The real challenges of the biodiesel industry
1:53 AM | 
Posted by
Dr Hil
In today’s world of green energy industry, everyone strive to reach a reliable sources of renewable energy. This energy should effectively replace the current fossil fuel addiction of the modern society. Biodiesel is often rise as a promising source of renewable energy that is already available and can be used instantly without the need to radically change the entire technology used for industry and transportation, like other clean energy resources require.
Biodiesel is a nickname for natural fatty acids that can be used as a replacement fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel is cleaner, more effective and good for the engine than ordinary fossil fuel based diesel. Moreover and most importantly, biodiesel is renewable and can be manufactured from the remains of biological materials (plants and animals oil) hence the name “bio-diesel”.
In order to produce biodiesel there is a need to process the natural fat, like vegetable oil with a simple chemical process called “transesterification”, which is actually reacting the oil with some kind of a catalyst like a strong base, to separate the fatty acids from the oil.
The biodiesel industry today focuses on the machinery and methods that will be used to produce biodiesel from vegetable and animals oils. This industry grow rapidly and provide a large set of methods to produce biodiesel from equipment for home made fuel, for personal use, to large industrial machines for mass production of bio-diesel and other bio-fuels. The sources of the raw material (oils) for biodiesel is also variable and go from used cooking oil to fresh oil produced directly from plants, like soy.
The problem with biodiesel is actually the sources that will be used to produce the fuel in large quantities. Today, there is not enough oil on earth to support the replacement of the entire fuel demand with biofuels. The simple facts are that if we will transform our currently crops to fuel, we will soon won’t have anything left to eat. The current source for biodiesel is mainly very important edible crops like corn and soy. The great increase in bio diesel production in the past few years already caused an increase in food prices, and the future famine disaster is already knocking on the door.
According to this, in order to secure biodiesel as a solid fuel resource for the future, the industry must focuses in a new resources of biological oils that will not jeopardize our edible crops. some replacements have been suggested in the past, and look promising.
One idea for new oil source is using algae. algae are most simple to grow than plants and produce a large amount of oil by fixing atmosphere carbon using the sun light energy. algae are also easy to harvest and process than plants. However, year of scientific effort to make oil production from algae was yet to be successful, and mass production of oil from algae and its relative is still seams to be a science fiction.
Other ideas focuses on new kind of crops that naturally producing large amount of oil, are easy to grow and are not used as a nutritional source, so they will not compete human food supply. As an example, people suggested to use jatropha plants has a resource for oil production. But the truth is that even these crops will probably will not solve the problem and will fail to supply the huge demand to fuel that predicted to the near future.
As a result, I believe that the big challenge of the biodiesel industry is not in improving that current methods of crops growing or industrial techniques, but in the scientific research and biotechnology.
Biodiesel research must try to use the new biotech methods that were dramatically improved in the last decades, to create a new kind of crops or algae that will be genetically engineered to increase the quality of these crops as oil providers. The scientific world is working on this topic for while with small successes, but in order to bring a good solution the scientists will need much more funding. This is where the industry must enter and supply the demand of science to make these crops a reality. The energy industry must switch its thinking and think more like people from the drug industry – invest in basic scientific research for better results in the future. The first company that will successfully create the new kind of crops, will gain a huge influence on the entire economy from agriculture to transportation, promising a gigantic profit in the prospect.
The biodiesel manufacturers must give attention to research and development of the raw materials of their industry (oils) in order to assure a fine and profitable future for them and for us.
Biodiesel is a nickname for natural fatty acids that can be used as a replacement fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel is cleaner, more effective and good for the engine than ordinary fossil fuel based diesel. Moreover and most importantly, biodiesel is renewable and can be manufactured from the remains of biological materials (plants and animals oil) hence the name “bio-diesel”.
In order to produce biodiesel there is a need to process the natural fat, like vegetable oil with a simple chemical process called “transesterification”, which is actually reacting the oil with some kind of a catalyst like a strong base, to separate the fatty acids from the oil.
The biodiesel industry today focuses on the machinery and methods that will be used to produce biodiesel from vegetable and animals oils. This industry grow rapidly and provide a large set of methods to produce biodiesel from equipment for home made fuel, for personal use, to large industrial machines for mass production of bio-diesel and other bio-fuels. The sources of the raw material (oils) for biodiesel is also variable and go from used cooking oil to fresh oil produced directly from plants, like soy.
The problem with biodiesel is actually the sources that will be used to produce the fuel in large quantities. Today, there is not enough oil on earth to support the replacement of the entire fuel demand with biofuels. The simple facts are that if we will transform our currently crops to fuel, we will soon won’t have anything left to eat. The current source for biodiesel is mainly very important edible crops like corn and soy. The great increase in bio diesel production in the past few years already caused an increase in food prices, and the future famine disaster is already knocking on the door.
According to this, in order to secure biodiesel as a solid fuel resource for the future, the industry must focuses in a new resources of biological oils that will not jeopardize our edible crops. some replacements have been suggested in the past, and look promising.
One idea for new oil source is using algae. algae are most simple to grow than plants and produce a large amount of oil by fixing atmosphere carbon using the sun light energy. algae are also easy to harvest and process than plants. However, year of scientific effort to make oil production from algae was yet to be successful, and mass production of oil from algae and its relative is still seams to be a science fiction.
Other ideas focuses on new kind of crops that naturally producing large amount of oil, are easy to grow and are not used as a nutritional source, so they will not compete human food supply. As an example, people suggested to use jatropha plants has a resource for oil production. But the truth is that even these crops will probably will not solve the problem and will fail to supply the huge demand to fuel that predicted to the near future.
As a result, I believe that the big challenge of the biodiesel industry is not in improving that current methods of crops growing or industrial techniques, but in the scientific research and biotechnology.
Biodiesel research must try to use the new biotech methods that were dramatically improved in the last decades, to create a new kind of crops or algae that will be genetically engineered to increase the quality of these crops as oil providers. The scientific world is working on this topic for while with small successes, but in order to bring a good solution the scientists will need much more funding. This is where the industry must enter and supply the demand of science to make these crops a reality. The energy industry must switch its thinking and think more like people from the drug industry – invest in basic scientific research for better results in the future. The first company that will successfully create the new kind of crops, will gain a huge influence on the entire economy from agriculture to transportation, promising a gigantic profit in the prospect.
The biodiesel manufacturers must give attention to research and development of the raw materials of their industry (oils) in order to assure a fine and profitable future for them and for us.
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Vegetable Oil as Substitute for Diesel
The current global warming issue has sparked great interest in the development of newer and cleaner sources of energy aside from fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are non-renewable and when fuels from this resource are burned, they produce harmful gases which trap heat in the atmosphere thus the greenhouse effect. Recently, more and more industries including the auto industry are looking for new source of energy which can replace gasoline or diesel.
Biodiesel and ethanol, along with hydrogen, are presently the most popular alternative fuels being developed. All these came from renewable resources and burns cleaner than conventional gasoline or diesel. But another alternative fuel being cited by different auto experts is vegetable oil. Vegetable oil can power a diesel engine without any need for modifications on the design of the engine. The main problem of this fuel is that it freezes above the freezing point of water which means that certain chemicals needs to added to it to keep it from freezing and blocking fuel lines. One suggestion for those who owns diesel engined vehicles is to use waste restaurant grease to conserve on fossil fuel consumption. In fact, one driver has driven around Europe on a car that runs on vegetable oil that he managed to procure from restaurants along the way. Scottish Anthony Berretti accomplished the feat using his converted Fiat van. Meanwhile, another company in Easthampton, Massachusetts promotes the use of vegetable oil as fuel. Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems, as the company is called, manufactures a conversion kit for vehicles to run on vegetable oil. In the company’s nine years in business, they have already sold 3,500 kits and they have reported an increase in sales for the past few years owing to car owners looking for ways to cut down their fuel consumption. Vegetable oil can come from restaurants that are more often than not happy to dispose of their used vegetable oil for free. Aside from companies manufacturing kits to convert conventional cars to run on vegetable oil, there are also companies like Fry-O-Diesel which supplies the needed vegetable oil for motorists. Based in Philadelphia, Fry-O-Diesel has developed a technology to convert the foul brown grease from restaurant sink traps into usable fuel. The use of vegetable oil is a good step to reduce the amount of CO2 since the amount of carbon dioxide released by burning vegetable oil as fuel is countered by the amount of carbon dioxide that the plants from where vegetable oil are made of absorbs from the atmosphere. Aside from Fry-O-Diesel, the North American Biofuels which is based in New York is also another company producing bio fuel from trap grease. While the use of vegetable oil is beneficial to the environment, the amount of vegetable oil from restaurants all over the country is not enough to significantly replace diesel from fossil fuels. According to Steve Bantz, an engineer wit the Union of Concerned Scientists, out of the estimated 3.8 billion pounds of U.S. restaurant grease, 495 million gallons of biodiesel can be produced. This figure accounts only for one percent of the United States’ diesel consumption. While that may be the case, the development of vegetable oil as replacement for fossil based diesel acts like Volvo park lights by showing the direction where the alternative fuel industry is going.
