Como Hacer Biodiesel > Safety and Other General Information:

The information on this page is based on an article by Graydon Blair from Utah Biodiesel Supply, located at the Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial web site, as it existed on April 16, 2006.

For basic information on what biodiesel is, see the Qué es Biodiesel link on this wiki.

To get started making Biodiesel, there are a few things you need to know.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1- When making Biodiesel, it's important to be safe. Because you are dealing with toxic chemicals, the potential to seriously hurt, injure, and even kill yourself and others exists. This site and its contributors will not be held responsible for any injury, death, or destruction of property that occurs while attempting to make Biodiesel. BE SAFE WHEN MAKING BIODIESEL.

2- You'll be dealing with some fairly caustic chemicals; alcohols such as methanol and ethanol; fair amounts of heat; and the transferring of flammable fluids from one container to container....so it's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher around that is capable of putting out an oil based fire.

3- Biodiesel should always be made in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets with the proper safety equipment utilized. Also note:

4- Before making large batches of Biodiesel, check with your local municipality and fire marshall to ensure that any chemicals, alcohol, or other substances you will use are being stored and used within the proper laws and ordinances for your area. Some area's refer back to state and federal fire codes. It's always a good idea to check before you get started.

5- Using home made Biodiesel in a diesel engine vehicle may void your manufacturer's warranty. Although the steps outlined to make it are fairly bullet proof and have been tested in several thousands of vehicles all over the world, there's no guarantee your engine manufacturer will honor your warranty.

6- Biodiesel is considered a fuel so if you plan to use it in a vehicle for on-road use, it may be subject to taxes. Check with your state and federal taxing agencies if in question.

7- Biodiesel itself, when properly made, is actually quite safe. It's less toxic than table salt and degrades faster than sugar. It has a higher flash point (point at which it ignites) than regular petrodiesel and if spilled isn't considered toxic.

HOW IT'S MADE

Biodiesel is actually very simple to make. It is made by chemically altering the molecular structure of any organic oil through the use of a chemical catalyst and an alcohol.

To do this, oil is simply heated to a designated temperature (to help with the chemical reaction) and then a mixture of catalyst and an alcohol are added to the oil. The oil, catalyst, and alcohol mixture are then mixed for a period of time and then allowed to settle. If successful, the chemical reaction between the oil, alcohol, and the catalyst will have broken down the oil into two, and sometimes more, layers. The top layer will be biodiesel, and the bottom layer will be glycerine. In some reactions a third layer of soap and partially reacted oil will be sitting just above the glycerine layer.

Once the layering has occured, the glycerine and soap are drained off. The biodiesel is then washed with either a mist-wash, a bubble-wash, or both. The washing is done to remove any additional soap, alcohol, or other impurities in the biodiesel.

After it's been washed, it is then dried to remove any water. Commonly it is then filtered through fuel filters and is then ready to be used.

TIME REQUIRED FOR PROCESSING

Biodiesel typically takes a seven to ten days from start to finish to make a batch, depending in part on how thoroughly you process it. Most people making biodiesel make anywhere between 20 to 100 gallons at a time in a batch process.

The list below shows some typical time intervals for the different steps involved in making biodiesel.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Biodiesel can be made in anything from a small 2 liter pop bottle to an elaborate processor complete with separate tanks for processing, washing, methoxide mixing, settling, and filtering.

Obtaining equipment is relatively easy. Complete processing equipment can be custom made using plans off of the web or by buying pre-made kits ready to assemble.

Most people get started by making small batches with minimal equipment and then gradually move up to making large batches using large processors built specifically for making biodiesel.

Many homebrewers either buy a variety of premade processors designed for processing biodiesel or custom make their own processors either from kits or from plans on the web.

Professionally built processors can cost as little as $500 to several thousands of dollars. Kits can be purchased for making your own from several online retailers for as little as $200 on up to elaborate systems complete with methanol recovery condensors.

Most commonly, homebrewers build their own processors using plans from the web. Building a processor can be done in an afternoon in a garage. In fact, most folks have their processors built and ready to process biodiesel within a few hours of starting. Parts are relatively cheap to obtain and help is readily available through forums, workshops, and local cooperatives.

