byways
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![[*]](./images/onepoint9/default_icon.gif) posted on 6-8-2008 at 10:12 AM |
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Running on Bio Fuels Where do I start How do I make BioDiesel?
Running on Bio Fuels Where do I start How do I make
BioDiesel?
Not another how-to guide, but links for anyone wondering if their vehicle can run on SVO / WVO or BioDiesel (BD)
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=7373
Most Diesel engines, but not all, can run on well made BD. Not all on sale is good BD, and little testing seems to be done of commercial BD. The
latest engines may have Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), Manufacturers advice should be sought as to the possible
suitability repairs can be very expensive.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=100
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=6610#pid58303
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8440 (are DPFs required?)
SOME older engines can run on WVO (Waste Veggie Oil) also called UCO (Used Cooking Oil) if it has been carefully filtered and de-watered.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8262&page=1#pid7...
Indirect engines injection are more suitable than Direct Injection Engines for WVO, which may be liable to polymerisation unless
started on diesel and only switched to WVO after reaching normal operating Temperature.
Unfortunately it is not quite as easy as a simple changeover valve, as the RETURN flow from the Injector Pump also has to be switched between tanks,
or looped back to the IP input. A Flat plate Heat Exchanger and a second filter is generally required, otherwise purging to diesel is very slow.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=3676#pid27213 Diags and pics 5pages!
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=1866 More links to twin tanks.
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/voconversionbasics/vpost?id=1234702 Twin Tank Layouts.
Engines with Lucas pumps are not very suitable for use with WVO unless a twin tank set-up is used. (The oil should
then be quite hot and thus similar viscosity of diesel before switching to WVO, and ensuring it is purged before stopping)
Blending fuel may assist in making it thinner, and lowering the gel temperature for winter use.
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9751014871/m/8371022752
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=7056
Common Rail Diesels (CRD) are not suitable for use with WVO.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=7454
CRDs with DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filter) may not even be suitable for Biodiesel (as above).
WVO, and to some extent BD, gels at temperature around zero degrees C, so filters, pipes and tanks may need heating.
BD is made by trans-esterification of WVO using Methanol and Lye such as Caustic soda. These are hazardous chemicals, but allows most diesel vehicles
to be run on more environmentally friendly fuel without vehicle modifications.
Should I make BD or use prepared WVO? Usually you modify the Oil (to make BD) or the vehicle, to twin tanks, depending on the vehicle.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=50
Compendium of Links to other BD & WVO sites
http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/rightlivelihood/fuel/index.htm
To make BD, the basic steps are:-
The oil should be de-watered
Titrated
Processed
Tested for a complete reaction
Drained of Glycerol
Dried and settled
Small batches of BD can be made using the "Dr Pepper" method
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/makingasmallbatch/
For a typical WVO FILTERING and DE-WATERING set-up:-
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=3252#pid23139
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=7751
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8428
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/159605551/m/9191075752/inc/1 UPFLOW Filtering
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8625&page=1 (see 31-8-08)
MAKING BIODIESEL - Overview
There are many different good processors, as well as quite a lot of awful or plain dangerous ones.
Probably the best and most popular, recently developed system is the Graham Laming (GL) Eco System. (GL-ES)
http://www.graham-laming.com/bd/ecosystem/state_diagram_new.htm
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=5801
n.b. Making BD involves the use of dangerous chemicals. See below and safety notices on:-
http://www.graham-laming.com/bd/first_aid_caustic_burn.htm
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/safety/
Step by step directions for making BD in the GL Eco System.
All these steps are covered in greater detail by Graham Laming in the link:-
http://www.graham-laming.com/bd/ecosystem/state_diagram_new.htm
however an overview and additional links are given below.
Strain the WVO (for example through a kitchen sieve, to prevent large food particles clogging valves, pump, pipes etc.)
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/filteringoil/ (This is more than is
really necessary)
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8265&page=1#pid7...
Use the GL-ES to dry the oil by heating to 90deg, whilst running the pump.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8265&page=1#pid7...
Distilled water will dribble out of the condenser.
Check oil is completely dry
Tritate
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/titratingoil/
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/turmeric/
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=1923 (2 Base)
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=7856
Mix the Methoxide according to the Titration result.
Run pump to introduce the Methoxide, over about 15 mins, via the venturi
Leave to process for about 1 hour at 62 deg or less.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8425
Perform first 27/3 test to check if reaction is complete
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/methanoltest/
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8457
If not, continue processing, and repeat 27/3
Do a 5% pre-wash add water, (5% of the volume of oil), sucked up via Venturi over 5 mins using Methoxide flask for water - to wash it out!