About the Author: Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Alternative Fuels Snatch Auto Industry’s Limelight
With the alarming environmental concerns and the aim of preserving a greener tomorrow, automakers are triggered to build more environment-friendly automobiles. In fact, part of the fast-rising vehicles today is powered by alternative fuels. In a short span of time, these vehicles have swiftly stolen the limelight of the industry.Alternative fuel, also known as non-conventional fuels, is any material or substance that can be used as a fuel, other than fossil fuels, or conventional fuels of petroleum, coal, propane, and natural gas.
The term usually refers to a source of which energy is renewable. Its main function is to store energy in a form that is stable and can be easily transported from the place of production to the end user. Alternative fuels include biodiesel, butanol, ethanol, chemically stored electricity like batteries and fuel cells, hydrogen, methane, natural gas, biomass, wood, wood gas, vegetable oil, and peanut oil.One of the vehicles using such alternative fuels is the Volvo Multi-Fuel. Said vehicle is optimized to run on five different fuels so there is a need to upgrade on Volvo performance parts. The Volvo Multi-Fuel, based on the Volvo V70, is powered by a 2.0-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that will run on hythane (10 per cent hydrogen and 90 per cent methane), biomethane, natural gas (CNG), bioethanol E85 (85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent gasoline) and gasoline. Aside from the fact that it runs on 5 different engines, another notable facet of the Volvo Multi-Fuel is its relatively consistent performance not considering the fuel used.
Volvo claims that the turbocharged engine of the vehicle is producing about 200 horsepower. It is sufficient to power up the wagon. The vehicle runs exceptionally clean. In fact, when pure renewable fuels such as hyrdrogen, biomethane or bioethanol are used, very little fossil carbon dioxide is emitted.Hythane, E85 bioethanol and CNG biomethane are extra-clean fuels. This is main reason why the vehicle has surpassed all existing emissions regulations imposed in any market at the present time. Furthermore, it would also qualify for the upcoming EuroV emissions regulations. The mentioned fuels also have the advantage of being carbon neutral. It means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.When changing between fuels, the driver only has to choose between gaseous or liquid fuel and the engine management system will adjust to optimize performance for the fuel.
The Multi-Fuel has separate fuel tanks for gaseous fuels that include hythane, biomethane and CNG; and liquid fuel like E85 and gasoline. "The whole car is optimized for high performance, driving on any of the five different fuels," said Mats Moren, project leader engine at Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a step towards a hydrogen-powered society. Perhaps we can develop the system even further, to run on a higher blend in the future." Volvo is known for its commitment to lead automotive milestones. As a fact, it has been associated with remarkable safety and ninety-degree bodywork. At this point in time, the automaker has already established a name that embodies style, quality, cutting-edge design – and superb green technology. Aside from
Volvo, renowned automakers like Daimler Chrysler are producing entry vehicles that use alternative fuels. The latest entry so far is the E320 CDI BlUETEC that runs on a biomass-to-liquid (BtL) fuel known as SunDiesel. Said fuel can be used as the lone fuel or as an additive. "We believe BtL fuels can make an important contribution to our energy supply,” explained Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, vice president of the Research Body and Powertrain and also chief environmental officer of DaimlerChrysler AG.
"They can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and with their good carbon dioxide audit they can also help make mobility more environmentally compatible." The Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT and the smart four two cng were also entered, both running on CNG. The E 200 NGT reduces CO2 emissions by over 20 per cent and with a power output of 163 horsepower from the 1.8-liter engine. It is the most powerful CNG passenger car currently in production. The driver can decide whether to use CNG or gasoline using buttons on the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit ensures a smooth transition from one power source to the other. Fuel consumption is 39 mpg with CNG and 26 mpg with premium unleaded.
Ford’s green vehicles include Focus C-MAX H2 ICE is powered by a prototype hydrogen internal combustion engine. The engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 110 horsepower. According to Ford the Focus C-MAX H2 ICE has a driving range of about 120 miles with the fuel capacity of 2.75 kg of hydrogen. General Motors newest entry is Saab 9-5 BioPower, which runs on either bioethanol or gasoline. The BioPower is not only environment-friendly; it also but delivers more power and performance than the gasoline-only version. The vehicle can switch between bioethanol and gasoline without any adjustment by the driver. The Q7 TDI, powered by 3.0-liter direct-injection with impressive fuel economy of 22 mpg, is Audi’s latest green SUV pride. For the recently held Challenge Bibendum, the Q7 TDI was fueled with Synfuel produced by Shell. It is manufactured from natural gas, biomass or coal to decrease the environmental impact by reducing exhaust emissions.
About the Author: Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
The term usually refers to a source of which energy is renewable. Its main function is to store energy in a form that is stable and can be easily transported from the place of production to the end user. Alternative fuels include biodiesel, butanol, ethanol, chemically stored electricity like batteries and fuel cells, hydrogen, methane, natural gas, biomass, wood, wood gas, vegetable oil, and peanut oil.One of the vehicles using such alternative fuels is the Volvo Multi-Fuel. Said vehicle is optimized to run on five different fuels so there is a need to upgrade on Volvo performance parts. The Volvo Multi-Fuel, based on the Volvo V70, is powered by a 2.0-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that will run on hythane (10 per cent hydrogen and 90 per cent methane), biomethane, natural gas (CNG), bioethanol E85 (85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent gasoline) and gasoline. Aside from the fact that it runs on 5 different engines, another notable facet of the Volvo Multi-Fuel is its relatively consistent performance not considering the fuel used.
Volvo claims that the turbocharged engine of the vehicle is producing about 200 horsepower. It is sufficient to power up the wagon. The vehicle runs exceptionally clean. In fact, when pure renewable fuels such as hyrdrogen, biomethane or bioethanol are used, very little fossil carbon dioxide is emitted.Hythane, E85 bioethanol and CNG biomethane are extra-clean fuels. This is main reason why the vehicle has surpassed all existing emissions regulations imposed in any market at the present time. Furthermore, it would also qualify for the upcoming EuroV emissions regulations. The mentioned fuels also have the advantage of being carbon neutral. It means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.When changing between fuels, the driver only has to choose between gaseous or liquid fuel and the engine management system will adjust to optimize performance for the fuel.
The Multi-Fuel has separate fuel tanks for gaseous fuels that include hythane, biomethane and CNG; and liquid fuel like E85 and gasoline. "The whole car is optimized for high performance, driving on any of the five different fuels," said Mats Moren, project leader engine at Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a step towards a hydrogen-powered society. Perhaps we can develop the system even further, to run on a higher blend in the future." Volvo is known for its commitment to lead automotive milestones. As a fact, it has been associated with remarkable safety and ninety-degree bodywork. At this point in time, the automaker has already established a name that embodies style, quality, cutting-edge design – and superb green technology. Aside from
Volvo, renowned automakers like Daimler Chrysler are producing entry vehicles that use alternative fuels. The latest entry so far is the E320 CDI BlUETEC that runs on a biomass-to-liquid (BtL) fuel known as SunDiesel. Said fuel can be used as the lone fuel or as an additive. "We believe BtL fuels can make an important contribution to our energy supply,” explained Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, vice president of the Research Body and Powertrain and also chief environmental officer of DaimlerChrysler AG.
"They can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and with their good carbon dioxide audit they can also help make mobility more environmentally compatible." The Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT and the smart four two cng were also entered, both running on CNG. The E 200 NGT reduces CO2 emissions by over 20 per cent and with a power output of 163 horsepower from the 1.8-liter engine. It is the most powerful CNG passenger car currently in production. The driver can decide whether to use CNG or gasoline using buttons on the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit ensures a smooth transition from one power source to the other. Fuel consumption is 39 mpg with CNG and 26 mpg with premium unleaded.
Ford’s green vehicles include Focus C-MAX H2 ICE is powered by a prototype hydrogen internal combustion engine. The engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 110 horsepower. According to Ford the Focus C-MAX H2 ICE has a driving range of about 120 miles with the fuel capacity of 2.75 kg of hydrogen. General Motors newest entry is Saab 9-5 BioPower, which runs on either bioethanol or gasoline. The BioPower is not only environment-friendly; it also but delivers more power and performance than the gasoline-only version. The vehicle can switch between bioethanol and gasoline without any adjustment by the driver. The Q7 TDI, powered by 3.0-liter direct-injection with impressive fuel economy of 22 mpg, is Audi’s latest green SUV pride. For the recently held Challenge Bibendum, the Q7 TDI was fueled with Synfuel produced by Shell. It is manufactured from natural gas, biomass or coal to decrease the environmental impact by reducing exhaust emissions.