Additionally, most homebrewers obtain equipment, such as pumps (either manual or electric) for transferring oil, methanol, and glycerine with as well as several containers for holding oil and completed biodiesel in.

USING BIODIESEL

For more detailed information on handling and using biodiesel and biodiesel blends, see the ManejarBiodiesel link on this wiki.

Biodiesel can easily be used in any diesel engine vehicle. Once processed, washed, and dried, biodiesel can be simply poured into the fuel tank of any diesel engine. Biodiesel can also be mixed with petrodiesel in any ratio. It easily mixes with petrodiesel and is commonly sold commercially blended with petrodiesel.

When getting started, most people in the US typically purchase commercially made biodiesel to test in their engines first, just to get an idea of how it affects the way the engine runs. In other countries, it is necessary to begin by making it on your own, since there are no commercial biodiesel fueling stations nearby.

Within minutes of biodiesel being added to the fuel tank, and especially when used in high blend ratios (50% to 100%) a noticeable difference in engine noise begins. Most report a reduction in engine noise, a smoothing of the engine, and a noticeable change in the smell of the exhaust. The longer the biodiesel is run in the engine, the better things become.

Research has been done comparing biodiesel to petrodiesel across a wide range of measurements. One of the most significant differences is the drastic reduction in tailpipe emissions biodiesel produces over petrodiesel. Reductions in hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter have been significant. For many using biodiesel, these emission reductions are reason enough to use this incredible alternative fuel.

Besides better emissions, research has indicated an increase in engine longevity, a decrease in engine maintenance, and a better performing engine. Because biodiesel has solvent properties by nature, it acts as a cleaning agent on the fuel system in diesel engines. This means that it cleans things up the more it's used.

Because of these solvent properties, some have noted that fuel lines in older diesel engines may degrade because the biodiesel breaks them down. Particularly susceptible are fuel lines made from natural rubber. Most of the susceptible fuel lines can easily be replaced with inexpensive fuel line that are biodiesel compatible. If in doubt, check with your local dealer. The lines usually degrade over time and develop small seeping leaks instead of large leaks.

Diesel engines made after 1993 and sold in the United States typically won't have this problem as the fuel lines are already biodiesel compatible. This is because of a reduction in sulphur in diesel fuel in 1993 in the United States that necessitated manufacturer's needing to change the fuel lines with non-rubber lines.

Homebrewers use biodiesel in varying blends but most commonly it's used in blends between 20% to 100% with 100% being the preferred method when weather allows. When the weather drops below 50° F, it's recommended to blend biodiesel with petrodiesel or add anti-gel additives to prevent biodiesel from gelling.

Another thing most biodieselers do when getting started is to change their fuel filters before using biodiesel and then change them again after a few tanks of biodiesel use. This is to prevent the filters from plugging up due to biodiesel's solvent properties. As it's being used, biodiesel may knock some of the "gunk" off of the walls of the fuel tank and fuel lines that have built up from the use of petrodiesel. Replacing the fuel filter is just a precaution to ensure that the engines keep on running.

TAXES & REGULATIONS

Biodiesel, if used as an on-road fuel in a vehicle, may be subject to road taxes. You will need to check your country's tax codes for information on this aspect of biodiesel use.

It's also important to check with your local fire marshall on fire codes for the manufacture and storage of biodiesel as well as the chemicals and alcohol used to make it. These laws and regulations are there in most cases to protect you and your neighbors. Most city officials will never have heard of biodiesel, so it may be your job to properly educate them on what it is and what you'll be using it for. Go prepared with as much information as you can and you'll improve your chances of receiving permission to make it.

THE BIODIESEL COMMUNITY

There are thousands of people around the world that have made and continue to make their own biodiesel. Most are incredibly helpful and willing to share what they've learned with anyone interested. The Contactos del Proyecto page on this wiki lists ccontains a number off people who make biodiesel at home, and would be glad to discuss their experience with you.

In addition, the internet has made getting help incredibly quick and easy. As always, not everything you read may be true, but for the most part those publishing web pages and sharing information via the web are willing to go the extra mile to help you out. When getting started, resources on the web can be immensely helpful.

Below are a few recommended places on the web where you can find helpful information about biodiesel: