesel also is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it safe to transport and safer for the environment.