About the Author: Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
Homemade Biodiesel Processor
Author: Munya Chinongoza
Biodiesel is a fuel that is friendly to the environment and can easily be made in your own home using everyday things like waste vegetable oil as your main ingredient. The great thing about biodiesel is that you only need three simple ingredients to make it.
All you really need is methanol, new or used oil, and lye.
This is how to build your processor.
First of all, you have to set up the drum by cutting a large hole in the top of a steel drum. You then drill a hole about 1.5 inches into the bottom of this drum. Be prepared to attach a pipe to it. Simply weld a pipe the same diameter as the hole to the bottom of the drum. You will need to attach a brass ball valve to this pipe. This will be your drain valve. Just so you know it does not have to be brass, but using brass makes the valve more durable.
Drill another hole into the side of the drum but this time in the bottom, make it the same size as your heater element. Heater elements can be found in old hot water heaters or can be purchased from your local hardware store. Alright, now go ahead and fit your heater element properly, making sure it is not touching the either side of the drum. The heater element will need to be wired so that it is connected to your power source.
The next thing to do is to assemble the chemical mixer. You can do this by attaching one pulley to the rolled steel rod, and then attach the other pulley to the spindle of the electric motor. A propeller has to be welded to the other end of the rolled steel rod. Cheap shelf brackets can be used as propellers. Attach the rod, pulley and propeller assembly to one side of the hinge. This will allow you to be able to move the mixer in future when necessary.
Ok, across the top of the drum, weld a piece of angle iron. This angle iron will be there to offer support for the mixing apparatus. The unattached side of the hinge should then be attached to the angle iron so the propeller and rod assembly sits in the middle of the drum. With your hinge now fixed it should swing the propeller and rod back and forth. The next step involves you finally mounting the electric motor onto the side of the drum. You should be able to mount the motor directly to the drum without it tipping the drum. Fit a belt to the pulleys and tighten it to desired length by wedging a block of wood into the hinge. A tight belt is necessary to help you to mix the biodiesel in the drum. The last thing you need is a simple measuring stick and you are done.
About the Author:
If you need more information on homemade biodiesel processor, please visit our website: http://biodieselcorner.com
Biodiesel is a fuel that is friendly to the environment and can easily be made in your own home using everyday things like waste vegetable oil as your main ingredient. The great thing about biodiesel is that you only need three simple ingredients to make it.
All you really need is methanol, new or used oil, and lye.
This is how to build your processor.
First of all, you have to set up the drum by cutting a large hole in the top of a steel drum. You then drill a hole about 1.5 inches into the bottom of this drum. Be prepared to attach a pipe to it. Simply weld a pipe the same diameter as the hole to the bottom of the drum. You will need to attach a brass ball valve to this pipe. This will be your drain valve. Just so you know it does not have to be brass, but using brass makes the valve more durable.
Drill another hole into the side of the drum but this time in the bottom, make it the same size as your heater element. Heater elements can be found in old hot water heaters or can be purchased from your local hardware store. Alright, now go ahead and fit your heater element properly, making sure it is not touching the either side of the drum. The heater element will need to be wired so that it is connected to your power source.
The next thing to do is to assemble the chemical mixer. You can do this by attaching one pulley to the rolled steel rod, and then attach the other pulley to the spindle of the electric motor. A propeller has to be welded to the other end of the rolled steel rod. Cheap shelf brackets can be used as propellers. Attach the rod, pulley and propeller assembly to one side of the hinge. This will allow you to be able to move the mixer in future when necessary.
Ok, across the top of the drum, weld a piece of angle iron. This angle iron will be there to offer support for the mixing apparatus. The unattached side of the hinge should then be attached to the angle iron so the propeller and rod assembly sits in the middle of the drum. With your hinge now fixed it should swing the propeller and rod back and forth. The next step involves you finally mounting the electric motor onto the side of the drum. You should be able to mount the motor directly to the drum without it tipping the drum. Fit a belt to the pulleys and tighten it to desired length by wedging a block of wood into the hinge. A tight belt is necessary to help you to mix the biodiesel in the drum. The last thing you need is a simple measuring stick and you are done.
About the Author:
If you need more information on homemade biodiesel processor, please visit our website: http://biodieselcorner.com
Biodiesel, Fighting Rising Prices
Using biodiesel in your diesel engine is one way to fight rising diesel prices. The idea is that the higher the blend of biodiesel that you use in your engine, the more money you will save per gallon on fuel.
Biodiesel is the name for a variety of ester-based oxygenated fuels made from soybean oil or other vegetable oils or animal fats. The concept of using vegetable oil as a fuel dates back to 1895 when Dr. Rudolf Diesel developed the vegetable oil fueled engine. Diesel demonstrated his engine at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. He used peanut oil as fuel.
Today biodiesel is primarily made out of soy or canola oil. Buying biodiesel keeps diesel prices down and farmers in business! Biodiesel fuel is also good for the environment and reduces emissions as much as 80%.
Owners of vehicles with diesel engines can use biodiesel fuel without having to make engine modifications. Some hoses may need to be changed however because vegetable oil degrades certain types of rubber. If you go to the website of the national biodiesel board you can find plenty of information about where to buy biodiesel in your area. The national biodiesel board also has an interactive map that allows you to locate pumps with low diesel prices in your area.
If you're feeling really adventurous, you can make your own biofuel from used vegetable oil, which is available for free at most restaurants. You can either purchase a small production system or make your own biodiesel to add to your diesel engine by mixing up a few chemicals in a blender.
You can also fight diesel prices by converted your car into a SVO (straight vegetable oil engine. In essence these kits, called grease car kits allow you to build a small processor inside your car engine that heats and processes the oil so that it becomes biodiesel. A heating element, thermostat and special rubber hoses that cannot be damaged by vegetable oil are components of this kind of kit. Water heater processors help recovering excess methanol that is created during the chemical reaction that creates biodiesel. This cuts the cost per gallon for diesel even further.
Usually these types of converters cost anywhere from $249 to $3,000.00. Like most products, you get what you pay for. However if you install one that is effective you can fight rising diesel prices and make your own fuel for as little as .70 per gallon!
Ash Ried is the author of numerous guides and articles on Biodiesel.
You can find articles on How To Make And Use Biodiesel on his website.
Click here to get free access http://NewBiodiesel.com/articles.html
Biodiesel is the name for a variety of ester-based oxygenated fuels made from soybean oil or other vegetable oils or animal fats. The concept of using vegetable oil as a fuel dates back to 1895 when Dr. Rudolf Diesel developed the vegetable oil fueled engine. Diesel demonstrated his engine at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. He used peanut oil as fuel.
Today biodiesel is primarily made out of soy or canola oil. Buying biodiesel keeps diesel prices down and farmers in business! Biodiesel fuel is also good for the environment and reduces emissions as much as 80%.
Owners of vehicles with diesel engines can use biodiesel fuel without having to make engine modifications. Some hoses may need to be changed however because vegetable oil degrades certain types of rubber. If you go to the website of the national biodiesel board you can find plenty of information about where to buy biodiesel in your area. The national biodiesel board also has an interactive map that allows you to locate pumps with low diesel prices in your area.
If you're feeling really adventurous, you can make your own biofuel from used vegetable oil, which is available for free at most restaurants. You can either purchase a small production system or make your own biodiesel to add to your diesel engine by mixing up a few chemicals in a blender.
You can also fight diesel prices by converted your car into a SVO (straight vegetable oil engine. In essence these kits, called grease car kits allow you to build a small processor inside your car engine that heats and processes the oil so that it becomes biodiesel. A heating element, thermostat and special rubber hoses that cannot be damaged by vegetable oil are components of this kind of kit. Water heater processors help recovering excess methanol that is created during the chemical reaction that creates biodiesel. This cuts the cost per gallon for diesel even further.
Usually these types of converters cost anywhere from $249 to $3,000.00. Like most products, you get what you pay for. However if you install one that is effective you can fight rising diesel prices and make your own fuel for as little as .70 per gallon!
Ash Ried is the author of numerous guides and articles on Biodiesel.
You can find articles on How To Make And Use Biodiesel on his website.
Click here to get free access http://NewBiodiesel.com/articles.html
Boosting Your Biodiesel Efficiency
By Ron Petracek
If you own a tractor, truck or a boat you are probably a bit bemused by the phenomena of biodiesel being a "new thing" when it comes to extending mileage, lubricity or reducing pollution The truth is that using biodiesel as an additive to boost the lubricity of an engine and solve combustion issues is not new at all.
