Biodiesel Methods

Making a large batch of biodiesel (video)

natescape — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:20:00 GMT

In these four videos, you'll see how to set up a small-scale biodiesel production facility. They feature Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply.

This is part 5 in the series. <- Previous

Part I - Introduction to Biodiesel
Part 2 - How Biodiesel is Made
Part 3 - Making a Small Batch of Biodiesel
Part 4 - Titrating Oil for Biodiesel
Part 5 - Making a Large Batch of Biodiesel - is here

Discuss biodiesel production in our biodiesel production forum.

Making A Large Batch - Shop Intro & Filtering Oil (08:30)
This video highlights how you can set up a basic small scale Biodiesel production facility. We introduce you to some of the basic components you'll need to produce Biodiesel. In particular, we show how to filter oil, how to transfer oil around in a shop, how we store and transfer methanol, introduce the catalyst and more. We also discuss a bit about which diesels can handle Biodiesel.

Loading Oil, Catalyst, & Methanol (05:35)
Using a BioPro 380, we introduce how easy Biodiesel can be made. We show how to load the machine with oil using an inexpensive sump pump, how to add the methanol, how to measure out the catalyst & get ready to start the batch. There are several different styles and kinds of Biodiesel production equipment available on the market, this one just happens to be our personal favorite.

Making A Large Batch - Starting The Batch (02:24)
Using the same BioPro 380, we show how to start the machine and get a batch running. This one's pretty small because it really doesn't take much to get it going. Reach around back, turn the machine on, and push the start button. We then load it with sulfuric acid (to give us higher yields) and then we let the machine take care of the rest.

Making A Large Batch - Transferring Finished Fuel (06:19)
This video wraps up our videos on making a large batch of Biodiesel. Using a BioPro 190, we transfer finished fuel from the machine into our storage barrels. We also give a basic overview of the BioPro machines, discuss the differences in the machines, and then wrap it up.

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Titrating oil for biodiesel (video)

natescape — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:29:00 GMT

In these four videos, you'll see how to titrate your oil to determine the acidity of the oil before converting it into biodiesel. They feature Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply.

This is part 3 in the series. <-Previous | Next->

Part I - Introduction to Biodiesel
Part 2 - How Biodiesel is Made
Part 3 - Making a Small Batch of Biodiesel
Part 4 - Titrating Oil for Biodiesel
Part 5 - Making a Large Batch of Biodiesel

Discuss biodiesel production in our biodiesel production forum.

Titrating Oil - Building A Titration Kit (04:11)
In this video we show how to build a basic titration kit that will be used to titrate oil with. Titration is nothing nore than a method used to find out what the acid level is in the oil that will be used to produce Biodiesel. It's necessary to know this because it will indicate how much catalyst will be used to make biodiesel.

Titrating Oil - The Chemistry (05:04)
This video explains the chemistry behind how a titration works. We explain what a titration will indicate and why it's important to perform them on used oil. Don't worry, like the other video's we keep this one simple. No chemistry degree needed.

Titrating Oil - Preparing Titration Solution (04:31)
This video shows how to prepare the titration solution that will be used to do the actual titration with. It's important that this be done accurately because it will impact the titration readings. To make it, add 1 gram of catalyst (either Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) or Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) to 1 liter of water.

Titrating Oil - The Actual Titration (10:54)
This is where it all comes together. We do 3 complete titrations from start to finish. We measure everything out, explain how to mix everything, do the actual titrations, and then explain what the results mean.

The Basic Titration Method
1- Add 1 mL of Oil to 10 mL of Isopropyl Alcohol
2- Add a couple drops of indicator solution (Phenolphthalein is what we used)
3- Start adding measured amounts of Titration Solution
4- Watch for the color change to stay for 30 seconds
5- Record how much titration solution was used
Titration Solution Used = Number Of Grams Of Catalyst To Use Per Liter Of Oil
If there were 4mL used, then 7.5 + 4 = 11.5 grams X 100 liters of oil = 1150 grams of KOH
Click Here To See A Complete Titration Kit

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Making a small batch of biodiesel (videos)

natescape — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

In these two videos, you'll see how to easily make a small batch of biodiesel. They feature Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply.

