How To Produce Biodiesel

Producing biodiesel contributes to a clean environment and comes from a combination of vegetable oil and diesel. Your engine runs more efficiently and the air you breathe does not have additional pollutants from biodiesel. Also, biodiesel is cheaper to use than with the use of diesel. You can even learn how to produce biodiesel yourself.

It takes time to produce biodiesel but according to the people who produce this alternative fuel, it is easy to make. Safety precautions will need to be taken into consideration and it will take patience to wait for the finished production.

What do you need to make biodiesel?

* 1 liter of vegetable oil purchased at a local food store. Later, you will be able to purchase oil that has been used but since you are new at this, start with new vegetable oil.

* 200ml of 99% pure methanol. Check the label to make sure this is what you have.

* You will need a lye catalyst by using potassium hydroxide.

* A blender to mix the ingredients.

* Measuring containers for the use of methanol and oil.

* ½ liter translucent white HDPE container with bung and a cap that screws on.

* 2 funnels which will have to fit the HDPE container

* Three 2 liter PET bottles. One will be used for setting and the second will be used for washing.

* A thermometer to heat up the ingredients to the right temperature.

All ingredients will need to be accurately measured since that will guarantee your success in producing biodiesel fuel.

Follow these steps next…

* Wipe all the equipment you will be using dry.

* Transfer the methanol into the HDPE container using a funnel and carefully add the lye, screwing the cap on tightly. Mix the methanol and lye by rolling the bottle a few times. Do not shake the bottle; it can be dangerous.

* Heat the oil to 55C and put it in the blender

* Add the methanol and lye mixture to the oil in the blender

* Blend on low speed for 20 minutes or so.

* Transfer the mixture into the PET bottle which will settle the mixture.

* Leave the PET bottle alone for 12 to 24 hours.

Once the settling has completed, the entire mixture will be darker at the bottom and lighter on top. The mixture that is lighter is known as the biodiesel. Transfer the mixture into the washing bottle. You have now produced your own biodiesel fuel. Test your product and if unsure, make another batch. Before you know it, you will have a smooth running vehicle with the use of biodiesel fuel. Your friends will envy you for all the savings you will experience over their use of a gas pump that only promises increased gas prices.