It has been used for decades as a way of keeping large farm machinery operating in the winter. The upshot is that biodiesel can lubricates vehicle machinery far better than petroleum diesel fuel.
Scientist and farmers have realized for years that there is marked improvement in lubricity when biodiesel is added to conventional diesel fuel. Even biodiesel levels as low as one percent can provide up to a 65 percent increase in lubricity in distillate fuels. Biodiesel and biodiesel additives have been in the spotlight lately because of global warming. Using just plain diesel is not the magic solution when it comes to global warming because of course this fuel does emit soot, carbons and sulfur. This is evident if you have ever watched exhaust coming out of the back of the exhaust pipe of a bus, boat or tractor.
The addition of biodiesel to fuels in boats, tractors, buses and other large vehicles can greatly help reduce these toxic emissions as well as the noise that these vehicles can make. This is because a machine that is well lubricated with biodiesel is just not as erratic in its function. The fact that biodiesel makes the running of vehicles much easier in general has led to the development of all kinds of designer biodiesel additives, for both diesel fuel and gasoline run vehicles. One company that has been at the forefront of developing these types of designer biodiesel formulas is Fuel Boost. Fuelboost raises the certain level in pumped gas, which also gives the machine more mileage. The Fuel Boost Company specifically manufactures a Fuel Boost Diesel Formula that removes soot deposits on valves and intake ports and strips the engines of built up carbon.
This formula also reduces the thick black smoke that can be emitted into the atmosphere. The smoothness and mobility of diesel fuel is especially important for diesel engines and machines that use rotary and distributor type fuel injection pumps. In these pumps, the fuel itself lubricates moving parts as it moves through the pump. This is exactly the type of instance where the addition biodiesel can greatly increase the efficiency of a machine. The efficiency of other diesel fuel systems-which include unit injectors; injectors, unit pumps, and in-line pumps also rely on well-lubricated diesel fuel. The reason that biodiesel fuel in blends of 20% or lower are usually added to regular diesel fuels is because Biodiesel fuels consisting of methyl esters of soybean oil. The esters in biodiesel have superior scuffing and adhesive wear resistance that exceeds conventional diesel fuels To ensure the safest use of biodiesel fuel, make sure that the additive you use it meets the ASTM specification for pure biodiesel (ASTM D 6751) before blending with petroleum based diesel fuel. This ensures that your machine will not experience operational problems.
About The Author: Ron Petracek was born in Southern Idaho and working on Farm Diesel Equipment Petracek first hand witnessed the deterio of fuel. Petracek has 3 U.S. Patents and develops fuel enhancers for today's poor under additized fuels. For RV � Semi - Boat or Motorcycle additives vist http://www.thempgsite.com
If you own a tractor, truck or a boat you are probably a bit bemused by the phenomena of biodiesel being a "new thing" when it comes to extending mileage, lubricity or reducing pollution The truth is that using biodiesel as an additive to boost the lubricity of an engine and solve combustion issues is not new at all.
It has been used for decades as a way of keeping large farm machinery operating in the winter. The upshot is that biodiesel can lubricates vehicle machinery far better than petroleum diesel fuel.
Scientist and farmers have realized for years that there is marked improvement in lubricity when biodiesel is added to conventional diesel fuel. Even biodiesel levels as low as one percent can provide up to a 65 percent increase in lubricity in distillate fuels. Biodiesel and biodiesel additives have been in the spotlight lately because of global warming. Using just plain diesel is not the magic solution when it comes to global warming because of course this fuel does emit soot, carbons and sulfur. This is evident if you have ever watched exhaust coming out of the back of the exhaust pipe of a bus, boat or tractor.
The addition of biodiesel to fuels in boats, tractors, buses and other large vehicles can greatly help reduce these toxic emissions as well as the noise that these vehicles can make. This is because a machine that is well lubricated with biodiesel is just not as erratic in its function. The fact that biodiesel makes the running of vehicles much easier in general has led to the development of all kinds of designer biodiesel additives, for both diesel fuel and gasoline run vehicles. One company that has been at the forefront of developing these types of designer biodiesel formulas is Fuel Boost. Fuelboost raises the certain level in pumped gas, which also gives the machine more mileage. The Fuel Boost Company specifically manufactures a Fuel Boost Diesel Formula that removes soot deposits on valves and intake ports and strips the engines of built up carbon.
This formula also reduces the thick black smoke that can be emitted into the atmosphere. The smoothness and mobility of diesel fuel is especially important for diesel engines and machines that use rotary and distributor type fuel injection pumps. In these pumps, the fuel itself lubricates moving parts as it moves through the pump. This is exactly the type of instance where the addition biodiesel can greatly increase the efficiency of a machine. The efficiency of other diesel fuel systems-which include unit injectors; injectors, unit pumps, and in-line pumps also rely on well-lubricated diesel fuel. The reason that biodiesel fuel in blends of 20% or lower are usually added to regular diesel fuels is because Biodiesel fuels consisting of methyl esters of soybean oil. The esters in biodiesel have superior scuffing and adhesive wear resistance that exceeds conventional diesel fuels To ensure the safest use of biodiesel fuel, make sure that the additive you use it meets the ASTM specification for pure biodiesel (ASTM D 6751) before blending with petroleum based diesel fuel. This ensures that your machine will not experience operational problems.
About The Author: Ron Petracek was born in Southern Idaho and working on Farm Diesel Equipment Petracek first hand witnessed the deterio of fuel. Petracek has 3 U.S. Patents and develops fuel enhancers for today's poor under additized fuels. For RV � Semi - Boat or Motorcycle additives vist http://www.thempgsite.com
11 Most Frequently Asked Questions on Converting Your Car to Biodiesel
by: David Sieg
1. OK, So what do I need to do to convert my car to biodiesel?
First and foremost, you need to have a diesel engine car. Biodiesel CAN NOT be used in a gasoline engine. Having said that, any engine that runs on #2 diesel can also be run on biodiesel. This means, home furnaces, generators, semi-trucks, farm equipment, fishing boats, etc. There is really nothing you need to do and nothing you need to convert. Just use it the same as any other fuel. “Conversion” becomes necessary when you want to run your diesel engine on Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) For some pre-1994 model vehicles it is said that you need to replace your rubber hoses with synthetic ones. But truthfully, unless you have a leak, I wouldn't bother.
2. How much money will I save? It really depends on you, and how you decide to make your own biodiesel. For example, if you are using waste vegetable oil from restaurants, (free feedstock) and buying other ingredients in bulk, your savings are going to be substantial. Say, around $2.00 or more per gallon.
3. Is it true that a gradually increasing the amount of biodiesel in my diesel fuel is the best way to start using biodiesel in my vehicle?
Not necessary. There is no mechanical reason that I know of to support this. Any blend of biodiesel, from 100% biodiesel (B100) to 100% diesel can be used in any diesel engine.
Not necessary. There is no mechanical reason that I know of to support this. Any blend of biodiesel, from 100% biodiesel (B100) to 100% diesel can be used in any diesel engine.
4. Should I replace my fuel filter before using biodiesel?
Not necessary. Biodiesel is a solvent and as such will also start cleaning your diesel engine and your fuel system. What it is going to clean is the sludge left behind from regular diesel fuel. Over time, this sludge can clog your filters. The truth is, biodiesel will keep your car's fuel system very, very, clean. The degreaser cleaning properties of biodiesel will clean the system of the accumulated diesel sludge/debris first. It might take weeks, months or years, who knows? Engines are funny. After a while, you may need to change your fuel filter, but you'll need to change them anyway as a normal maintenance procedure. If it clogs up, or you are having a problem (loss of power, smoking, coughing, trouble starting, etc.) and you suspect it could be related to the fuel filter, then by all means, switch it out, they are fairly cheap anyway. Simply change out the filter and chances are your problems will go away. It's not a bad idea to keep an extra fuel filter on hand anyway.!
..just in case. The good news is, once your engine's fuel system has been cleaned, it will stay incredibly clean from then on.
Not necessary. Biodiesel is a solvent and as such will also start cleaning your diesel engine and your fuel system. What it is going to clean is the sludge left behind from regular diesel fuel. Over time, this sludge can clog your filters. The truth is, biodiesel will keep your car's fuel system very, very, clean. The degreaser cleaning properties of biodiesel will clean the system of the accumulated diesel sludge/debris first. It might take weeks, months or years, who knows? Engines are funny. After a while, you may need to change your fuel filter, but you'll need to change them anyway as a normal maintenance procedure. If it clogs up, or you are having a problem (loss of power, smoking, coughing, trouble starting, etc.) and you suspect it could be related to the fuel filter, then by all means, switch it out, they are fairly cheap anyway. Simply change out the filter and chances are your problems will go away. It's not a bad idea to keep an extra fuel filter on hand anyway.!
