Intro Into Biodiesel Fuel
By now everyone realizes the importance of reducing that carbon emissions that are contributing to global climate change. Regardless if you feel the this is part of a naturally occuring, cyclinical global warming event or completely man made, nobody can discount that carbon emissions have at least contributed to the warming the entire world has been experiencing. One of the leading causes of global climate change has to be the emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel, so we must have a cleaner source of fuel for our vehicles.
Enter biodeisel. A clean burning, renewable energy source that with widespread use will not only help reduce our country's dependance on foreign oil but will also help save money and be easier on our environment. There are many advantages to using biodiesel, however the purpose of this Lens isn't to discuss those - rather show you how to make biodiesel at home.
Also note that this is just an overview of how to make biodiesel. A complete in-depth how-to is beyond the scope of this lens, although there are some great books for doing so. The goal here is to show that it's not rocket science and that it's possible for anyone mechanically inclined to make biodiesel fuel for their own use in their garage or backyard.
Making Biodiesel At Home
The process of making biodiesel essentially comes down to separating the vegetable oil, or the fat if it's produced from an animal, from the glycerin. This process is known as transesterification.When we're done, there will be two materials, glycerin and bio diesel - also known with its chemical name as methyl ester.
Great Biodisel Gear From Amazon
BIODIESEL No War Required Bumper Sticker
Amazon Price: $2.95 (as of 01/09/2009) 
Zee Line Rotary Chemical and Biodiesel Pump, Model# 1014R
Amazon Price: $129.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
BIODIESEL No War Required Large Bumper Sticker
Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 01/09/2009)
Fuel Tank Valve Selector WVO,SVO,Biodiesel
Amazon Price: $55.00 (as of 01/09/2009)
Zee Line Lever Chemical and Biodiesel Pump, Model# 377
Amazon Price: $89.99 (as of 01/09/2009)
Ingredients Needed For Biodiesel Production
- 75% vegetable oil or animal fat
- 22% methanol
- 3% lye or soda caustic
Production Of The Biodiesel Fuel
As you can see, we haven't didn't cover all the equipment in full details, but this is the overall process. Some biodiesel producers make it with different ingredients or that they mix the resulted biodiesel with paraffin or other type of petrolatum to make it thinner and more liquid, but basically this is the process. You can find more details at MakingBiodieselAtHome.Org, or by reading some of the books listed below.
By using or preparing biodiesel yourself, you'll be doing your part for a cleaner environment and being economically wise.
Making Biodiesel In Your Garage (Video)
A walkthrough of the steps for making biodiesel at home
Making Biodiesel at Home
A walkthrough of the steps for making biodiesel at home, and driving your car for 65-75 cents/gallon. June 2008 update from the guy who makes this in the video - "methanol is $3.95 a gallon now, pushing my per gallon price to around $1 +/- .05 depending on yield and lye."
Good Books For Making Biodisel At Home
From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank: The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel
Amazon Price: $22.45 (as of 01/09/2009)
How to make biodiesel
Amazon Price: $16.20 (as of 01/09/2009)
Biodiesel Power: The Passion, the People, and the Politics of the Next Renewable Fuel
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 01/09/2009)
What Do You Think? Advice?
stargazer00 wrote...
I wondered how bio-diesel was made. Thanks for the overview.
Posted November 03, 2008
