You really only need two things to make biodiesel: A supply of vegetable oil and a biodiesel processor.

The vegetable oil can be fresh or virgin oil made from soybeans, corn, mustard, flaxseed, and sunflower oil. These are all renewable resources that are grown on farms all across the country. You can also use vegetable oil that has already been used. A great many biodiesel producers great their raw material from restaurant grease dumpsters as most restaurants are only to happy to get rid of the stuff.

There is also ongoing research into using sewage grow algae which is then used in the refining process. Animal fats like tallow and lard are also being used as a raw material for biodiesel production.

All this oil, fat, and grease will need to be processed in a specialized processor which removes any contaminates before it refines the oil into biodiesel fuel. Most processors are not that large and can easily set up in a shed in your backyard. You can purchase them pre-made from any number of internet sites and have it shipped to your front door or you can buy a kit and assemble it yourself. You can also build one yourself using materials found locally. There are plans for doing this along with material lists that can be found on the internet.

Which ever route you choose getting your processor set up at home is not that difficult. Follow the instructions closely and heed all the safety precautions before you begin to process your biodiesel. You are refining a fuel oil which requires high temperatures so there is a risk of burns if you follow the proper procedures.

If you are unsure if making biodiesel is something you want to do you might try finding someone close by who is already making it. Most people who refine this alternative fuel are more then willing to share their knowledge because that`s the best way to advertise its benefits. Chances are they will walk you through the whole process, letting you get a hands on feel for what is involved.

Once you get the hang of it making biodiesel at home is a great way to cut your reliance on the big oil companies for your energy needs. There may be some up front investment to buy the processing unit but once you get rolling you will save considerable sums of money over the life your biodiesel processor.

If you are interested in learning more about making biodiesel at home and would like to learn more about this alternative fuel source please visit this Biodiesel website by clicking here.

In order to make Biodiesel fuel, one of the biggest challenges you`ll have will be getting the oil.

Depending on how much oil you need, you need to be prepared to supply your supplier with containers for them to fill.

We supply 55 gal. drums with a hinge welded to the lid so if the lid has water on it when it is opened the water falls off the lid and not into the barrel.

Other options are to simply bolt a handle on the lid so they can lift it and dump the water off or you can even make or buy lids with a hatch built in and a screen underneath that automatically screens the oil as it goes in. If you only need small quantities, you may be able to have the restaurant put it into 5 gal pails or totes so you can simply load them into your vehicle.

Getting restaurants to give you oil just takes a little persistence and a willingness to ask. The best way we have found is to approach independently owned restaurants and ask to speak with the owner. Be sure to do this during their slow times like late afternoon, after the lunch rush and before dinner time.

If you frequent a certain restaurant they would be one of the first ones to approach. After you have a meal, ask for the owner and compliment him or her on their food. Then explain that you would like to pick up their used oil at no charge. In some areas you may even have to pay them for it …maybe .25 to .50 per gallon.

You also may want to print some cards or fliers on your computer to hand to them. Sometimes it may take several contacts to get it all arranged.

If you do this make sure to use a good headline, and focus the marketing piece around what you are going to do for THEM.

Don`t focus your marketing piece around you and what you need. No one cares about that. Make sure it`s focused around their wants and needs.

You may even offer to share some portion of your Biodiesel fuel with them!

You may try mailing your flier to several restaurants and get them to call you. We tried phone calling and had limited success. Just keep working at it and you will be able to find a source. You may want to start with small towns where they have to pay to dispose of their oil. We have had very good success in smaller towns, but it does takes more driving time to collect the oil.

If you are willing to work at it and spend some time talking to potential suppliers you will learn the ropes and be able to acquire all the oil you need.

Once you have an oil source you will need some equipment to process it. Our next installment will show you how to set up your processing system.

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To see a FREE video about how to make biodiesel fuel, go to http://www.alternativefuelexperts.com. We have videos articles and tools to help you on your way!

First lets dispel some of the myths and frequent misunderstandings surrounding biodiesel usage in the average diesel engined car!. First of all biodiesel is NOT the same as cooking oil, nor is it the same as pouring vegetable oil directly into your fuel tank!. As such well made biodiesel carries little or no risks of damaging vehicle fuel systems – where it is made to a high standard and used correctly!.

