making biodiesel

[TexasSD]

From what I have learned, there is a large gap in the price to produce biodiesel and what petro diesel costs. If not for the time commitment to gather and process, it could be a profitable hobby. But I am just looking to cut the cost of operating the tractor and truck.

The largest part of the cost for us is the methanol. We buy it in 55 gallon barrels for $2.50 a gallon. In smaller quantities it is $4.50 a gallon. Figure 22% methanol to oil for processing. If you source your caustic soda or lye right, it's not too expensive.

It takes me 10 minutes to collect 10 gallons of oil - only because I'm eating at the restaurant when I pick up the oil. The rest of the task takes about an hour depending on how many beverages are involved in the process.

We don't have any desire to sell our fuel ~ we can't keep up with our needs and Uncle Sam wants to collect taxes if you make more than 400 gal/year. I just like the idea of taking a waste product and doing something useful with it. Plus it reduces emissions and my truck seems to run a little quieter with it.

Scott

 

[monkeymonk]

Hey Texas

Have you tried straight grease/oil? ...Some Cats I know on the coast run straight and swear by it now. You do need to do some tweaking, 2 tanks, heating elements.....you still use Bio-diez for start up and shut down.................................

Check out www.goldenfuelsystems.com for more good info

 

[TexasSD]

My truck is still under warranty, so no major modifications like a two tank system for me. Those systems work great in the indirect systems like the old Mercedes had, but from my understanding, direct injection systems with the high pressures they produce are less friendly to the two tank systems. I also don't like having to remember to switch between the tanks, I'm a little absent minded at times

Most automotive manufacturers specify no more than 5% biodiesel or there will be warranty issues. There have been reports of coked injectors, and then again, I know some folks that run B100 without any problems. I think it is a quality control issue, we do extensive washing and filtering of our biodiesel before we use it.

 

[Paddy]

Doc Bob,

That got me thinking. Why not skip the whole processing part and just heat with it? I had a friend who said his dad worked at a garage. He had a small Cu line that driped waist engine oil in to a wood burner. The wood acted as the wick of a candle, the oil burned. Now that some dirty fuel! Veggie oil would still burn sooty but smell like french fries!

 

[Doc_Bob]

Doc Bob,

That got me thinking. Why not skip the whole processing part and just heat with it? I had a friend who said his dad worked at a garage. He had a small Cu line that driped waist engine oil in to a wood burner. The wood acted as the wick of a candle, the oil burned. Now that some dirty fuel! Veggie oil would still burn sooty but smell like french fries!

Hmmmmmmmm, french fries, yummy.
Bob

 

[dmccarty]

Paddy and Bob,

You hit on what I have been thinking of doing with Biodiesel. I was wondering if I could burn it in one of those standalone space heaters instead of kerosene? Would it smell of fries? That has to be better than kero!

Making BioDiesel is big in my town. There is a local Coop that is supplying the stuff but not yet making it. The local community college has classes on how to make it as well as modify vehicles to use it.

I ain't putting it in my truck or tractor though. Not worth the risk as far as I'm concerned. But the idea of a little extra heat has me curious....

Later,
Dan

 

[Egon]

Anyone do a survey on used restrant oil avalability and quanity. I would think this is a very limited source for the raw material.

 

[Paddy]

Many years ago, I used to make 'bacon lamps'. They burn fine and smell good.

But back to the point of waist oill as fuel. With all the processing required to get it a quality to use it in a fine car/truck/tractor, how much are you working for? I looked at all the steps on one of the referenced sites. Unless you are doing 100-300 gl at a time......I would think a 50gl batch would be considered large from methods shown. The cost has been stated that it cost 70 cents per gal to make, saving $2.30 a gl. So 55gl x $2.30= $126. I'm not working all day to save $126.

I know it's more than $ and cents, I make Maple surup and it cost me more than what I can buy it for.

 

[TexasSD]

Many years ago, I used to make 'bacon lamps'. They burn fine and smell good.

But back to the point of waist oill as fuel. With all the processing required to get it a quality to use it in a fine car/truck/tractor, how much are you working for? I looked at all the steps on one of the referenced sites. Unless you are doing 100-300 gl at a time......I would think a 50gl batch would be considered large from methods shown. The cost has been stated that it cost 70 cents per gal to make, saving $2.30 a gl. So 55gl x $2.30= $126. I'm not working all day to save $126.

I know it's more than $ and cents, I make Maple surup and it cost me more than what I can buy it for.

It takes me 60-90 minutes to do a batch that will yield 45 gallons. Most of the time the equipment is running my presence is not required.