Leave circulating for 20 mins
Leave to settle for 1 hour
Drain off Glycerol (caution still rich in Methanol), wait 10 mins drain any more dregs off. (nb Once reaction is complete, the reaction mixture
remains highly alkaline until after separation to prevent biodiesel reverting to its original ester.)
Recover Methanol from condenser run circulation pump until recovery stops (typ 1 hour)
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=4233
Drain BD to settling tank
Bubble wash for 6 hours
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=6298#pid55506
Leave to settle for at least 48 hours.
Do a soap test before using top oil, and 3 weeks before using bottom oil.
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/washingasmallbatch/
Filter at 5, or better, 1 micron before using.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=6429 EcoPure (and see SUPPLIERS, Filters, below).
Most-common PROBLEMS:
If too much catalyst is used there will be Soaps left in the finished BD
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8128
or if far too much it could turn to Jelly.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8217&page=1#pid7...
Catalyst left unsealed (or poor titration) may give unpredictable results.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8414
If too little catalyst is used there will be an incomplete reaction.
If too much Methanol is used, it can be distilled and recovered.
If too little Methanol is used there will be an incomplete reaction.
How can I tell if there is Meth or catalyst left in finished BD
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=1462
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8128
If the oil is too wet excess soaps will be produced or, in extreme cases Mayonnaise
* If Titration is very high, consider 2-base method of processing.
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=1923
Disposing of by-products: (Glycerol, WVO dregs, drums)
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8383
SUPPLIERS:
Methanol, Lye: http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8378
Filters: http://www.mearesolutions.co.uk
IPA, & Acetone: http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/CFS_Catalogue__CLEANERS_47.html
Distilled water: For Titration use De-ionised water i.e. as used for battery top-up.
Turmeric: Supermarkets <£1 for more than enough!
Syringes: Good Chemists. (20p - £1 ea.)
Biodiesel Processors or Specialised parts: http://www.bio-tec.co.uk/cone2.htm , or http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/
WVO: http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=7075
WTNs (Waste Transfer Note): http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8400
SAFETY - some brief points.
Processing should not be done in a confined space or in a house or garage.
Any processor should be closed loop
Methanol should be recovered
All chemicals, samples and liquids should be labelled.
Dry Powder extinguishers should be kept available
A record of the sources of oil and chemicals should be kept.
All equipment should be earth bonded, dont rely on plugs and sockets.
Guard against static and sources of ignition when handing Methanol.
Wear protective clothing, goggles and sturdy boots at appropriate stages.
In short - Keep vapours in, ventilate well, avoid sources of ignition.
Avoid all contact with skin, eyes or airborne of Lye or Methanol.
Always have copious supplies of clean water available and a first aid kit.
Read Methanol and Caustic Data Sheets carefully.
Beware of Spontaneous combustion of WVO soaked rags: Spontaneous Combustion
http://www.westmetrofire.org/index.cfm?main.page=article&catid=15&detailsid=86
If you find the information on this forum useful, please consider making a small contribution to keep it running -
Click on the  button at top of the page.
v3
[Edited on 4-10-2008 by byways]
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dickjotec
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Registered: 31-8-2007
Location: Near Worcester
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Mood: Getting better all the time
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| posted on 6-8-2008 at 11:19 AM |
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Hi Byways,
Very good post, well done.
It answers many of the newbi questions that keep getting asked.
D ick
[Edited on 6-8-08 by <b>****</b>jotec]
Mitsubish Delica (shogun engine) 95k miles now on 100% bio 20000 miles and counting. Acetone at 1000 miles. Now stopped acetone as it did not seem to
make any difference.
CHP web site http://www.dpks.co.uk/CHP/main.htm |
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BioTim
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Mood: 30MPG. But on bio it's not a big deal.
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| posted on 6-8-2008 at 06:51 PM |
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well done, this is a nice FAQ section for Bio Fuels. Hopefully people will read this before re-asking the same questions. Thats in an ideal world
anyway...
Currently Running:
Jeep Cherokee (1)- Biodiesel
Jeep Cherokee (2)-WVO/Biodiesel
Citroen Xantia HDi - BioDiesel
Citroen ZX - WVO / Biodiesel
Recently Retired:
Vauxhall Frontera - Biodiesel (Written off at a roundabout)
Many others already tested
http://www.cleanercombustion.co.uk |
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hifly
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| posted on 6-8-2008 at 07:15 PM |
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Don't want to be picky but the lucas pump is ok with a twin tank setup
A very good start that may help with all the newbie posts we are getting,
well done that man
[Edited on 6-8-2008 by hifly]
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byways
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| posted on 6-8-2008 at 07:35 PM |
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Thanks for those helpful comments guys, keep them coming, this is nowhere near complete, but I would like to keep it fairly brief, with links to the
best threads here or elsewhere, I don't want to repeat any of HC or GLs excellent articles.