Biodiesel is often made from used vegetable oil, usually rapeseed oil or similar which has previously been used for cooking – usually in fastfood outlets or other eateries. In most cases biodiesel where made from used oil DOES NOT contribute to taking rapeseed oil from out of the foodchain, or lead to world poverty it is simply a waste product which is being turned into a useful, more environmentally friendly fuel to power diesel engines, and would otherwise be poured away into drains and may actually clog up the sewerage system. Although there is not enough waste vegetable oil to power every diesel engine in the world, there is still a great deal being disposed of everyday!.

Biodiesel is converted from used oil by a process called transesterfication. This is where the fatty deposits are removed from the oil using a mixture of gentle heating and certain chemicals such as pure methanol. These chemicals react with the veg oil and result in the fatty deposits dropping out of the mixture as glycerine – a by-product which in itself can be used to make soap!.

The resulting biodiesel is then washed to remove all traces of the soaps, and filtered down to 1 micron to remove all of the glycerine and the chemicals which were added to the oil during the process. This results in clean, pure filtered biodiesel which is similar in texture and fluid thickness as regular forecourt diesel.

This is the point where the simularity to veg oil ends, prior to being processed vegetable oil is far thicker & gloopy and can in its raw unprocessed form, cause clogging to fuel pumps, restrict injector spray patterns and can cause serious damage to the common rail injection systems used in most modern CDI`s, HDI`s and TDCI fuel systems.

For this reason vegetable oil, SHOULD NOT be poured directly into any fuel system where the engine is a high pressure common rail type – as the results can be very expensive!

In comparison, properly made biodiesel can be used in the majority of diesel engines without any modifications or any fear that damage will result to the fuel or injection system.

So why don`t the manufacturers approve the use of Biodiesel in my car??

Really only the manufacturers can answer this question, but they probably wont!. Suffice to say that until around 2004 the VAG group (which includes SEAT, VW, AUDI & SKODA) approved RME (Biodiesel) at upto 100% use in their European manufactured diesel engined vehicles, rumour has it that some SKODA cars are still warranted to run on biodiesel as late as 2006!.

My own personal belief, is that there is so many quality variations of biodiesel (and some very poorly made biodiesel out there) that the manufacturers simply do not want to take the risk of approving an alternative fuel where there is little quality control and no standards testing routinely implemented. Also given that there is still much confusion amongst the motorist as to veg oil and biodiesel, would you want to take the risk of approving the use of and seen to be encouraging the use of a fuel, which could easily be confused, and result in the diesel car owner pouring the contents of their fryer directly into their cars??.

If you also consider the amount of money and time which would have to be spent by the manufacturers in simulating an engine and fuel system for a lifetimes worth of use whilst using varying qualities biodiesel, you can possibly see why they perfer to err on the side of caution and simply not approve nor encourage biodiesel to be used in their vehicles to avoid confusion, misunderstandings and perhaps many expensive warranty claims as a result.

When you also take into account that biodiesel is perhaps not as much in demand as the latest safety or comfort refinements, nor as attractive a selling point, then maybe why this is another reason why Biodiesel is not actively approved nor acknowledged. After all, only a very small percentage of diesel car owners possibly even want to run their cars on bio diesel and so its simply not worth the testing or R&D investment required.

Just because your vehicle is not approved for biodiesel use, doesn`t mean that it won`t run trouble free on biodiesel!, I run a common rail car on biodiesel and the handbook clearly states that it is not biodiesel approved. However I have done over 12k trouble free miles so far with no issues, although I freely accept the risks and financial implications *IF* problems occur in the future, but then again this goes for any aftermarket modification which is not manufacturer approved, which can include superchips, tuning boxes and various other custom additions!.

For this reason, running a new vehicle which is still under the manufacturers warranty on biodiesel is probably not a good idea, or if you choose to do so at least make sure that the fuel tank is full of diesel whenever you take it in for servicing or warranty work!. Having the fact that your car is full of biodiesel noted may come back to haunt you if you ever need to cliam under warranty, even if the claim is not fuel related!.

Okay, i`m convinced!, so how do I run my car on biodiesel!!

Its simple really!, just fill up your tank with bio diesel instead of diesel and drive as you would normally do! – saving some money in the process. It really is that simple!.

