A few Questions... - Diesel Forum

tunus · 10-18-2004, 10:50 PM

I've got a few quick questions...

How much time does it take to convert a volume of oil to biodiesel? Does this increase exponentially for higher qauantities?
What volume is converted? If I start with 20 gallons of oil, what do I finish with?
Anyone know the giong rate for raw oil in say 500 gallons+ quantity? And where you could get that?
Here's the thing, I'm very interested in converting. First, for environmental, political reasons, second because of the outrageous bs involved with fuel prices. If I can show it to be cost effective, I have the opportunity to convert a small fleet of big trucks to biodiesel - but I'll have to produce in some sort of bulk. 1000 gallons a week... It's all family owned, just would be kind of cool to do something positive for our world, while at the same time assisting the family business.

Maybe just a pipe dream, but it would be pretty neat, wouldn't it?

Kwikkordead · 10-18-2004, 11:03 PM

What are you going to do with all the waste glycerin that will be generated? That could easily turn into a big pile.

Ford_Forgotton · 10-18-2004, 11:35 PM

1000 gallons of oil will yield about 1000 gallons of Bio-Diesel.

How? The needed 20% methanol replaces the extracted 20% glycerin. (very rough figures by the way).

You end up with 1000 gallons of bio-d and about 200 gallons of waste glycerin with a little bit of unprocessed methanol and lye.

If you can super-refine the glycerin to remove the lye/methanol (methoxide) you can sell the refined glycerin to soap makers.

You can also use glycerin in a wasteoil type furnace, or just compost it.

I dont think you can purchase raw oil in bulk as cheap as you'd like. Homemade bio-D is great for the home tinkerer because they can get USED veggie oil for FREE (usually) and only pay for the methanol and lye needed to convert it.

At your processing volume, Im not sure it would be cost effective to make your own because you would need to BUY everything. No freebies like us homebrewers.

tunus · 10-19-2004, 12:19 AM

lol - like I said, pipe dreams...

Way I figure it, if you don't ask the questions you don't get the answers... I am just starting to research this, hence my presence here.

I'll keep pluggin along on it, never know what'll come up as you turn over rocks.

OMCUSNR · 10-19-2004, 11:12 AM

A few places to looka at in your research:

www.biodieselnow.com

www.journytoforever.org

www.veggieavenger.com

www.biodiesel.infopop.cc

Additionally one person you want to talk to is Maria Alovert (GirlMark). She hangs out on several fourms (including here), and teaches how to make biodiesel in backyard/home/coop settings. She is an invaulable resource, and maintains the veggieavenger page. She is currently traveling the country giving lessons in making bio-D & small processors.

Wish you all the luck with this venture. Just remember, if you go commercial, the whole picture changes, and gets VERY expensive (at least initially), which is why bio-d costs so much @ retail.

Reid

tunus · 10-20-2004, 01:59 AM

Thanks! Great links. I ordered Girl_Mark's book a few days ago. I don't want to sell this stuff... just want to make a few environmental improvements along the way, and with prices where they are now, it's easier to sell options. Continually amazes me the attention given private vehicles while the big trucks are pushing 6 gallons a mile and not a lot of innovation in sight. When I was driving, it wasn't that difficult to run 3000 or so gallons a month through my rig... anyway, if we all work on our little corner of the world that's a lot of corners.