Overview Of Making Biodiesel With Used Cooking Oil

Biodiesel is a type of fuel that can be used in any type of diesel engine without any modification. The viscosity is twice the amount that can be found in any regular diesel fuel. Because of this it is better at lubricating a diesel engine. Biodiesel also has the ability to dramatically reduce the amount of emissions then regular diesel.

Anyone can purchase biodiesel pre-made or they can make it themselves using equipment around the home or by purchasing a Fuelmeister biodiesel processor . This processor can cost as much as $2,995 - but the upside to this is that it comes with everything you will need to make dozens of gallons of this fuel.

Another option that you have is to burn straight vegetable oil into your diesel engine. In order to accomplish this you must first do three things.

1. Pre-heat the vegetable oil along with the storage tanks and all of the feed lines being used.
2. Start the engine using standard diesel or biodiesel fuel.
3. It is important to clean out the system by burning only regular diesel or biodiesel before you shut the engine off.

Safety Rules

Before going any further it is important that we warn you that methanol is toxic and flammable. Never let it touch your exposed skin or allow it to get into your eyes. Before getting to work make sure that you are wearing thick, protective gloves, clothing, and protective eye wear at all times while working on it.

When the lye is mixed together with the alcohol it will create a substance that is even more toxic and it will release toxic fumes. Do not let it come into contact with you at any time. It is best to always wear a mask over your mouth to keep you from inhaling it. Make sure you are in a well ventilated area. Please keep in mind also that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others.

Overview To Making Biodiesel

Transesterification is the process of making biodiesel fuel using lye, methanol, and cooking oil. You can purchase methanol at your local chemical store or even at a racetrack in your area. Granulated lye can be purchased from the local hardware store and grocery store.

The first thing you will need to do is to filter the used cooking oil. You can pick up oil filters at a restaurant supply store. Make sure that the oil is lumpy, thick, or solid when you warm it up. You can either use the sun to heat up the oil or a water heating element or even an electric gas burner.

The temperature that you want it to be at is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are going to use flames or be surrounded by any please remember that methanol is flammable. Because of this you need to turn the burner off before using it.