..just in case. The good news is, once your engine's fuel system has been cleaned, it will stay incredibly clean from then on.
5. I have heard that biodiesel will eat or degrade the rubber in my fuel system?
Biodiesel is a solvent and a degreaser (a good one) and as a solvent, yes, it will eat rubber over time. The truth is, petroleum diesel with a high sulfur content does this too, only slower. Biodiesel acts a lot like Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) that is now fast becoming the diesel standard. Also, since 1993, diesel engines and equipment have been reworked and redesigned, using synthetic rubber with ULSD in mind. The auto makers have been phasing out rubber from the fuel systems themselves. This is resulting in fewer fuel leaks for diesel and biodiesel users alike. If you have a pre-1994 vehicle with rubber fuel hoses and are experiencing leaking problems, then yes, you should replace them with ULSD compatible hoses.
Biodiesel is a solvent and a degreaser (a good one) and as a solvent, yes, it will eat rubber over time. The truth is, petroleum diesel with a high sulfur content does this too, only slower. Biodiesel acts a lot like Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) that is now fast becoming the diesel standard. Also, since 1993, diesel engines and equipment have been reworked and redesigned, using synthetic rubber with ULSD in mind. The auto makers have been phasing out rubber from the fuel systems themselves. This is resulting in fewer fuel leaks for diesel and biodiesel users alike. If you have a pre-1994 vehicle with rubber fuel hoses and are experiencing leaking problems, then yes, you should replace them with ULSD compatible hoses.
6. If I switch to biodiesel and don't like it, are there any problems with switching back to diesel again?
No problems at all. You can switch back and forth as much as you like.
No problems at all. You can switch back and forth as much as you like.
7. How are automobile makers, and specifically their warranties, responding to biodiesel usage?
It's kind of interesting to watch, truthfully. As the biodiesel industry gets older and wiser, more and more OEMs (Original engine Manufactures) are warming up to this idea and making positive statement about 100% biodiesel and this is reflected in their warranties. The truth is, it's kind of tough for them to argue the fact. The diesel engine, after all, was designed for this. Caterpillar, John Deere, and New Holland all accept and explicitly warrant B100 biodiesel in their engines. Others are taking a more "wait and see" attitude. They are warranting blends like B20, or B5 but stop short of wholeheartedly endorsing the idea. Other say they "neither oppose nor endorse" the use of bio-fuels.
This is where it gets interesting; Mercedes and Volkswagen both sell cars in Europe and the USA with diesel engines and there is no problem with warranty issues in Europe, but here in the good ol USA, they don't/won't support the use of biodiesel or the biodiesel industry. So bottom line? One, check your warranty. Two, if a OEM wants to deny a warranty based on biodiesel use, they can. But legally, they have to show a compelling reason that biodiesel hurt the engine. Which would be very hard to do. This is a very good reason to use ASTM (Commercial biodiesel) fuels, especially in newer cars or trucks.
It's kind of interesting to watch, truthfully. As the biodiesel industry gets older and wiser, more and more OEMs (Original engine Manufactures) are warming up to this idea and making positive statement about 100% biodiesel and this is reflected in their warranties. The truth is, it's kind of tough for them to argue the fact. The diesel engine, after all, was designed for this. Caterpillar, John Deere, and New Holland all accept and explicitly warrant B100 biodiesel in their engines. Others are taking a more "wait and see" attitude. They are warranting blends like B20, or B5 but stop short of wholeheartedly endorsing the idea. Other say they "neither oppose nor endorse" the use of bio-fuels.
This is where it gets interesting; Mercedes and Volkswagen both sell cars in Europe and the USA with diesel engines and there is no problem with warranty issues in Europe, but here in the good ol USA, they don't/won't support the use of biodiesel or the biodiesel industry. So bottom line? One, check your warranty. Two, if a OEM wants to deny a warranty based on biodiesel use, they can. But legally, they have to show a compelling reason that biodiesel hurt the engine. Which would be very hard to do. This is a very good reason to use ASTM (Commercial biodiesel) fuels, especially in newer cars or trucks.
8. What is biodiesel made from, besides vegetable oil?
Because modern diesel engines have been modified to meet diesel #2 viscosity standards, straight vegetable oil like the kind Rudolf Diesel used in 1912, is much thicker. This is the thing which kept biodiesel out of the energy/fuel playing field for so long. What has happened recently is a process called "transesterification." This process is used to thin the vegetable oil and remove the glycerol molecule from the vegetable oil and replaces it with methyl alcohol , or methanol. In order to do this, the methanol is mixed with sodium or potassium hydroxide (Lye) before being mixed with the vegetable oil. This is the basic process. Commercial production requires more ingredients and more refining processes, but you get the picture.
Because modern diesel engines have been modified to meet diesel #2 viscosity standards, straight vegetable oil like the kind Rudolf Diesel used in 1912, is much thicker. This is the thing which kept biodiesel out of the energy/fuel playing field for so long. What has happened recently is a process called "transesterification." This process is used to thin the vegetable oil and remove the glycerol molecule from the vegetable oil and replaces it with methyl alcohol , or methanol. In order to do this, the methanol is mixed with sodium or potassium hydroxide (Lye) before being mixed with the vegetable oil. This is the basic process. Commercial production requires more ingredients and more refining processes, but you get the picture.
9. Should I worry about residual methanol, lye, or glycerol?
For home-brewers, the possibility of residual ingredients or by-products in the brewed biodiesel is a compelling reason to "wash" then test the biodiesel. Biodiesel that is commercially sold, is regulated and made to the ASTM standard, does not allow for residuals to be present. Therefore, you should have little worry with commercial biodiesel .
For home-brewers, the possibility of residual ingredients or by-products in the brewed biodiesel is a compelling reason to "wash" then test the biodiesel. Biodiesel that is commercially sold, is regulated and made to the ASTM standard, does not allow for residuals to be present. Therefore, you should have little worry with commercial biodiesel .
10. I'm thinking about converting my car/truck to run on straight vegetable oil (SVO) because it does not involve all the chemicals, and is cheaper. Why doesn't everyone just convert to SVO?
As we have said, just because the first diesel engines were designed to burn vegetable oil, a lot has changed in the engine world since 1912. Biodiesel fuel, to work efficiently in a modern diesel, we need to lower the viscosity (thickness) of the vegetable oil. we accomplish this through the biodiesel production process. It can also be accomplished by modifying the engine with a SVO Conversion kit. But additionally, there are other reasons not to use straight vegetable oil. One, it still contains glycerol which doesn't burn as cleanly as biodiesel and can leave deposits behind in the injection chambers. Two, SVO still needs to be de-watered, filtered and heated prior to introducing it into your tank. Also, filtering SVO can be very tedious to say the least, needing lots of time and energy, not to mention equipment and tools
As we have said, just because the first diesel engines were designed to burn vegetable oil, a lot has changed in the engine world since 1912. Biodiesel fuel, to work efficiently in a modern diesel, we need to lower the viscosity (thickness) of the vegetable oil. we accomplish this through the biodiesel production process. It can also be accomplished by modifying the engine with a SVO Conversion kit. But additionally, there are other reasons not to use straight vegetable oil. One, it still contains glycerol which doesn't burn as cleanly as biodiesel and can leave deposits behind in the injection chambers. Two, SVO still needs to be de-watered, filtered and heated prior to introducing it into your tank. Also, filtering SVO can be very tedious to say the least, needing lots of time and energy, not to mention equipment and tools
11. Will biodiesel work in kerosene heaters and/or oil furnaces?
The short answer is...yes. Biodiesel is 100% compatible with diesel #2. There are no worries in that regard. One of the compelling reasons to buy a biodiesel kit in my opinion is to get rid of that financial albatross, called "heating oil" in colder climates. A biodiesel kit can pay for itself in a matter of months, one winter definitely. Kerosene, which is also known as diesel #1, or heating oil #1, is thinner than diesel #2. This, of course, requires a bit more experimentation, but generally, if a heater is designed for kerosene, then it will work with a biodiesel blend. (meaning a higher percentage of kerosene and a lower percentage of biodiesel)
The short answer is...yes. Biodiesel is 100% compatible with diesel #2. There are no worries in that regard. One of the compelling reasons to buy a biodiesel kit in my opinion is to get rid of that financial albatross, called "heating oil" in colder climates. A biodiesel kit can pay for itself in a matter of months, one winter definitely. Kerosene, which is also known as diesel #1, or heating oil #1, is thinner than diesel #2. This, of course, requires a bit more experimentation, but generally, if a heater is designed for kerosene, then it will work with a biodiesel blend. (meaning a higher percentage of kerosene and a lower percentage of biodiesel)
About The Author
David Sieg is the Managing Director of Global Biotechnology Solutions, an American Company based in Vietnam. He is also the author of the popular http://www.making-biodiesel-at-home.com web site where you can find all the information you need to start saving money of sky-rocketing fuel costs.
