New Fossil Fuel free Build Begins (biodiesel processor)

[dremd]

It isn't as exciting or ambitious as an EV, but I have finally begun my Biodiesel Processor in earnest.

I went scrounging for parts this weekend:-)

So far I have
1) 48 gallon water heater that doesn't leak
2) 125 Gallon propane tank
3) 5 Blue Plastic 55 Gallon Barrels
4) 1 1.75" Ball Valve
5) a Beast of a 1/2Hp Vacuum pump
6) Someone to thread Steel pipe for free :-)


Most of my info is coming from
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/, http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html and
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=447609751

Basic design is an appleseed.

First order of business is to build a supersucker out of the propane tank, vacuum pump, large ball valve. The propane tank will have to be cut down to fit in to the golf.

I'd like to try and Vacuum dry the waste oil since it is already in a vacuum canister.

After that comes the processor, I'll likely start with the standard design, and work from there.

I have a SVO driving f250 acquaintance who I believe I can get at least start up oil from, and maybe more.


Looks like I will need to buy Pipe, hoses, and a working pump, not bad at all.

[MPaulHolmes]

That's awesome!!! I can't wait to see how it turns out. Now, if you're ever running low on gas, you can go to McDonalds, and buy some of their french fries, and wring them out over the gas tank, which should give you about 5 miles of range.

I'm going to love reading this thread!

[dremd]

I actually already blend in 1~2 gallons of WVO per tank :-)

I'm up to almost 10 gallons of WVO burned so far, not much difference in economy/ power, but I'm afraid of poor lubricity, cetane. Considering that I average 1 gallon per day I should only have to cook once per month.

I'm looking forward to the build also :-)

[dremd]

Plans already a Changing

Originally I planned to chop the propane tank down to fit in the golf (4ft 6" from 7feet) however I've determined that it will still be FAR to heavy to lift in to the golf empty. I'm guessing 400lbs now . . . .
Now I'm thinking a trailer . . .
Will look at harbor freight, then look used. . .

[MetroMPG]

There's a reason we called this the "fossil fuel free" instead of "EV forum". Glad to see another project start up.

Can you post a nutshell description of what you're building/how it works? I'll admit I'm not really sure what a "bio-d processor" is.

[dremd]

In a nutshell a biodiesel (Bio-D) processor is a device to transform Vegtable oil in to Bio-Diesel using heat, lye and alcohol.

Advantages of Bio-diesel over Straight Vegetable oil
1) no "conversion"
2) Excellent lubricity
3) Less cold start issues
4) no 2nd tank
5) Salable to anybody with a Diesel (quasi-legally)
6) Recognized as a legitimate alternative fuel
7) Blends in any % with Petro Diesel
8) Much higher Cetane (similar to octane, but for diesel) resulting in smoother running

Advantages Of Bio Diesel over Petro/ Dino Diesel
1) Best lubricating Diesel Fuel.
2) Higher Cetane (similar to octane, but for diesel) resulting in smoother running
3) Lower Cost
4) Less Smoke
5) Lower Emissions

DisAdvantages
1) lower energy content per gallon than Petro diesel, Similar to Regular Gasoline
2) Lower peak power, unless tuned for lower energy content (small difference)
3) Not compatable with all types of particulate filters (only comming stateside this year)
4) Worse cold start performance / higher gel point than Winter Diesel. Must blend with Diesel / Kerosene in sub freezing conditions.


There are many "styles" of Bio-Diesel processors, the simplist and most common is know as the "Appleseed".

The Appleseed consist of
1) a Water heater
2) a pump
3) a settling/ wash tank
4) plumbing


Oversimplified the process goes something like this
1) collect oil
2) Load measured amount of oil in to water heater/ start pump to stir
3) begin Heating oil to 120 deg F
4) deermine ph of oil
5) Calculate quantity of lye + Alcohol to add to oil
6) Turn off heat
7) Slowly add lye + Alcohol
8) pump mix out to settle/ wash tank
9) allow to settle
10) drain off waste
11) Wash Bio-Diesel with water SLOWLY
12) drain water/ dry the water out of Bio-diesel

[jesse.rizzo]

Originally Posted by dremd

I actually already blend in 1~2 gallons of WVO per tank :-)

I'm up to almost 10 gallons of WVO burned so far, not much difference in economy/ power, but I'm afraid of poor lubricity, cetane. Considering that I average 1 gallon per day I should only have to cook once per month.

I'm looking forward to the build also :-)

I had wondered about blending WVO with petroleum diesel. Have you tried higher ratios? What range of ambient temps have you had while blending? Thanks.

[MetroMPG]

Thanks, dremd. That's a good snapshot of the process for the ignorant (like me).

[Johnny Mullet]

Very interesting read. If I had a diesel, I would be doing this also.

[dremd]

Originally Posted by jesse.rizzo

I had wondered about blending WVO with petroleum diesel. Have you tried higher ratios? What range of ambient temps have you had while blending? Thanks.

I have not tried higher ratios. I've been scared off by all of the guys on TDI club . . . I can elaborate if interested.

I feel as though the goal is basically "stretching your diesel out" SVO has a fairly poor Cetane rating, if you are running an older Diesel/ a truck I'd run Half and Half, but the TDI says to run 51 or higher Cetane, about as good of diesel you can find around here is 49 Cetane, so adding low Cetane to already Low Cetane Fuel may pose issues . . .

I've only Run a blend at above 40deg F, if you have seen SVO cold you will be afraid of gelling in your fuel filter.

These Guys http://www.dieselsecret.com/ are a Quasi-Scam, but they basically tell you how to blend Diesel, Gasoline, Vegetable oil and Snake oil to make a useable fuel. I have their Secret Plans if anybody is interested PM me.

I did a mini-batch of Diesel Secret in the winter, on hot days it looked good, but below 40 I wouldn't have wanted it in my car, I did not have Kerosene, it probably would have made the difference . . .