However, if your car has never been run on biodiesel before, it is a good idea to start introducing it on a gradual basis. First start by adding about 25% biodiesel to 75% regular pump diesel – then try a 50 / 50 fill, and then move to 75% biodiesel to 25% regular diesel. At this point if everything is okay, then during the summer months you can move onto 100% biodiesel.

However, during the winter months, you should never run your vehicle on 100% biodiesel. This is because biodiesel made from rapeseed oil can gel at low temperatures (approx -5c) and wax within your fuel system. Running roughly at 60% biodiesel to 40% diesel during even the colder months, can prevent most problems, as regular pump diesel is winterized and the ant-gel agent in this prevents the bio from waxing.

Biodiesel is also an excellent solvent, and it will clean out your fuel system, fuel lines, injectors and fuel tank – although this is not a bad thing, especially on high mileage cars. However it does mean that all of the gunk which has been shifted now gets deposited into the fuel filter and this may clog over a short period of time, and create rough running or a performance drop.

This is often where the scare stories and scaremongering over biodiesel begins, and people wrongly mistake a simple fuel filter blockage as being engine damage or the fact that their car doesn`t like biodiesel. If you experience lack of acceleration or poor running after around 300 – 1000 miles of biodiesel use, then more often that not it only requires a fuel filter change!. Once the gunk has been removed, you only need to change the fuel filter at the usual intervals, and its very rare to get subsequent filter blockages after the initial change over to biodiesel!.

So there must be some downsides to using Biodiesel?

Well this wouldn`t be an informative article or of any real use, if we didn`t highlight the negatives as well as the positives!.

Firstly, its not advisable to use biodiesel in cars which were manufactured before 1992, unless the rubber pipes and fuel components have been replaced with newer ones. Rubber reacts to biodiesel and can shrink causing fuel leaks, and other problems around pump seals. There are also some reports of this also occuring around the pump seals used in pre 2006 manufactured Peugoet Hdi engined cars, which are available in Europe and Australia, so owners of these vehicles may want to consider a lower ratio of biodiesel, or perhaps avoid biodiesel in concentrations above 5%.

100% biodiesel use should also be avoided in newer vehicles with DPF (Particulate filters) fitted. This is because biodiesel is rumoured to react with the chemical cleaning additive which is injected into the fuel system at intervals by the ECU. However it is still possible to run at around 50% blends of biodiesel in these vehicles without adverse effects, but please note the possible risks.

Some vehicles may experience a slight improvement in MPG figures when on bio, some engines may return exactly the same on biodiesel as they do with regular diesel, but some engines occasionally do get slightly lower figures on 75 – 100% blends of biodiesel than they do on regular diesel, and this should be factored in when comparing prices of fuel etc. It really is hit and miss, but a +/- figure of roughly 4 – 5 mpg difference is common, it also depends on how a vehicle is driven, the quality of biodiesel and the oil used to make it. In general biodiesel contains less energy than regular diesel fuel, and so a small negative difference in MPG should perhaps be anticipated.

If you do suffer a negative loss in MPG or a slight loss of power / acceleration it is worth adding a small amount of additive such as Millers Powerplus 4 (Uk and Europe) or Stanadyne (U.S Market) into the biodiesel, this often returns MPG values to previous figures. On older cars, you can also add 50ml of pure acetone to each tankful of biodiesel, there is much publicity as to the benefits of acetone in fuel, and I have had quite favourable results in adding acetone to biodiesel in a VW TDI engine – however it should be avoided in vehicles under warranty or common rail engines!.

Biodiesel cannot be used in 100% blends during the colder winter months for risk of gelling or waxing in the tank. During the winter, no more than 60% blends of biodiesel should be used when the temperture is likely to drop below freezing!.

Most diesel owners find that their car runs much better and smoother when on biodiesel, however there are some exceptions and so when trying something new, it should be accepted that any damage which results is entirely at the risk of the owner.

A wide variety of Biodiesel equipment and chemicals can be purchased from the many suppliers listed at http://www.make-biodiesel.co.uk ( UK Vistors) and also http://usa.biodieselreactor.org/ (U.S Visitors)

You may have heard of biodiesel (or even biowillie), but for those who don`t know much about it, we will get to an explanation of it in a moment. I just wanted to start with a small list of the benefits of using biodiesel.