David Sieg is the Managing Director of Global Biotechnology Solutions, an American Company based in Vietnam. He is also the author of the popular http://www.making-biodiesel-at-home.com web site where you can find all the information you need to start saving money of sky-rocketing fuel costs.
Biodiesel And It's Many Uses
by: Mike Boyd
With gas prices increasing and growing environmental awareness, the need to consider alternate energy and fuel sources are becoming a necessity. One alternative is the use of Biodiesel fuel, which is becoming more and more popular today.
Because Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel, made from 100% natural, 100% renewable vegetable sources, its uses in today's society may surprise you. Below are nine ways Biodiesel is being used. Some of which you may never have realized.
1) Biodiesel Car Rental - Yes that's right. A Maui and Los Angeles car rental rents cars that run on Biodiesel. These cars get between 400 and 800 miles per tank! Not bad when consider the price of gas these days.
2) Home heating fuel - More people are taking a look at Biodiesel as an alternative for heating their home. Most oil-fired or boiler furnaces can use Biodiesel (B20), which is a fuel made of 80 percent traditional heating oil and 20 percent Biodiesel. Some people are getting their furnaces adapted to be able to burn B100, a fuel made entirely of vegetable oils, which burns much cleaner than traditional heating oil.
3) Electricity Generation - Diesel generators that produce electricity are now running on Biodiesel fuel. A superior alternative to the typical coal burning electricity generating plants currently being used in the United States. Running on Biodiesel is an inexpensive, clean and renewable way of creating electricity.
4) Trucking Industry - More and more truckers are switching from diesel fuel to Biodiesel fuel. The benefits are numerous not to mention the advantage of helping the environment and reducing our dependency on foreign oil, while saving money.
5) Agriculture - Not only a producer of Biodiesel, but also a consumer. Tractors, reapers, tillers, pickers, conveyors, generators, pumps, and irrigation systems which normally uses diesel fuel, now use Biodiesel to fuel their work, bringing agriculture full circle from producer to consumer.
6) Marine Vehicles - Commercial fleets such as ferries, recreational yachts, sailboats, and motor boats are all candidates for Biodiesel. For example Pacific Whale Foundation, located in Hawaii, use Biodiesel in their boats.
7) Tax Incentive - The IRS is offering tax incentives to anyone that produce and use Biodiesel fuel. The US Government is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving producers of Biodiesel fuel government funds. The tax incentive works to help tax paying customers by lowering the cost of the fuel bill.
8) Lubrication Additive - Because Biodiesel is a better lubricant than current low-sulfur petroleum, fuel injectors and other types of fuel pumps can rely on Biodiesel fuel for lubrication. With the right additives, engine performance can also be enhanced, making engines last longer. Other numerous applications can also make use of it's lubricate properties, such as concrete forms and asphalt trucks. Its solvent properties also make it a safe parts cleaner, reducing skin and eye irritation associated with other cleaners.9) Cleaner Environment - Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide exhaust emissions by up to 80%. Because of this, Biodiesel has the potential to reduce air toxics and cancer causing compounds. Something we all can live with! If spilled, it will quickly degrade into natural organic residues, without polluting the environment.
About The Author
Mike Boyd - For the latest information on biodiesel fuel, vehicles, processors and making biodiesel visit us at http://www.biodiesel.2clixs.com.
Mike Boyd - For the latest information on biodiesel fuel, vehicles, processors and making biodiesel visit us at http://www.biodiesel.2clixs.com.
Everything you want to know about Jatropha
By: Naren Raju
Jatropha is a scrub plant widely spread in South-America, Asia and Africa, which grows under comparatively dry conditions (250-1200 mm precipitation p.a.) and on poor soil. Jatropha nuts are toxic, which makes it known in rural areas as a hedge-plant that protects fields against animal predators.
For the same reason Jatropha is not cultivated as a food crop. Jatropha actually qualifies as an energy source in developing countries, because there is no competition with local food markets.
The Jatropha curcas L. variety has been tested as an energy source in a number of development projects and research programs since the early nineties, and it has shown very positive results.
Jatropha curcas L. produces seeds with an oil content of 30-50%. The Jatropha oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. Jatropha oil burns with a clear, smoke-free flame. Within a development project conducted by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) in Mali Jatropha oil has been successfully tested as fuel for simple Diesel-engines with precombustion-chamber used in agricultural production for mills and water pumps. The esterification with methanol or ethanol then produces biodiesel (methyl- or ethyl-ester) which can be used for Diesel-engines in ordinary vehicles.
For the past two years Bioenergy Plantations (BEP) has done extensive research in studying the growth of the Jatropha plant in tropical areas of India without irrigation. Bioenergy Plantations research and development center has been testing different lines and varieties of Jatropha plants. Bioenergy Plantations has also been measuring germination percentages and Jatropha oil content from several different varieties of Jatropha seeds.
The Jatropha tree uses are many and range from non-edible Jatropha oil production to soap production to pharmaceutical production.
COMMON USES OF THE JATROPHA PLANT 
ARE:
* The Jatropha seeds yield up to 35-45% oil which is non-edible.
* The Jatropha oil is a commercially viable alternative to diesel oil because it burns without emitting any smoke and has a very good burning quality.
* Engines do not need any modification for using Jatropha oil.
* Jatropha Oil cake is a good biofertilizer.
* Jatropha glycerin obtained during the refining of oil can be used in pharmaceuticals and for various other purposes
* Oil is also used in soap industry
* Latex, oil cake, leaves, and oil are known to possess antimicrobial properties and are used as pest protectants The life span of Jatropha curcas L. is about 40 years. For this reason Bioenergy Plantations (BEP) is very positive in promoting Jatropha oil as an alternative to soy bean oil, palm oil or any edible vegetable oil being used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel. Last but not least, Jatropha can grow on wastelands, in rural areas without any irrigation and management.
It is without question the green fuel of the future.
Copyright (c) 2007 Naren Raju
Naren Raju is CEO of Bioenergy Plantations (BEP), Singapore's first Jatropha plantation company. BEP offers a full range of consulting services & turnkey solutions for biodiesel industry clients that see the future in Jatropha. For more information visit http://www.bioenergyplanations.com/ .
What Vegetable Can Be Made Into Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a fuel comparable to petroleum based diesel fuel, but is made from vegetable oil. A wide variety of vegetables can produce the quality of vegetable oil that the Biodiesel conversion process needs. This wide variety of fuel sources gives hope that Biodiesel can be helpful as an alternative-fuel, not just in the more developed wester countries, but the underdeveloped countries as well.
What Vegetable Oils Can Be Made Into Biodiesel? By Mark Allen
Biodiesel is a fuel comparable to petroleum based diesel fuel, but is made from vegetable oil. A wide variety of vegetables can produce the quality of vegetable oil that the Biodiesel conversion process needs. This wide variety of fuel sources gives hope that Biodiesel can be helpful as an alternative-fuel, not just in the more developed wester countries, but the underdeveloped countries as well.
A partial list of the kinds of vegetable oils that can be used in Biodiesel manufacturing:
* Peanut Oil * Cottonseed Oil * Rapeseed Oil * Soybean Oil * Mustard Oil * Sunflower Oil * False Flax Oil * Rice Bran Oil * Radish Oil * Safflower Oil * Palm Oil * Corn Oil * Coconut Oil * Tung Oil * Hemp Oil * Jatropha * Radish Oil * Algae * Castor Oil
Biodiesel can also be made from WVO (waste vegetable oil), which is previously used vegetable oil, like that which would be discarded from restaurants and delis. When using WVO to make Biodiesel there is an additional process that has to be undertaken to remove all the impurities, while this process would add to the overall cost of the fuel, it would not be prohibitive. It can be financially profitable to use WVO as a source for Biodiesel, but there are already other established industries using WVO in their manufacturing process, namely soap products.
Animal fat can also be used to produce Biodiesel in a very similar process to that of vegetable oil conversion. Because of the limited supply of animal fat this is rarely undertaken.
The combination of waste vegetable oil, vegetable oil, and animal fat is not even close to sufficient enough to replace liquid fossil fuel as the main form of fuel used in transportation. Some environmentalists, although supporting of the use of Biodiesel as a viable fuel option, are not in favor of raising production of the vegetation needed to manufacture more Biodiesel. The argument being that if natural vegetative growth is removed to make room for the growing and harvesting of plants intended to be used in the manufacturing of Biodiesel, then in the end the Earth would suffer in spite of it's well intentioned efforts.
