The Process of Making Biodiesel

Procedure for making Biodiesel.

Transforming vegetable oil and making it into a homemade fuel is one of the best option for optimizing cost against the use of petroleum diesel. Not only that but it is also very easy to do.
Nearly all the major European vehicle makers now provide their cars with warranties on the use of a pure form of biodiesel. Some individuals are manufacturing their own fuel. No negative effects from this harmless process have yet been heard of.

Home biodiesel production requires the following items:
* 1 liter pure, unused vegetable oil (cooking)
* 250 ml pure methanol
* either sodium hydroxied (lye) or potassium hydroxide
* An electric blender that has a pitcher made of glass
* A set of scales that can measure with precision, down to 0.01 grams
* 1 liter high Density polyethylene container
* 2 bottles for settling
* Duct tape
* Thermometer

All the equipment must be clean and dry. The process of making biodiesel is as follows:

Be sure to wear the necessary shielding equipment such as gloves, protective eye glasses, respirator, long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Be very cautious as you perform each step. Extreme care should be taken in handling the harsh chemicals used in the process. Do a quick inventory of all parts to reassure good quality. It is necessary to make sure the blender is securely sealed and all parts clean and dry.

Before pouring oil into blender, heat it to 550 C. Carefully add into your blender, the sodium methoxide (or potassium methoxide) which was made from the HDPE container. Next, seal the lid and, for 30 minutes, carefully blend the mixture at a constant speed and temperature.

The moment the process is complete, you must pour the mixture carefully into a mini-processor. After completing the process, let the mixture sit for 12 hours or up to one day. The vial for liquid gathering is devided into two sections. One Of The Fluid Is Yellow Colored While As The Other Is Dark Colored Which Are The Byproducts Of Glycerin Biodiesel is in the top layer. The color of the fuel created depends upon the oil used but is generally a pale shade of yellow. It may be cloudy or clear, which is not much of a problem. It will become clear after awhile.

You must then take a wash test. If it makes it through the washing test, proceed with washing the remainderof the biodiesel.