How to make biodiesel
Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterfication whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or
vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin,
a byproduct that can be used for the production of soap. This process can happen on any scale: in a mason jar or in a
large-scale production facility.
Transesterfication is quite simple. One need not be a chemist to make biodiesel, though it
certainly helps. Many such people have outlined reliable and proven biodiesel production recipes. In this process the
vegetable oil or animal fat reacts with alcohol, like methanol, and a catalyst, like lye (which helps the reaction take
place). By volume, these reactants are about 75% vegetable oil or animal fat, 22% alcohol and a little lye. Once together,
they are mixed thoroughly for about an hour and then left to settle. The heavy glycerin settles to the bottom and biodiesel
sits on top. Oftentimes producers water wash the biodiesel to ensure that it's clean.
Biodiesel-makers usually fall in one of two categories: homebrewer or commercial producer. If you are interested in making biodiesel for your own consumption or for a small group of people, then you fall into the homebrewer category. If you want to start a small or large business that makes and sells biodiesel, then you fall into the commercial producer category. Remember, both groups have a tremendous amount to learn from each other and are by no means mutually exclusive. However, we would like to send you down the right path on your quest for helpful, reliable and trustworthy information. So please follow the links below and we hope that you find the info that best serves your biodiesel production needs!
Homebrewers
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to making biodiesel on a small-scale, please go to:
The Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
Description:
The Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial provides detailed information on making biodiesel from the lab to the garage. Diagrams, photos, step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks will all aid homebrewers in the search for the perfect batch. This site is collectively compiled by homebrewers around the nation, and features info on the popular Appleseed Processor. Please check it out and tell your friends! We encourage you to follow the links from the tutorial page for more info and we specifically recommend checking out the Biodiesel Homebrewer's Guide link below. Note: check out the Iowa State Biodiesel pages in the commercial section below, as they have some of the best technical info on biodiesel anywhere.
Biodiesel Homebrew Guide: by Maria 'Mark" Alovert
www.localb11.com/book.html
Description:
This self-published 110-page book covers homebrewing of biodiesel and somes imple chemistry behind it.
EcoSystem Processor: by Graham Laming; Alovert
http://www.london-electronics.com/bd/main.htm
Description:
This website covers everything you need to know to make an EcoSystem Processor, which is currently one of the best processor designs.
Biodiesel & SVO Discussion Forums
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/
Description:
When you've hit a wall in your process and you're just not sure where to go, a forum is the best place to start. They are full of past questions from other homebrewers who have probably had the same questions you do now. If not, you can always post a new question and get some answers from fellow tinkerers.
For homebrewing supplies and processing kits, please go to the following links:
Utah Biodiesel Supply
www.utahbiodieselsupply.com
Description
Offers Biodiesel homebrewing supplies, equipment, decals, bumperstickers, and information on making biodiesel.
B100 Supply
www.b100supply.com
Description
Offers Biodiesel Homebrewing supplies, books, kits, scales, labware and more.
Biodiesel Warehouse
www.biodieselwarehouse.com
Description
Offers biodiesel homebrewing equipment, supplies, diesel generators, and other biodiesel related items.
Commercial Producers
Iowa State University Biodiesel Pages
www.me.iastate.edu/biodiesel
Description
Hosted by the Mechanical Engineering Department at ISU and devoted to educating the biodiesel industry, this site includes a free online course (a 26-page document covering the chemistry and prctice of biodiesel), as well as a page of 'technical papers'-theses, disertations, and studies- that covers many aspects of commercial biodiesel and high-FFA oil processing.
National Biodiesel Board
www.biodiesel.org
Description
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is the largest industry trade group for biodiesel in America. The organization consists mainly of soybean-growers and large agricultural companies. Small producers, however, have been working hard to make their voices heard in this arena. If you want to legally sell biodiesel in the United States, then you will have to join the NBB and pay annual dues. Their website has a lot of good information on the status of the biodiesel industry, commercial producers and retailers, and fleets that use biodiesel.
Making biodiesel is a simple process. Although the end product is more biodegradable than sugar and less toxic than table salt, one must use caution as some of the materials are caustic and can cause serious health problems. A basic production process, which is a good starting point for those experimenting for their first time, involves mixing ingredients, settling and draining.
BIODIESEL AND CHEMICAL HANDLING GUIDELINES
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