Making Biodiesel at Home for Alternative Energy

Green, Biodiesel Fuel for the Do It Yourself (DIY) Garage

May 24, 2009

Many companies offer systems enabling the DIYer to become fuel self-sufficient. With more research and ingenuity, a complete system can be built without a kit.

Biodiesel is becoming widely recognized as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Many people have begun processing this biodegradable fuel at home with excellent results. While a home processing operation can be set up from equipment and chemicals that are readily available, there are many kits on the market that reduce guessing and increase the safety of this process.

It is important to realize that biodiesel and the chemicals used to manufacture it must be treated and stored with caution. Caustic chemicals are used in the treatment process, so care is essential!

The Basic Process of Making Biodiesel

Many of the kits on the market assume the use of waste vegetable oil , or WVO, as a raw material. While some restaurant owners will be willing to get rid of their oil, many owners and oil collectors depend on this material for a source of income. Make sure to get permission before collecting WVO from bins outside restaurants.

There are many steps in the transesterification process of producing biodiesel. A simple list of these steps follows:

This is a simplification of the process, but it is something that can be performed in large or small batches by a DIYer. Safety must always be the first concern as the sodium methoxide and chemicals used to prepare it can be harmful if not handled properly.

Biodiesel Equipment Available for Purchase

All kits have one thing in common: detailed instructions for producing biodiesel. There seem to be two types of kits for purchase. To get started quickly and have all of the components, a full equipment and chemical kit can be purchased from manufacturers such as Home Biodiesel Kits.

There are many companies that manufacture this type of full kit it is important to invest in the most reasonable set-up for each application. For instance, a farmer would need to produce more fuel with less time invested than a person who needs fuel only for short commuting.

DieselSecret.com and several other manufacturers offer chemical kits that promise direct conversion with little hassle. These types of kits would likely be better for a person with less experience and confidence in the workshop.

Benefits of Producing Biodiesel at Home

With careful attention to detail and safety, these kits and kits like them can produce fuel for use in almost any diesel engine for less than $1 a gallon. Recycling WVO for fuel produces a biodegradable, environmentally friendly fuel. Plus, saving money is always bonus!

The copyright of the article Making Biodiesel at Home for Alternative Energy in Energy Conservation is owned by Justin Novak. Permission to republish Making Biodiesel at Home for Alternative Energy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.