BENEFITS OF BIODIESEL

Requires no special delivery equipment and can use existing infrastructure.

Can be used in present diesel engines without modification

Reduces carbon dioxide emissions from 15% to over 75% over petroleum diesel, based on the biodiesel blend.

Emits fewer air pollutants in general.

It is a completely renewable fuel.

Reduces dependence on foreign oil.

It is safer to handle, store and transport than petrolem diesel.

WHAT IS BIODIESEL?

Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel which can be made from waste products such as vegetable oils and animal fats, or even from vegetable matter, such as corn, which is specifically intended to produce it. While not often used as “neat” or pure biodiesel, also known as B100, blends of up to 20% are common and can be used in most diesel powered equipment with no modification at all. There are some engines, built since 1994, which can use B100. It should be mentioned, however, that experts recommend that users check with their engine manufacturers to see if there might be a conflict or problem. There is still some uncertainty about how the use of biodiesel fuel, particularly B100, may affect the life of the engine.

As pointed out in the section on benefits (above), biodiesel fuel reduces air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions.

MAKING BIODIESEL

Three great things about biodiesel fuel is that it is renewable, biodegradeable, and non-toxic. Biodiesel is the name given to acid methyl esters intended for use as fuel. Another product formed during the production of biodiesel is glycerol, which is widely used in cosmetics. Slightly over half of the production resources can use any fat or oil, including recycled cooking grease. The remaining producers primarily uses vegetable oils. Due mainly to cost considerations, soy oil is the prime source for most commercial production. It is estimated that approximately 5% of on-road biodiesel could be produced from all sources under optimum conditions.

THE MARKET AND THE INCENTIVES

Biodiesel is in wide use among such entities as the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Departments of Defense, Energy, and Agriculture. Many school districts, municipal transit authorities, national parks, public utility companies, and garbage and recycling companies also use the fuel. It is also becoming more popular among trucking companies, truck owners, and farmers thanks in part to the efforts of country singer Willie Nelson, who now has his own brand known as BioWillie.

At the time this article is being written, there is a tax incentive offered as a federal tax credit. This incentive is mainly being taken by producers who are passing it on to consumers in the form of a price reduction at the pump. The USDA estimates this incentive will bring production of biodiesel to at least 124 million gallons per year. Other factors, such as costs of petroleum sources could cause an even higher production.

AVAILABILITY

Fleet owners have found that it is not particularly difficult to set up their own biodiesel fueling facilities. While there are some practical considerations which might need to be overcome, fleet owners are finding that it offers some rewards economically as well as in terms of safety and responsibility as this fuel is, and is seen by the community as, being ecologically sensible.

Some of the business and government entities happy with their biodiesel refit are: L. L. Bean, the U. S. Military, and Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire. Of particular interest was that Yellowstone National Park confirmed in their study of the feasibility of using biodiesel fueled trucks that park bears did not seem to be particularly attracted to vehicles fueled by this food-based diesel product.

While commercial availability is growing and more stations and truck stops are adding biodiesel, it can still be difficult to locate, particularly for the traveler. The federal government offers a Biodiesel Locator service at its Alternative Fuel Data Center at http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html , and there is a BioWillie Locator as well at http://www.wnbiodiesel.com/locations.html .

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Donovan Baldwin is a Dallas area writer and internet entrepreneur. A graduate of the University of West Florida, member of Mensa, and retired from the U. S. Army, he now writes articles for other internet entrepreneurs and ezine purblishers. He has a blog on renewable energy and related topics at http://hybridcarsalternativefuelsandmore.blogspot.com/

What is biodiesel you may be asking? Biodiesel is an alternative fuel source made from vegetable oil. You can use this fuel in any vehicle that uses regular petroleum diesel fuel. There are places in some states that you can buy biodiesel fuel, but you can also make it yourself with a biodiesel kit.

This alternative fuel source has many benefits compared to petroleum. One benefit is the price. Biodiesel fuel can be produced for much less than its petroleum counterpart. If you are making it yourself, you will need to purchase a biodiesel kit. These can be gotten for a couple thousand dollars, you may be thinking “Wow, that`s a lot of money.” But if you think about it, once the savings over gas prices add up to the cost of the kit, all savings after that go straight to your wallet. This will definitely put a little breathing room into your budget. If you are not making biodiesel yourself, and are lucky enough to live in an area where there is a biodiesel station, your savings will add up a lot faster.

