Tagged: diesel

The Basics of Making Biodiesel

Biodiesel is much easier to make now that we have biodiesel processors that can make the job a cinch! Biodiesel can be made from vegetable oil and is a great deal healthier for the environment than standard fossil fuels.

One thing you will need to decide is whether you want to make your fuel using either ethanol or methanol. Ethanol can be produced yourself, however it is much easier to use methanol, which must be purchased from a supplier, as there is no way to make it yourself.

Your catalyst should be made of lye and either contains sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These are preferred as they quickly absorb moisture in the air. Canola oil, sunflower oil, soil oil, and corn oil can all be used to make biodiesel.

You can find many sites online which sell biodiesel fuel equipment, and most of them range in prices anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Most of the machines will come with detailed instructions on how to work the machine. It’s good to be sure that the company you purchase your fuel processor from offers customer service in which you can contact if you have any questions or run into a problem with your machine.

Another thing you might want to consider is that if your car doesn’t already run on diesel, you will need to pay to have your car converted. This can be very expensive and may not be possible with every vehicle. You can do some research online or phone up the maker of your car to see if your car is able to be converted to diesel.

Many types of vehicles and machines are able to run on biodiesel now, including boats, cars/trucks, and even farm equipment. Making biodiesel fuel is not only a cost-effective way to run your machinery and automobile, but also a great alternative to pollution-emitting fossil fuels.


Making Biodiesel Fuel: Easier And Less Costly Than You Might Think!

Why continue to hand over your hard earned dollars to the power thirsty big oil corporations, when you could learn how to make biodiesel fuel from vegetable oil. Yes, honestly, it is a quick an easy DIY job that could save you thousands through the year.

Better still, you’ll be helping in the continued fight to reduce our effect on the environment, by recycling something that is just dumped in landfill in thousands of tons each year. And of course, biodiesel in itself is much kinder than burning fossil fuels.

The first thing you’ll want to do when deciding to make your own biodiesel is to read up about the over-all process to make sure you’re ready to commit. Biodiesel fuel equipment can be costly, although you would save thousands by investing in a biodiesel kit, you want to be sure that you will be committed to making your own fuel. If you’re still positive that you want to make your own fuel, then you’ll need to stock up on lots of vegetable oil! Hit up some local restaurants for their used oil—most are happy to have someone to haul it away from them!

Whilst getting the raw ingredients to make biodiesel fuel is simple, producing it is not as hard as you may think either. The easiest way is to work with someone already producing their own. Failing that however, there are many places where you can get step by step guides and kits you can buy to lead you every step of the way. There are a huge assortment of biodiesel processors available online.

The most important step in making your own fuel is to make or buy a biodiesel processor to convert the oil into a fuel safe for use in diesel engines. Some engines may also need to be converted prior to adding biodiesel, but this can be checked with your manufacturer.

After obtaining a processor, it’s time to make the fuel! As long as you read the instructions and are 100% clear on the fuel-making process, the proper way to store fuel, and how to maintain the biodiesel equipment, you should have an easy time of making your own fuel!


The Basics Of Biodiesel Storage

Those of us producing our own biodiesel fuel are probably aware of how important it is to store the fuel properly, especially when the weather turns warm. Your storage container is an important part of making biodiesel. It’s essential to choose a storage container that is not only safe, but can increase the life of the fuel.

If biodiesel is stored in a container with little head space then it can be held for longer periods of time. Also the biodiesel containers should be protected from the weather and direct sunlight. Long term storage in damp conditions of a partially filled container can lead to condensation. Keep your fuel tanks as filled as possible even if you have to blend the fuel. This should be done especially in the rainy winter months or when the fuel is not being used. Corrosion of metal fuel tanks can occur due to the condensed moisture that accumulates.

When water condensation develops, it becomes a prime atmosphere for bacteria and fungus to grow, which feed off of the hydrocarbons of the fuel.  These organisms accumulate and grow over periods of time and resemble a film or slime. Because biodiesel is such a strong solvent it can cause the slime to separate from the tank walls. This free floating slime can clog fuel filters which in turn will cause the engine to stop suddenly.

There are several products available for sale called biocides that can kill or prevent this growth. Biocides are chemicals that kill bacteria and fungi that are growing in the fuel tanks. The biocides will not interfere with the combustion of the fuel or effect the way the engine operates. You must remember that biocides are very toxic and should only be used as the manufacturer recommends.

With proper precautions your biodiesel can be stored algae free and for long periods of time. Sunlight and water are your fuels number one enemy; by keeping them away you keep your fuel quality high.

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