So please fell free to copy, modify and add any links you feel could be incorporated. If anything is contentious I would prefer to put both views and
suitable links, but is will never be exhaustive, just enough to get going! I intend to do a write up on the excellent Course I went on, run by D ick,
and when I find it the link to the acronyms, and the Biomotors(?) List of mods required to various vehicles.
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byways
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| posted on 7-8-2008 at 12:50 AM |
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Now thats a funny thing, out of interest I Googled "How do I make BioDiesel" (including quotes) and it finds this forum - on the same day it is
posted! We don't take long to be immortalised here!
Another came up (without quotes):- http://www.schnews.org.uk/diyguide/howtomakebiodiesel.htm
"connect up a 3/4 HP motor and paddle".................. NO safety warnings at all!
ps I have made a few minor changes, Thanks for making it a sticky HC, perhaps if a few more changes / corrections are made the sticky can be updated
then to the above (top) posting.
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slabster
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| posted on 16-2-2009 at 09:58 AM |
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The following are also CRDs:
HDi Peugeot Citroen
CDTi Vauxhall, Opel
TDCi Ford
CDi Mercedes Benz
HPi Iveco
JTD Fiat, Alfa Romeo
CRD Chrysler
Slabs
I can delete this message if you can add these to your topic.
[Edited on 16-2-2009 by slabster]
*2000 Vauxhall Combo Club 1.7D Purflux Heated Filter. FAME and veg blends
*1996 VW Passat 1.9 Tdi \'IZ\' XXXFOR SALEXXX £200 Spares or repair.
Suppliers of the best quality Biodiesel that stays fresher in your fuel tank: http://www.cambridgebiodiesel.org |
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oojimmyflip
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Mood: happy to be rid of the stink of kebabs in my motor
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| posted on 18-11-2009 at 06:38 PM |
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For anyone interested in which vechicle may run on vegetable oil be it straight vegetable oil or waste vegetable oil, this is a link to a website with
a rather old list of vechicles that hasnt been updated for a while, but at least it gives people some idea which vechicles would be suitable if they
intend to purchase a car that will run on veg oil. heres the link to the website. the vechile list is at the top left of the page below Rudolph
Diesel. (they do point out that these vechicles require a conversion which they are plugging on their website many will probably need an inline heater
fitted to heat the oil before it pases through the injector pump).
http://www.dieselveg.com
[Edited on 18-11-2009 by oojimmyflip]
if quitters never win & winners never cheat, then who's the idiot who said
" quit whlist your ahead"?
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aldrichhawkins2
Newbie
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Registered: 7-5-2010
Location: NY
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| posted on 7-5-2010 at 07:01 PM |
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Great
that was a great information. very educational.
[Edited on 7-5-2010 by aldrichhawkins2]
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e3msb
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| posted on 8-5-2010 at 12:52 PM |
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fuller list on Biomotors site, or we have compiled a list of newer vehicles that can use veg oil on the fuels database sections.
e3msb[steve] 96 disco 300. bio 100. Cit ZX. wvo/mix. PUG405 wvo/mix. Vintage JCB3c GT. bio. home/cent heating,wvo/glyc-oil. Linde forklift 3cyl
Deutz WVO. Petter twin diesel 7kva generator, bio and wvo. Dennis fire engine 1971. 5.8 perkins T6354 historic vehicle, bio. IF YOU HAVE GAINED
KNOWLEDGE OR BEEN AMUSED BY THE ANSWERS GIVEN PLEASE MAKE A SMALL DONATION TO THE FORUM
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marchse
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| posted on 9-6-2010 at 02:11 PM |
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Nowadays there are lots of resources available for producing bio fuels..
and thanks for sharing the info with us.
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scottydog
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| posted on 9-6-2010 at 03:15 PM |
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Nice job byways most of Qs in one place, you have earned a Brucie bonus
SD 
Car.1997 Mitsubishi Delicia 2.8 Jasper on 100% Bio, WVO summer.
Processor homemade GL based unit.
Bike. 1984 Honda Magna VF700 cruiser.Wish it ran on bio!
37ft X 12ft Static Caravan
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