Another very important benefit of this fuel alternative is it is very environmentally friendly. It is completely biodegradable. Emissions are almost nonexistent. Biodiesel fuel burns clean and is nontoxic. This means not only does it help the planet but it is not harmful to humans as well. Since biodiesel also does not contain sulfur, its emissions do not contribute to acid rain. Using biodiesel fuel also reduces the cancer causing particulates from being released into the air.

One benefit closely related to the environmental issue is the fact that biodiesel is a renewable resource. This means it can be made over and over. It does not have to be pumped out of the ground. You need some more biodiesel fuel? Just plant another crop and you can make some more. This has a hidden advantage of allowing farmers to make their farms profitable again. This in turn helps the economy as well as the environment.

One other benefit of using biodiesel as an alternative fuel source is safety. The point at which biodiesel will catch fire is much higher than petroleum based fuel. This makes biodiesel much safer to transport and store. It also means if a vehicle that is using biodiesel is involved in an accident it is much less likely to explode. The safety issues alone make this a very attractive alternative fuel.

Biodiesel fuel has a lot of benefits as an alternative fuel source. So, are there any disadvantages to using biodiesel? The only one is if you have a vehicle made before about 1994, you will need to keep a close eye on the hoses of the fuel system. Biodiesel fuel can soften the rubber used to make the hoses. After 1994, most vehicles were made with synthetic hoses and this is not an issue. Another issue you should be aware of is the first few times you use biodiesel you may get a clogged up fuel system. This is because biodiesel fuel will clean out all the old gunk in your fuel system. It will pull all the residue left on the walls of your gas tank off, which in turn may clog up some of the lines. If you are aware of this and watching out for it you should not have any problems.

As an alternative fuel source, biodiesel is top notch. It is a renewable source, since it is made from vegetable oil all you do is grow another crop. This in turn allows farmers to make their farms profitable again (another hidden benefit). It is less expensive to produce, good for your wallet. It is environmentally friendly, not causing a lot of the problems as petroleum based fuel. It is also human friendly, less cancer causing issues, as well as breathing issues. It is also safer to transport and store. It also lessens our country`s dependency on foreign oil, this would most certainly help our economy.

Rae Bennett is author and publisher of Want Info About a site dedicated to providing information on a variety of subjects. For more information about this subject visit

A biodiesel kit is a great way to save a substantial amount of money on your fuel costs. The basic function of such a kit is to convert vegetable oil into biodiesel, a fuel source that can be used in vehicles that currently run on diesel fuel. It is important to note that not all car companies endorse the use of biodiesel fuel in their vehicles and will void the warranty if an engine is damaged by its use. Be sure to research this before buying a new vehicle with a diesel engine. For older diesel cars and truck there are engine conversion kits that will make the change to cleaner burning biodiesel much easier.

There is a minimal amount of supplies needed to use a biodiesel kit. You will need basic tap water, methanol and access to a good amount of vegetable oil, which can usually be obtained from restaurants and such. You can set the kit up just about anywhere, although most people do put them outside in a shed or under an overhang. You will be making a fuel oil so setting up in the house may not be a real good idea.

When it comes to pricing a kit the more features to be found the more expensive the kit. The most expensive models are built to prevent fumes and odors from escaping during the refining process. Having an odorless refining process may be important for those wishing to refine their fuel near their home. If you live on a farm or a large acreage this may not be as important as the kit can be located farther from the house. Of course if you can afford it go ahead and get the more expensive closed system just because they are very easy to use.

If for some reason you already have a large amount of cooking oil that you need to dispose of then a biodiesel kit would work perfectly. It does take more time to process used oil but the results are the same, a more environmentally friendly fuel that can be put into a diesel powered vehicle.

Considering that the price of gasoline is on an ever rising trend making biodiesel for personal use can be seen as a smart move. Having your own biodiesel kit producing a constant supply of a low cost environmentally friendly fuel right in your own backyard would remove the sting of high pump prices.

Do you want to know more about biodiesel kits and the fuel they make? Click here and find out all about biodiesel.