This is part 3 in the series. <- Previous | Next ->

Part I - Introduction to Biodiesel
Part 2 - How Biodiesel is Made
Part 3 - Making a Small Batch of Biodiesel
Part 4 - Titrating Oil for Biodiesel
Part 5 - Making a Large Batch of Biodiesel

Discuss biodiesel production in our biodiesel production forum.

Making A Small Batch - Part 1 (06:28) |
Here we talk about how to get ready to make a small batch of Biodiesel from new oil. We'll show you how to weigh out the chemicals, how to make something called Methoxide, and discuss proper safety precaustions when preparing to make your first batch.

Making A Small Batch - Part 2 (07:47)
While our methoxide dissolves we go over everything you'll need to make a mini batch. We talk about where to find the ingredients needed including the chemicals needed, the best kind of oils to use (hint: Chinese restaurants rock!), and discuss some safety issues related to storing chemicals and methanol. We then dump the methoxide in and watch the magic happen!

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How biodiesel is made (video)

natescape — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:26:00 GMT

These three videos give the background on the process of making biodiesel. They feature Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply.

This is part 2 in the series. <- Previous | Next ->

Part I - Introduction to Biodiesel
Part 2 - How Biodiesel is Made
Part 3 - Making a Small Batch of Biodiesel
Part 4 - Titrating Oil for Biodiesel
Part 5 - Making a Large Batch of Biodiesel

Discuss biodiesel production in our biodiesel production forum.

The Theory

In this video we discuss how Biodiesel is chemically produced. We use simple drawings and diagrams to keep it easy & simple to understand. Don't worry, we promise, there's no chemistry degree needed. We think you'll find it really educational! We also discuss some of it's chemical properties including some of the great benefits Biodiesel has over petro diesel.

Dealing with Used Oils

Here we take things a step further and talk more about what goes on when Biodiesel is being produced, including how to make it from used oils that commonly contain things called Free Fatty Acids (FFA's). Yep. We keep this one simple too so that it's easy to understand.

The Basic Recipe

Now that the theory & chemistry is out of the way it's time to talk about how it's made in a production setting. Using a basic diagram, we'll walk you through how it's produced from start to finish. From filtering the oil to drying the finished Biodiesel, we discuss it all! We then give you the basic recipe for making Biodiesel.

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Introduction to biodiesel (video)

natescape — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:49:00 GMT

This video gives a basic introduction to organic oils and how they can be run in diesel engines. We'll discuss some of the cool history behind the diesel engine, why they can run on organic oils, how different oils can effect a diesel engine, and then we'll discuss the big difference between Biodiesel and Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO).

Featuring Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply.

This is part 1 in the series. Next video ->

Part I - Introduction to Biodiesel
Part 2 - How Biodiesel is Made
Part 3 - Making a Small Batch of Biodiesel
Part 4 - Titrating Oil for Biodiesel
Part 5 - Making a Large Batch of Biodiesel

Discuss biodiesel production in our biodiesel production forum.

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The Mcgyan Process for making biodiesel

ebztz — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 05:09:00 GMT

H ere is how it works: The process is termed the Mcgyan process after the names of the inventors (McNeff, Gyberg and Yan). The process performs a catalytic conversion of triglycerides and free fatty acids into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES); in other words into biodiesel. In addition to the environmental advantages of producing a biofuel that replaces conventional fossil fuels (fossil fuels have detrimental effects on the environment since they release sequestered carbon compounds and other pollutants into the atmosphere, whereas bio-based fuels such as biodiesel are more environmentally friendly since their use recycles carbon through renewable biomass and because they burn cleaner than petroleum fuels), this new process offers several advantages over current biodiesel production methods.

A general operational schematic of the Mcgyan™ reactor is depicted above. Oil or tallow feedstocks and alcohol are converted into biodiesel. Once through the reactor, the excess alcohol is separated out and recycled back into the continuous process.

Benefits of the Mcgyan process, according to the inventors, are:

Flexible feedstock; animal or plant sources of lipids can be used. Current waste products can be turned into fuel.
No use of strong acids or bases in the process.
Fast reaction times (seconds).
Cheap feedstocks such as waste grease and animal tallow as well as a variety of plant oils can be converted to biodiesel.
The metal oxide based catalyst is a contained in a fixed bed reactor thereby eliminating the current need to continuously add catalyst to the reaction mixture thereby reducing the amount of waste produced.
Unwanted side reactions with free fatty acids producing soaps are eliminated, thereby reducing the amount of waste that must be disposed of properly.
Insensitive to free fatty acid and water content of the feedstocks.
The catalyst does not poison over time.