Biodiesel, as a fuel, has many sources or raw materials but none so plentiful that it could challenge the current standardized petroleum based oil industry.
What Vegetable Oils Can Be Made Into Biodiesel? By Mark Allen
Biodiesel is a fuel comparable to petroleum based diesel fuel, but is made from vegetable oil. A wide variety of vegetables can produce the quality of vegetable oil that the Biodiesel conversion process needs. This wide variety of fuel sources gives hope that Biodiesel can be helpful as an alternative-fuel, not just in the more developed wester countries, but the underdeveloped countries as well.
A partial list of the kinds of vegetable oils that can be used in Biodiesel manufacturing:
* Peanut Oil * Cottonseed Oil * Rapeseed Oil * Soybean Oil * Mustard Oil * Sunflower Oil * False Flax Oil * Rice Bran Oil * Radish Oil * Safflower Oil * Palm Oil * Corn Oil * Coconut Oil * Tung Oil * Hemp Oil * Jatropha * Radish Oil * Algae * Castor Oil
Biodiesel can also be made from WVO (waste vegetable oil), which is previously used vegetable oil, like that which would be discarded from restaurants and delis. When using WVO to make Biodiesel there is an additional process that has to be undertaken to remove all the impurities, while this process would add to the overall cost of the fuel, it would not be prohibitive. It can be financially profitable to use WVO as a source for Biodiesel, but there are already other established industries using WVO in their manufacturing process, namely soap products.
Animal fat can also be used to produce Biodiesel in a very similar process to that of vegetable oil conversion. Because of the limited supply of animal fat this is rarely undertaken.
The combination of waste vegetable oil, vegetable oil, and animal fat is not even close to sufficient enough to replace liquid fossil fuel as the main form of fuel used in transportation. Some environmentalists, although supporting of the use of Biodiesel as a viable fuel option, are not in favor of raising production of the vegetation needed to manufacture more Biodiesel. The argument being that if natural vegetative growth is removed to make room for the growing and harvesting of plants intended to be used in the manufacturing of Biodiesel, then in the end the Earth would suffer in spite of it's well intentioned efforts.
Biodiesel, as a fuel, has many sources or raw materials but none so plentiful that it could challenge the current standardized petroleum based oil industry.
Making Bio Diesel
Author: David Evermon
Bio diesel is not a new concept it has been around for quite some time, it is largely the idea of using oils such as vegetable oil and canola to power a diesel vehicle. This is not really a strange concept since the first diesel engine was not made to run on our modern day fossil fuels, but instead was run on peanut oil.
Diesel motors do not require the same refined process that is used with modern cars, this in mind diesel engines are not designed for smooth high powered running either, they are more like the draft horse of engines, and will generally last a lot longer than a normal car motor.
Many people who make bio diesel themselves use either used cooking oils or grow crops of canola, and crush it to get oil.
Ideally if you have the acreage to grow a crop of canola this is the best method as you are getting clean oil to begin making bio diesel so no time will be wanted in the process of cleaning it. Although used oil from fish and chip shops is just as effective provided that you clean and drain it properly the end result is just as good.
There are many different methods available for making Bio Diesel, A simple one that I have found uses the following ingredients: used cooking oil, Methanol, Sodium Hydroxide. Please note that this procedure is risky and I do not recommend making biodiesel without further research of the process, these are just general guidelines of the making process, if you wish to actually make your own bio diesel please consult expert companies or professionals.
Note that the oil must be heated and drained twice to ensure that you have got all of the muck out of it, if you don't take the time to do this you will block up your fuel filters. It is advisable to begin with a test batch of bio diesel, this is easily done by using kitchen scales and a blender, with a ratio of 6 grams of sodium Methoxide to 1 liter of cooking oil. This measurement is only a guide that is why you do a test batch, to find out the exact calculation that will be required to make a larger batch.
Heat the oil, add the Methoxide solution and mix this in the blender, and let the mixture stand to settle. If the test batch is successful you will see that the glycerin has sunk to the bottom of the mix once settled, Glycerine looks black, and sinks to the bottom of the blender, but the bio diesel will be an amberish color and will float to the top. This means you have separated the mixture and changed the molecular structure of the oil, it can never revert back to its original status again.
Once you have your calculations correct you can start mixing bigger batches, You will then need to make up a plant for handling larger amounts of oil. There are blue prints of designs all over the internet, they vary in design, just as much as the recipe for bio diesel does! Find one that you feel is easy to make and understand.
On a final note, be sure that you always test the oil first as once you have began the process you cant change your formula. So take care to make sure that all of your calculations are correct before trying to make larger batches. When working with Methanol and Sodium Hydroxide be very careful to take safety precautions to protect yourself from burns, or injury.
Beating the High Price of Gasoline with Biodiesel
With the price of traditional fuel rising faster everyday, people everywhere are looking for alternatives. Electric cars were once touted as the way to save the environment and beat the cost of gasoline, but they are so expensive that very few people can afford to save money by purchasing one.
With the price of traditional fuel rising faster everyday, people everywhere are looking for alternatives. Electric cars were once touted as the way to save the environment and beat the cost of gasoline, but they are so expensive that very few people can afford to save money by purchasing one.
Alternative fuels have long been discussed as a way to cut fuel prices and help the environment, but with the specialized engines they require, and their inability to pass the regulation tests required by the EPA, they have been a disappointment. The more solutions that are offered to the problem of high fuel costs and dangerous emissions, the further it seems we are from a solution...until now.
There is a fuel alternative that is all that it has promised to be and more. Biodiesel is not only cost effective it is environmentally friendly, as well. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. That means that when you use biodiesel to power the engine of your car you aren't robbing the earth of the riches meant for your grandchildren to enjoy.
Unlike the previous vegetable oil based fuels that can only be used in modified, specially made combustion- ignition engines, biodiesel can be used in its basic form to power the everyday diesel engines on the market today. That means that a simple to make batch of biodiesel could be used to power the family car on its daily errands.
Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel meaning that it can be sold and distributed just like the gasoline you pump into your car at the gas station. Unlike traditional gasoline, biodiesel isn't as widely available for the average consumer. It can be purchased directly from distributors and manufactures and it is sold a few select stations around the country. If you are interested in trying biodiesel in your car, your best chance of finding it is to make it yourself.
The process is surprisingly easy and the ingredients are readily available. By simply mixing lye, alcohol, and vegetable oil in the right amounts, you can great biodiesel. This economical alternative fuel is made through the simple chemical process of transesterification. During this process, the glycerin is removed from fat or vegetable oil. The process naturally leaves behind byproducts, including methyl esters, which is the chemical name for biodiesel, and glycerin, commonly used in soap production. Biodiesel is completely free of sulfur and aromatics, something that can't be said about traditional fuels.
Batches of biodiesel can be mixed up in small or large sizes and if done effectively will end up costing about seventy cents a gallon.
With the price of traditional fuel rising faster everyday, people everywhere are looking for alternatives. Electric cars were once touted as the way to save the environment and beat the cost of gasoline, but they are so expensive that very few people can afford to save money by purchasing one.
Alternative fuels have long been discussed as a way to cut fuel prices and help the environment, but with the specialized engines they require, and their inability to pass the regulation tests required by the EPA, they have been a disappointment. The more solutions that are offered to the problem of high fuel costs and dangerous emissions, the further it seems we are from a solution...until now.
There is a fuel alternative that is all that it has promised to be and more. Biodiesel is not only cost effective it is environmentally friendly, as well. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. That means that when you use biodiesel to power the engine of your car you aren't robbing the earth of the riches meant for your grandchildren to enjoy.
Unlike the previous vegetable oil based fuels that can only be used in modified, specially made combustion- ignition engines, biodiesel can be used in its basic form to power the everyday diesel engines on the market today. That means that a simple to make batch of biodiesel could be used to power the family car on its daily errands.
Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel meaning that it can be sold and distributed just like the gasoline you pump into your car at the gas station. Unlike traditional gasoline, biodiesel isn't as widely available for the average consumer. It can be purchased directly from distributors and manufactures and it is sold a few select stations around the country. If you are interested in trying biodiesel in your car, your best chance of finding it is to make it yourself.
The process is surprisingly easy and the ingredients are readily available. By simply mixing lye, alcohol, and vegetable oil in the right amounts, you can great biodiesel. This economical alternative fuel is made through the simple chemical process of transesterification. During this process, the glycerin is removed from fat or vegetable oil. The process naturally leaves behind byproducts, including methyl esters, which is the chemical name for biodiesel, and glycerin, commonly used in soap production. Biodiesel is completely free of sulfur and aromatics, something that can't be said about traditional fuels.
Batches of biodiesel can be mixed up in small or large sizes and if done effectively will end up costing about seventy cents a gallon.