Another alternative fuel that is in the news these days is ethanol. Ethanol is being sold in the U.S. and in other countries as a viable alternative to regular gasoline but if you don’t have access to an ethanol station or don’t have a car that has been modified to run on it then another choice is needed. Biodiesel is the perfect fuel to fill that spot because of the ease with which it can be made.

If this is your first exposure to biodiesel then a little explanation of what it is in order. Biodiesel is a fuel that is mode from vegetable oil that can be used in cars and truck with diesel engines. Depending on the manufacturer you can purchase vehicles that are made specifically to run on biodiesel fuel. You can also get biodiesel conversion kits that allow you to use this alternative fuel in diesel engines that aren’t built towards the biodiesel specification and in many cases these cars and trucks will run on biodiesel without any modifications.

This relatively new fuel source can be made from a number of renewable oils such as vegetable, canola or soy. In fact waste oil from restaurants and other establishments that use vegetable oil can also be used. It does take longer to process used oil but the results are the same. The vegetable oil is run through a processor that will turn it into biodiesel fuel. These processors can be purchased as kits which can cost several thousand dollars. But when you think about how much you pay at the pump each year it’s easy to see that recouping the cost of making your own fuel will take only a few years.

There is a multitude of information on the internet today about biodiesel fuel. If producing it is something you are considering then spend some time researching not the processes involved but also the different processing kits available. Many companies will ship a biodiesel fuel processing kit right to your front door, but be sure of what’s involved before you lay down your money.

With the right research and information you can soon be on your way to producing a renewable energy source that is considered one of the most clean burning fuels available on the market today. And you can do it in your back yard.

Do you want to know more about biodiesel fuel and how to make it? Click here and find out all about biodiesel.

Transforming vegetable oil and making it a homemade one is the best option for optimizing cost against the use of petroleum diesel, and not only that, it is very easy to do.
Very few European vehicle manufacturers these days do not provide their vehicles with a warranty concerning the user of a pure form of biodiesel. Many are beginning to manufacture their own fuel at home. The process of making it is completely harmless, and no bad experiences have been reported as of yet.

You only need these three things to make biodiesel in your own home:

* 1 liter of pure, unused vegetable cooking oil
* 250 ml of pure methanol
* Either sodium hydroxide
(lye) or potassium hydroxide,
* glass pitcher and blender
* accurate weighing scales that read up to 0.You will need, 1 liter high density polyethylene container, 2 bottles for settling, duct tape, and a thermometer. Be sure to keep all the equipment clean and dry. The process of making biodiesel is as follows:

Be sure to wear the necessary shielding equipment such as gloves, protective eye glasses, respirator, long-sleeved shirt and long pants. With all steps, proceed with caution. Extreme care should be taken in handling the harsh chemicals used in the process. Be sure to look and see that all the pieces of the blender are in satisfactory condition. It is necessary to make sure the blender is securely sealed and all parts clean and dry.

Heat the oil to 550 C, and then pour it into the blender. Now carefully pour the sodium or potassium methoxide that is prepared from the high density polyethyene container into the blender. After sealing the blender, spin the mixture on low for about half an hour; it is important to maintain a consistent speed and temperature.

The moment the process is complete, you must pour the mixture carefully into a mini-processor. After this step, the ingredients need to set for at least twelve but no more than twenty four hours. After the liquid is collected, you will find the collection bottle carrying two distinct layers. Two fluids will emerge, a dark-colored glycerin byproduct and a separate yellow fluid. Biodiesel is the top layer. Although the exact color will depend on the type of oil used, it will usually be some shade of yellow. It doesn`t matter if it`s cloudy or clear. After it sets for a longer time, it will clear out.

A wash test needs to be taken next. Only after it passes through wash testing successfully, may you then wash the remaining biodiesel.

Consider these great benefits—more savings for you and a cleaner and greener planet for every person alive on earth. This is the reason why a lot of people have become curious as to the content of biodiesel and how it is made. The good news is that we can in fact create biodiesel right in our very own homes.

The main ingredient in making biodiesel is vegetable oil—the very same kind of oil that we use in the kitchen for the food that we eat. This can be done with the use of a biodiesel processor. It converts vegetable oil into the fuel that will power a typical diesel engine.