The Mcgyan Process flows super critical alcohol and feedstock through a tube reactor packed with sulfated metal oxide microspheres to produce biodiesel in seconds with virtually no waste stream. The unreacted alcohol and any residual fatty acids can be recycled through the reactor making the process entirely continuous and able to achieve 100% conversion. The process was invented by SarTec Co. and Augsburg College and the discovery was announced on Friday March 7th 2008. Plans to build a prototype commercial production facility that will employ this novel process have been announced by Ever Cat in Isanti, MN.

This is incredibly good news on the commercial-scale Biodiesel front. There's even mention of potential to size down to farm scale in this video.

This is truly exciting stuff considering the reliability and multitude of sources.

Sources:

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/03/researchers-dev.html

http://www.evercatfuels.com

http://augnet.augsburg.edu/news-archives/2008/03_09_08/sartec.html

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The Basics of Biodiesel Production 101

Graydon Blair — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 00:49:00 GMT

The Basics Of Biodiesel Production
by Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the wonderful world of making Biodiesel. It's a fun and rewarding hobby where you can make your own fuel to run in diesel engines for a fraction of what regular diesel costs. In fact, most people making biodiesel themselves are making it for about $0.60 to $0.90 a gallon!. So if you're ready to have some fun while saving a lot of money on fuel bills, then read on.

PRODUCTION OVERVIEW
Biodiesel is most commonly made by chemically altering an organic oil through the use of a catalyst and an alcohol. The chemical reaction that occurs through this process breaks down the oil molecules and replaces the glycerin portion of the molecule with an alcohol molecule. The glycerin falls to the bottom and is drained off resulting in Biodiesel.

The Biodiesel is then typically washed, to remove any extra impurities and is then used as a fuel in a diesel engine without making any modifications to the engine.

Biodiesel is known chemically as a 'fatty acid methyl ester'. Which is just a fancy way of saying it's a product made from Methanol and an organic oil with fatty acid chains in it. It is easily made and has many benefits, including environmentally friendlier tailpipe emissions and improved engine performance.

Below is a guide to some of the things you'll need to know to get started.

PRECAUTIONS
1- When making Biodiesel, it's important to be safe. Because you are dealing with toxic chemicals, the potential to seriously hurt, injure, and even kill yourself and others exists. This site and its contributors will not be held responsible for any injury, death, or destruction of property that occurs while attempting to make Biodiesel.
BE SAFE WHEN MAKING BIODIESEL.

2- You'll be dealing with some fairly caustic chemicals, an alcohol called Methanol, fair amounts of heat, and the transferring of flammable fluids from one container to container so it's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher around that is capable of putting out an oil based fire.

3- Biodiesel should always be made in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets with the proper safety equipment utilized.

4- Before making large batches of Biodiesel, check with your local municipality and fire marshall to ensure that any chemicals, alcohol, or other substances you will use are being stored and used within the proper laws and ordinances for your area. Some area's refer back to state and federal fire codes. It's always a good idea to check before you get started.
Click Here for some helpful tips on working with your local municipality & fire department

5- Using home made Biodiesel in a diesel engine vehicle may void your manufacturer's warranty. Although the steps outlined to make it are fairly bullet proof and have been tested in several thousands of vehicles all over the world, there's no guarantee your engine manufacturer will honor your warranty.

6- Biodiesel is considered a fuel so if you plan to use it in a vehicle for on-road use, it may be subject to taxes. Check with your state and federal taxing agencies if in question.

7- Biodiesel itself, when properly made, is actually quite safe. It's less toxic than table salt and degrades faster than sugar. It has a higher flash point (point at which it ignites) than regular petrodiesel and if spilled isn't considered toxic.

HOW IT'S MADE
Biodiesel is actually very simple to make. It is made by chemically altering the molecular structure of any organic oil through the use of a chemical catalyst and an alcohol.

