Author Archives: Victor Garlington

Although bio diesel production has gained huge popularity only recently, it is not a new idea. The idea was present when the first diesel engine was developed since peanut oil was used to fire the first compression-ignition engine.This should not be forgotten when one wants to learn how to make bio diesel.

Bio diesel therefore refers to the non-petroleum-based fuel made from animal or vegetable fat. This fuel is usually mixed with ordinary diesel or used alone with an ordinary diesel engine. As such it is a viable alternative fuel source especially with the increase in fossil fuel prices.

The process of making bio diesel is relatively easy. This means you can learn the trade from various sources. There is also a huge variety of materials which can be used in making bio diesel including oils and feedstock such as soybean oil and rapeseed oil. It is also possible to get diesel from waste vegetable oils such as those used in restaurants. Other viable sources include animal fats such as tallow, chicken fat and lard. Algae is also used but most of these sources are not viable for commercial production.

When you want to learn how to make bio diesel, the first step will be identifying possible sources of oil. This will help you learn the right procedure since different materials introduce slight variations to the process. Some of the cases will also necessitate specialized equipment such as bio diesel processors while in others, this may not be essential. For instance, extracting bio diesel from exhausted cooking oil using sodium hydroxide and methanol is quite simple and does not require the processor. This method is however suited for limited production.

Once you have established the source the next step is usually testing it for properties such as water content and acidity. This is usually important as it helps determine the state of your end product. The level of acidity and water determine whether the resultant bio diesel will be perfect.

The best sources are those that provide relatively dry oil, which is low in acidic content making the process easier. This means that the learning process will involve studying different methods of testing such as the heating method or using water-testing kits. For the acidity, you will learn how to use titration kits. This involves mixing the oil with a ph neutral alcohol.

Filtration is the other major step in making bio diesel. This is very important especially when using exhausted vegetable oil as it helps remove food particles and other contaminants. Drum filters are normally used since they are very effective. In filtration, one should learn about micron rating in order to choose the right filter for your equipment. Normally, a smaller rating means smaller filter holes.

Finally, before starting full-scale production of bio diesel a test batch should be produced first. This can be done with materials obtained from local grocery stores. All the production equipment should also be obtained. Such materials include the oil filters and transfer capability, bio-diesel cleaning vessel, bio diesel processor and collection containers. Storage containers, titration kits and transfer pumps should also be remembered.

Storage containers and titration kits are also important. Normally, the intended capacity of production determines the equipment to be purchased. Collection of all these should prepare you to learn how to make bio diesel.

Discover those many choices for renewable energy by going online. One choice you have will be biodiesel. To learn more about it go online today to learn those benefits.. Free reprint available from: Essential Considerations When You Choose To Learn How To Make Bio Diesel On Your Own.