Determine first if the diesel-powered engine that you have will be able to run on biodiesel. You can do this by checking out with the manufacturer of your engine. If your engine is compatible, that will be the time that you can buy your biodiesel processor. Do not worry if the manufacturer says that your engine is not compatible, as there may be other available options. There are some kits that are able to convert engines that show problems when biodiesel is burned. Seek the help of professionals in finding the kit that is fit for your engine. Another option to the right way in making biodiesel is to learn and ask advice from a person who has already has experience with the use of biodiesel.

The raw materials that are used in producing biodiesel are methanol and a certain vegetable product. Corn is actually one of the best vegetable oils commonly in producing biodiesel. Other vegetable products are soybeans and flaxseed. Mix vegetable oil with just a little bit of methanol. Place the mixture in an alkaline catalyst, say sodium hydroxide, which should just be 1% of the total mixture. Vegetable oils actually comprise triglycerides—compounds of glycerin that has three fatty acids. This whole process separates the glycerin molecule from its three fatty acids, which would eventually be replaced with three methanol molecules. The final product is 10% glycerin byproduct and 90% biodiesel. The process is called ester interchange.

The biodiesel processor that will be used for the above process is very small in size, and may either be purchased as a complete pre-made unit or one that you need to still set up. If you are setting up one of your own, take time out to understand all of the instructions and be aware of the precautionary measures in using the biodiesel processor so that untoward accidents when making your own biodiesel fuel.

To learn more about the many aspects related to biodiesel, and biodiesel from corn and how it is made, visit:

http://www.biodieselfromcorn.com

1. Preheating your oil.
2. Heating your biodiesel during the settling process.
3. Drying water out of water-washed biodiesel.
4. Recovering methanol from biodiesel.

We have compiled a guide to heating systems here for you to be able to make a more informed decision on which system is best for you. If you have questions about any of this information call 1-800-679-1398.

The three main types of heating systems offered today are:

-Oil Preheating Systems.
-In-Line Heating Systems.
-In-Tank Heating Systems

Oil preheating systems are a safe traditional method of pre-heating the oil prior to processing. The system conists of a steel drum with at least one thermostat controlled barrel heater and insulation. This is a very safe method because there are no heating elements in contact with the liquid. The standard Freedom Fueler comes with this type of heating system.

In-Line Heating Systems

Better For:

- Pre-heating your oil.
- Drying water-washed biodiesel

Drawbacks:

- Requires a pump to operate.
- Cannot heat throughout entire process.
- Elements must be replaced periodically.

In-line heating systems are better than a pre-heating system but they have one common flaw, they all require a pump to circulate the oil through the heater in order for the heater to work. They are mainly intended to pre-heat the oil and dry the water out of biodiesel that has been water-washed. With an in-line heater using submerged elements, the user must remember to start the flow of liquid before turning the heater on.Note: All heaters have what is called a Watt Density. Watt density is the number of watts the heater puts out divided by the surface area of the heaters element. Our supplier of heating systems recommends no higher than 30 watts per square inch in the biodiesel process. All of our heaters have a watt density of 28 watts per square inch.

In-Tank Heating Systems

Best For:

- Preheating your oil.
- Heating biodiesel during settling.
- Drying water out of water-washed biodiesel.
- Removing methanol from dry-washed biodiesel.

An In-Tank Heating System is the ultimate in biodiesel heating systems, with the ability to maintain the batch temperature even if the temperature in your shop drops overnight. Home Biodiesel Kits is proud to offer the only In-Tank Heating System for home processors on the market. Each of our three Deluxe Biodiesel Processors now come with our new In-Tank Heating Systems. All three sizes come with sealed housings, a built in thermostat with high limit controls preset for the biodiesel process and an incoloy sheathed element to prevent corrosion. The entire unit is built into the top of the processor ensuring no leaks and a completely closed system. These heaters will allow you to heat your batch throughout the entire process and will maintain temperature with a built in sensor located in the center of the tank. Our custom heating units were designed and built specifically for our tanks and the biodiesel process with a watt density of 28. This is not an off the shelf product built for water or any other purpose but a professionally made heater manufactured by the leader in biodiesel heating systems. Call Jess or Ryan today to discuss our new In-Tank Heating Systems or to order one of our Deluxe Biodiesel Processors at 1-800-679-1398.If you want to read more about this on our blog click here to read about biodiesel .