To do this, oil is simply heated to a designated temperature (to help with the chemical reaction) and then a mixture of catalyst and an alcohol are added to the oil. The oil, catalyst, and alcohol mixture are then mixed for a period of time and then allowed to settle. If successful, the chemical reaction between the oil, alcohol, and the catalyst will have broken down the oil into several layers. The top layer will be biodiesel, chemically called an Ester, the next layer may contain soap, and the bottom layer will be glycerin.

Once the layering has occured, the glycerin and soap are drained off. The biodiesel is then washed with either a mist-wash, a bubble-wash, or both. The washing is done to remove any additional soap, alcohol, or other impurities in the biodiesel.

After it's been washed, it is then dried to remove any water. Commonly it is then filtered through fuel filters and is then ready to be used.
Click Here for a basic graphical view of how it's made.

TIMING
Biodiesel typically takes a couple of days to a week from start to finish to make a batch. Most people making biodiesel make anywhere between 20 to 100 gallons at a time in a batch process.

Here's a breakdown of typical timing intervals from start to finish:

START

Collecting Oil - 1-2 hours

Filtering Oil - 1-2 hours (depends on amount of oil)

Titration Of Oil - 10-15 minutes

Transferring Oil To Processor - 10-20 minutes

Heating Oil - 1-4 hours (depends on amount of oil, voltage & wattage of element)

Making Methoxide - 5-20 minutes (depends on amount of methanol and catalyst used)

Mixing Methoxide Into Oil - 20-30 minutes

Mixing Oil & Methoxide - 2-3 hours

Settling Oil - 8-10 hours (usually overnight)

Draining Glycerin - 5-10 minutes

Transferring Biodiesel To Wash Tank - 10-20 minutes

First Mist Wash - 2-3 hours

Second Mist Wash - 2-3 hours

First Bubble Wash - 6-8 hours (usually overnight)

Second Bubble Wash - 6-8 hours (usually overnight)

Transferring Biodiesel To Drying Containers - 10-20 minutes (depends on amount)

Drying Biodiesel - 2 hours to 1 week (depends heavily on weather and amount made)

Transferring To Storage Containers - 10-20 minutes (depends on amount)

FINISH

EQUIPMENT
Biodiesel can be made in anything from a small 2 liter pop bottle to an elaborate processor complete with separate tanks for processing, washing, methoxide mixing, settling, and filtering.

Obtaining equipment is relatively easy. Complete processing equipment can be custom made using plans off of the web or by buying pre-made kits ready to assemble.

Most people get started by making small batches with minimal equipment and then gradually move up to making large batches using large processors built specifically for making biodiesel.
Click Here for a simple method for making a small batch.

Many homebrewers either buy a variety of premade processors designed for processing biodiesel or custom make their own processors either from kits or from plans on the web.

Professionally built processors can cost as little as $500 to several thousands of dollars. Kits can be purchased for making your own from several online retailers for as little as $200 on up to elaborate systems complete with methanol recovery condensors.

Most commonly, homebrewers build their own processors using plans from the web. Building a processor can be done in an afternoon in a garage. In fact, most folks have their processors built and ready to process biodiesel within a few hours of starting. Parts are relatively cheap to obtain and help is readily available through forums, workshops, and local cooperatives.
Click Here for plans on making a simple water-heater based biodiesel processor.

Additionally, most homebrewers obtain equipment, such as pumps (either manual or electric) for transferring oil, methanol, and glycerin with as well as several containers for storing oil and biodiesel in.

USING BIODIESEL
Biodiesel can easily be used in any diesel engine vehicle. Once processed, washed, and dried, biodiesel can be simply poured into the fuel tank of any diesel engine. Biodiesel can also be mixed with petrodiesel in any ratio. It easily mixes with petrodiesel and is commonly sold commercially blended with petrodiesel.

When getting started, most homebrewers typically purchase commercially made biodiesel to test in their diesels first, just to get an idea of how it reacts with their engines. From there, they may use commercially made biodiesel as a benchmark against the fuel they make, comparing their homemade biodiesel to the commercially made biodiesel.

Within minutes of biodiesel being added to the fuel tank, and especially when used in high blend ratios (50% to 100%) a noticeable difference in engine noise begins. Most report a reduction in engine noise, a smoothing of the engine, and a noticeable change in the smell of the exhaust. The longer the biodiesel is run in the engine, the better things become.