An Introduction To Biodiesel
Author: Mike Cubert
First things first: the information contained below on making biodiesel is not meant to provide you with a complete and thorough enough education on the subject for you to go out and make your own biodiesel without any further study. It is imperative that you recognize from the outset that making biodiesel involves chemicals and chemical reactions which can be quite dangerous if dealt with improperly.
With that in mind, please consider the following to be a general introduction to the process of making biodiesel, with the implicit agreement that if you decide to make your own biodiesel, you do a bit more research on the subject before beginning.
That said, we start with your ingredients, divided into the stages of the process of making biodiesel in which you will need them:
Mixture
? Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) ? used cooking oil, lard, animal fat, fryer grease; ? Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) ? that?s lye or caustic soda, dry only; ? Methanol (CH3OH) ? at least 99% pure;
Titration
? Isopropyl/Rubbing Alcohol ? again, at least 99% pure; ? Phenolphthalein Solution ? kept out of the sunlight and no more than 1 year old; ? Distilled Water;
Washing
? Water ? Vinegar
Here is a brief rundown of the process of transterification, also known as making biodiesel:
1. Filter WVO;
Warm it up to about 95? F or until it runs freely. Then run it through a canteen- or restaurant-type coffee filter or a double layer of cheesecloth set into a funnel. This removes any food scraps and other solids.
2. Remove water;
This is an optional, but highly advisable, step in making biodiesel. Leaving in the water in your WVO can slow down the chemical reaction and cause the formation of soap. Heat your WVO to 212? F (100? C) and let the water boil off. As the boiling begins to slow, raise the temperature up to 265? F (130? C) and let it stay there for 10 more minutes. Then remove it from the heat, and set it aside to cool.
3. Titration (revealing how much catalyst will be needed);
This is an integral step in making biodiesel as it will tell you how much sodium hydroxide (lye or caustic soda) you?ll need to use. It is this step alone that is the most critical and complicated part of making biodiesel, so do not begin until you feel confident that you understand titration completely.
In summary, you?ll make a solution out of 1 g completely dry lye thoroughly dissolved in 1 l distilled water. Being vigilant that this sample remains uncontaminated, place it in a reaction vessel where it can be warmed and stirred.
Meanwhile mix in a separate container 10 ml rubbing alcohol and 1 ml of your filtered, heated, and cooled WVO. Add 2 drops phenolphthalein (a pH tester indicating the acidity or alkalinity of a given substance).
Now?s where making biodiesel gets really delicate. You?ll next add a single drop at a time of this mixture into your mixed and heated titration sample, keeping careful count of each and every drop. You?re looking for the combination that gives you a pH of 8-9 (a light purple color).
A mathematical equation comes next, in a nutshell:
?# of ml titration derives X # of liters of WVO being transterified + 3.5 g lye for every liter of fresh (unused) vegetable oil to be used
Then, once you?ve determined the ratio, do the titration again to confirm your results. Remember, measure twice and get the mix right the first time.
4. Prepare Sodium Methoxide;
Mix an amount of methanol equal to about 15-20% of the weight of your WVO with sodium hydroxide (lye) to make sodium methoxide. If the previous step was the most complicated and intricate, this step is the most dangerous. Avoid inhaling any vapors and protect your skin, which this chemical can burn.
Also be careful what type of container you use to hold your sodium methoxide mixture as it can corrode paints, while lye reacts poorly with tin, zinc, and aluminum. For the purposes of making biodiesel, stick with glass, stainless steel, or enamel.
5. Heat WVO again, stirring in Sodium Methoxide;
Heat WVO to 120-130? F and mix in Sodium Methoxide stirring (preferably with a machine like a paint stirrer) for the better part of an hour.
6. Let the biodiesel mixture settle (removing the glycerine);
Making biodiesel properly requires that you let it sit and cool for no less 8 hours. Your mixture will separate into 2 layers:
? your esters (biodiesel) ? soap (waste)
7. Wash and dry biodiesel;
Removing the soap waste.
8. Check the quality of your biodiesel;
See our companion article to on ?How to Test the Quality of Biodiesel? at http://biodiesel.biogreenlife.com/20/how-to-test-the-quality-of-biodiesel/.
Once you make your own biodiesel for the first time, you will surely discover how rewarding an experience it can be. And once you start using the biodiesel you make, you?ll find it even more so. Making biodiesel can liberate you from oil dependency and rising gas costs. Just remember to learn more about the process than the summary information contained in this article before you get started making biodiesel for the first time.
First things first: the information contained below on making biodiesel is not meant to provide you with a complete and thorough enough education on the subject for you to go out and make your own biodiesel without any further study. It is imperative that you recognize from the outset that making biodiesel involves chemicals and chemical reactions which can be quite dangerous if dealt with improperly.
With that in mind, please consider the following to be a general introduction to the process of making biodiesel, with the implicit agreement that if you decide to make your own biodiesel, you do a bit more research on the subject before beginning.
That said, we start with your ingredients, divided into the stages of the process of making biodiesel in which you will need them:
Mixture
? Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) ? used cooking oil, lard, animal fat, fryer grease; ? Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) ? that?s lye or caustic soda, dry only; ? Methanol (CH3OH) ? at least 99% pure;
Titration
? Isopropyl/Rubbing Alcohol ? again, at least 99% pure; ? Phenolphthalein Solution ? kept out of the sunlight and no more than 1 year old; ? Distilled Water;
Washing
? Water ? Vinegar
Here is a brief rundown of the process of transterification, also known as making biodiesel:
1. Filter WVO;
Warm it up to about 95? F or until it runs freely. Then run it through a canteen- or restaurant-type coffee filter or a double layer of cheesecloth set into a funnel. This removes any food scraps and other solids.
2. Remove water;
This is an optional, but highly advisable, step in making biodiesel. Leaving in the water in your WVO can slow down the chemical reaction and cause the formation of soap. Heat your WVO to 212? F (100? C) and let the water boil off. As the boiling begins to slow, raise the temperature up to 265? F (130? C) and let it stay there for 10 more minutes. Then remove it from the heat, and set it aside to cool.
3. Titration (revealing how much catalyst will be needed);
This is an integral step in making biodiesel as it will tell you how much sodium hydroxide (lye or caustic soda) you?ll need to use. It is this step alone that is the most critical and complicated part of making biodiesel, so do not begin until you feel confident that you understand titration completely.
In summary, you?ll make a solution out of 1 g completely dry lye thoroughly dissolved in 1 l distilled water. Being vigilant that this sample remains uncontaminated, place it in a reaction vessel where it can be warmed and stirred.
Meanwhile mix in a separate container 10 ml rubbing alcohol and 1 ml of your filtered, heated, and cooled WVO. Add 2 drops phenolphthalein (a pH tester indicating the acidity or alkalinity of a given substance).
Now?s where making biodiesel gets really delicate. You?ll next add a single drop at a time of this mixture into your mixed and heated titration sample, keeping careful count of each and every drop. You?re looking for the combination that gives you a pH of 8-9 (a light purple color).
A mathematical equation comes next, in a nutshell:
?# of ml titration derives X # of liters of WVO being transterified + 3.5 g lye for every liter of fresh (unused) vegetable oil to be used
Then, once you?ve determined the ratio, do the titration again to confirm your results. Remember, measure twice and get the mix right the first time.
4. Prepare Sodium Methoxide;
Mix an amount of methanol equal to about 15-20% of the weight of your WVO with sodium hydroxide (lye) to make sodium methoxide. If the previous step was the most complicated and intricate, this step is the most dangerous. Avoid inhaling any vapors and protect your skin, which this chemical can burn.
Also be careful what type of container you use to hold your sodium methoxide mixture as it can corrode paints, while lye reacts poorly with tin, zinc, and aluminum. For the purposes of making biodiesel, stick with glass, stainless steel, or enamel.
5. Heat WVO again, stirring in Sodium Methoxide;
Heat WVO to 120-130? F and mix in Sodium Methoxide stirring (preferably with a machine like a paint stirrer) for the better part of an hour.
6. Let the biodiesel mixture settle (removing the glycerine);
Making biodiesel properly requires that you let it sit and cool for no less 8 hours. Your mixture will separate into 2 layers:
? your esters (biodiesel) ? soap (waste)
7. Wash and dry biodiesel;
Removing the soap waste.
8. Check the quality of your biodiesel;
See our companion article to on ?How to Test the Quality of Biodiesel? at http://biodiesel.biogreenlife.com/20/how-to-test-the-quality-of-biodiesel/.
Once you make your own biodiesel for the first time, you will surely discover how rewarding an experience it can be. And once you start using the biodiesel you make, you?ll find it even more so. Making biodiesel can liberate you from oil dependency and rising gas costs. Just remember to learn more about the process than the summary information contained in this article before you get started making biodiesel for the first time.
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