Backyard Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from vegetable oil (or animal fat) that can be used in any diesel engine without any modifications. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel currently available that has an overall positive life cycle energy balance (3.2:1, compared to a paltry .86:1 of diesel). It is renewable, sustainable, domestically produced, and Oil Regime free.

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is relatively safe and easy to process when conscientiously approached. Made from vegetable oil (or animal fat) that can be used in any diesel engine without any modifications. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel currently available that has an overall positive life cycle energy balance (3.2:1, compared to a paltry .86:1 of diesel). Making home-brew style biodiesel begins with the collection of waste restaurant grease that local restaurant owners are generally eager to part with. After collection--which is a greasy, grimy job to say the least--the oil is heated in an appropriate reactor vessel.

Other articles:
Bio Ethanol - Alternative Fuel Sources

Once the oil has reached 120-130 F, it must be filtered to remove any food particles in suspension (french fries, tofu bits, chicken wings, tempeh chunks, et al). Methanol and sodium hydroxide (~20% methanol/volume of oil, and anywhere from 3.5 to 9 grams/liter of oil depending on the quality of oil) are then mixed in a separate vessel and then added to the heated oil once a homogenous solution is obtained. The oil/methanol/lye mixture is then agitated for ~1 hour and allowed to settle overnight. The final step is to run the Biodiesel through a fuel filter to remove any debris that might have made it this far. You are now ready to use the fuel in your diesel car. The glycerin should be allowed to sit for a few days to remove the excess methanol, then it can be used as soap, or it can be mixed with sawdust and composted.