Research has been done comparing biodiesel to petrodiesel across a wide range of measurements. One of the most significant differences is the drastic reduction in tailpipe emissions biodiesel produces over petrodiesel. Reductions in hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter have been significant. For many using biodiesel, these emission reductions are reason enough to use this incredible alternative fuel.

Besides better emissions, research has indicated an increase in engine longevity, a decrease in engine maintenance, and a better performing engine. Because biodiesel has solvent properties by nature, it acts as a cleaning agent on the fuel system in diesel engines. This means that it cleans things up the more it's used.

Because of these solvent properties, some have noted that fuel lines in older diesel engines may degrade because the biodiesel breaks them down. Particularly susceptible are fuel lines made from natural rubber. Most of the susceptible fuel lines can easily be replaced with inexpensive fuel line that are biodiesel compatible. If in doubt, check with your local dealer. The lines usually degrade over time and develop small seeping leaks instead of large leaks.

Diesel engines made after 1993 and sold in the United States typically won't have this problem as the fuel lines are already biodiesel compatible. This is because of a reduction in sulphur in diesel fuel in 1993 in the United States that necessitated manufacturer's needing to change the fuel lines with non-rubber lines.

Homebrewers use biodiesel in varying blends but most commonly it's used in blends between 20% to 100% with 100% being the preferred method when weather allows. When the weather drops below 50° F, it's recommended to blend biodiesel with petrodiesel or add anti-gel additives to prevent biodiesel from gelling.

Another thing most biodieselers do when getting started is to change their fuel filters before using biodiesel and then change them again a few thousand miles later. This is to prevent the filters from plugging up due to biodiesel's solvent properties. As it's used, it may knock some of the "gunk" off of the walls of the fuel tank and fuel lines that have built up from the use of petrodiesel. Replacing the fuel filter's is just a precaution to ensure the engines keep on running.

TAXES & REGULATIONS
Biodiesel, if used as an on-road fuel in a vehicle, may be subject to road taxes. The taxation laws are changing all the time so check with your local tax consultant to identify which taxes biodiesel may be subject to. Currently (April 2005), the first 400 gallons of homemade biodiesel is exempt from Federal excise taxes. Anything over 400 gallons is subject to the normal tax rate. You will need to check your State Tax Code for exemptions on State Excise Taxes.

It's also important to check with your local fire marshall on fire codes for the manufacture and storage of biodiesel as well as the chemicals and alcohol used to make it. These laws and regulations are there in most cases to protect you and your neighbors. Most city officials will never have heard of biodiesel, so it may be your job to properly educate them on what it is and what you'll be using it for. Go prepared with as much information as you can and you'll improve your chances of receiving permission to make it.
Click Here for a great article on dealing with your local fire department.

THE BIODIESEL COMMUNITY
Luckily, there are several other people out there that have made and continue to make their own biodiesel. Most are incredibly helpful and willing to share what they've learned with anyone interested.

The internet has made getting help incredibly quick and easy. As always, not everything you read may be true, but for the most part those publishing web pages and sharing information via the web are willing to go the extra mile to help you out. There are several others out there that have been making it for several years and are more than happy to share with you what they have learned and help solve any problems you may run into.

Below are a few recommended places on the web where you can find helpful information about biodiesel:

Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial This site offer's great information on helping you get started making biodiesel.

Kitchen Biodiesel Walks you through making a small batch of Biodiesel

Biodiesel Homebrew Guide The definitive guide to use for homebrewing Biodiesel.

Biodiesel Now A premier Biodiesel forum for homebrewers and commercial producers

InfoPop Biodiesel A forum especially for homebrewing Biodiesel. Has a nice global presence.

Biodiesel Basics A Yahoo group designed especially for beginners.

CONCLUSION
So, in a nutshell, biodiesel is an incredibly fun and rewarding thing to get into. With a fair amount of caution and safety, you can easily make your own fuel for your diesel powered vehicles and maybe even find a few friends along the way.

To get started, really all you need to do is:

Give it a try in your vehicle

Make a few small batches

Build a processor

Make a few large test batches

Begin making large batches

Click here for more information on how to get started making biodiesel.

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