Alternative fuels > Bio-diesel Fuel
Biodiesel Information
solarguy:
I have run hundreds of gallons of B100 through my Lister with no fuel related problems. Lately the fuel pump seeps a tiny bit, but I'm not convinced that using biodiesel all along would have prevented that.
Please note that I threw away the original fuel line, petcock, fuel filter and fuel tank, so can't comment on compatibility. They were crap to start and it is unlikely that biodiesel would have improved that any.
Finest regards,
troy
kpgv:
If a guy wanted to try the Bio-diesel route, but didn't aspire to become a research chemist and inventor in the process, which "program" would you recomend to go with that will work best by "Follow the Directions"?
Kevin
rgroves:
--- Quote from: kpgv on May 11, 2006, 04:52:45 PM ---If a guy wanted to try the Bio-diesel route, but didn't aspire to become a research chemist and inventor in the process, which "program" would you recomend to go with that will work best by "Follow the Directions"?
Kevin
--- End quote ---
http://www.girlmark.com/
Mark Alovert has a good, well-written manual for a simple reactor based on a water heater. Easy to understand, low on the lefty bullshit. Grounded in understandable chemistry. She teaches classes all over, and is often in the Denver area.
Russell Groves
Canuck:
Hi All,
I agree with Russell... If you're going to seek out a single guru for all things biodiesel.... Mark Alovert (Girl Mark in her postings) is the one to turn to.
For a good example of what a reactor looks like go here... This is not mine... but is very close.
http://www.cybernet1.com/mcquaid/Appleseed%20proccessor.htm
couple of cautions.... I would strongly advise all newcomers to the biodiesel process to experiment with small scale (blender batches) runs first. When you are confident, move up to a 20 litre pail and then the full scale reactor. This is particularly important when you are dealing with heavily used waste oil that is acidic and needs the two step (acid/base) reaction.Â
The whole process is very simple, but there are some subtle things to look for and it is much easier to deal with a blender full of goo than 175 litres! (ask me how I know this!!  ::) )
The Methanol/Sodium Hydroxide solution is NASTY...it will turn your skin to soap faster than you can wash it off.
When dealing with small batches in an unsealed pail there is a strong possibility that a lot of the Methanol will fume off. If you lose enough the reaction will halt and you will be left with Goo or gel. Plus the Methanal fumes are both toxic and explosive. Make sure you have a lid of some sort on your reactor.
Fore warned is Fore armed as my Grandfather used to say!
Good luck!
Rob.
Rainbow-Farm:
Rob/Canuck:
I was looking at Girl Mark Alovert's water-tank set-up and I noticed that she uses a water pump from Harbor Freight/Northern Tools, on sale right now for $25. I had been looking at fuel pumps for diesel that run to $250.
The 1/2 HP pump from Harbor ... well, if Girl Mark is using it, then I have to presume that it can handle the biodiesel with no issues (material in seals, like rubber, etc.)... do you have any experience with this aspect of it?
For the source of oil, I keep hearing from people who buy vegetable oil that is past its date, for cheap... like for less than the extra cost and bother of used oil. Might be worth checking out (each to his own, as this is all local/regional... gotta find it close to home).
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