Bio Diesel Plant

[WillieFan]

Anyone here made a diy biodiesel plant? I would like to build one. Just for use in a compact tractor and pickup truck, so it wouldn't have to be huge. I could use any advice you got! And where could I find plans that are easy to follow? Thanks in advance!

 

[Melensdad]

I looked at it a few years ago. For my uses I opted to just continue to buy diesel. At the time I had multiple diesel cars plus tractors. I'm down to 1 compact utility tractor and 1 diesel car so probably not worth it for me today.

But kits and plans are readily available. Ebay has lots of biodiesel home scale equipment available. You can reuse an old water heater tank and get a lot of stuff surplus.

Mother Earth News ran an article about it a couple years ago. Does not seem to difficult. You'll need a good steady source of used vegetable oil like they use in deep fat fryers.

I used to subscribe, they have lots of good info for rural folks but it is a somewhat strange magazine overall. This article gives a good explanation

How to Make Biodiesel - DIY Biodiesel Production | Mother Earth News

Learn how to make biodiesel & speed past the gas station toward fuel independence. Our expert outlines DIY home biodiesel production using used cooking oil.

www.motherearthnews.com

SOURCE FOR EQUIPMENT and info:

Start Making Your Own Fuel! - Utah Biodiesel Supply

Utah Biodiesel Supply - Learn to make Biodiesel and become self sufficient and never visit the gas station again!

www.utahbiodieselsupply.com

 

[WillieFan]

I looked at it a few years ago. For my uses I opted to just continue to buy diesel. At the time I had multiple diesel cars plus tractors. I'm down to 1 compact utility tractor and 1 diesel car so probably not worth it for me today.

But kits and plans are readily available. Ebay has lots of biodiesel home scale equipment available. You can reuse an old water heater tank and get a lot of stuff surplus.

Mother Earth News ran an article about it a couple years ago. Does not seem to difficult. You'll need a good steady source of used vegetable oil like they use in deep fat fryers.

I used to subscribe, they have lots of good info for rural folks but it is a somewhat strange magazine overall. This article gives a good explanation

How to Make Biodiesel - DIY Biodiesel Production | Mother Earth News

Learn how to make biodiesel & speed past the gas station toward fuel independence. Our expert outlines DIY home biodiesel production using used cooking oil.

www.motherearthnews.com

SOURCE FOR EQUIPMENT and info:

Start Making Your Own Fuel! - Utah Biodiesel Supply

Utah Biodiesel Supply - Learn to make Biodiesel and become self sufficient and never visit the gas station again!

www.utahbiodieselsupply.com

Thanks! I'll look into those resources.

 

[Cidertom]

I just stumbled on your thread. Couple of things. First, my point of view, I was the Asst Fire Chief for our large Fire District. We had several incidents with DIY Bio-Diesel. Methanol is a very active nerve poison. Use good PPE/ Ventilation. The bio diesel is fairly safe, but the methanol catches fire easily, and is not visible when it's on fire. The LYE is tremendously damaging to humans skin, eyes etc. Again PPE and safe practices are mandatory. Have redundant safety on any heating systems that's where most fires happen. Please store the LYE and Methanol outside of the reaction area and have just the amount needed for the current batch.

NOT saying don't, just please take care and consider the firefighters that may have to come visit.
Tom

 

[WillieFan]

I just stumbled on your thread. Couple of things. First, my point of view, I was the Asst Fire Chief for our large Fire District. We had several incidents with DIY Bio-Diesel. Methanol is a very active nerve poison. Use good PPE/ Ventilation. The bio diesel is fairly safe, but the methanol catches fire easily, and is not visible when it's on fire. The LYE is tremendously damaging to humans skin, eyes etc. Again PPE and safe practices are mandatory. Have redundant safety on any heating systems that's where most fires happen. Please store the LYE and Methanol outside of the reaction area and have just the amount needed for the current batch.

NOT saying don't, just please take care and consider the firefighters that may have to come visit.
Tom

Thank you so much! That is very informative, I will definitely keep those things in mind. Last thing I want is an accident. Thanks again!