How To Get Started Making Bd

[theindianabricklayer]

Hello
I Would Like To Make A 5 Gal Batch Of Bd, I Would Like To Know What Is He Best Way To Make This Batch And What Is The Best Source For Lye.
1986 F-250 6.9 No Turbo

[girlmark]

Here's the general information about how to make biodiesel:
Welcome - Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial Website

Get started by making some 1-liter batches first so you don't mess up your 5 gallons.

Then, if you're really stuck on making only 5 gallons and don't want to make a fullsize processor, there are two options:

-make two 2.5 gallon batches by shaking a 5-gallon jug (like oil comes in) with pre-heated oil and methanol/lye in it. It'd be just an upsized version of the 'Dr Pepper' method that's outlined in the starter articles at biodieselcommunity.org. You can preheat the oil in a large pot on a hot plate or on the stove if it doesn't smell too badly.


-or, if you want to use a 5 gallon 'reactor', perhaps you could do this:
use an air-powered drill and a paint stirrer to stir a batch in a large bucket with a lid on it (the stirrer will just go through a small hole in the lid). DO NOT, under no circumstances, DO NOT use a regular electric or cordless electric drill for this, as the sparks from the drill could cause an explosion (and that has happened to several people who have used drills to mix biodiesel). An air-powered drill is only $25ish dollars from harbor freight tools, Tractor Supply Co, WalMart, etc, and it does not produce sparks at the 'processor' area.

[Spencnaz]

Indianbricklayer,

Where are you located? If you're in the Seattle area, I'd be happy to show you how to make batches of biodiesel.

Take it from girlmark, the website she mentions is great to get started on.

[theindianabricklayer]

THANKS
But I'm in southern Indiana. For now I will keep running a wvo blend. It is getting cold so, I will be building stock for the warmer months. I have 50 gal of cleaned wvo if anyone in the Indiana area needs some.
Once again thanks for the reply.

[girlmark]

I have a class coming up in Southern OH, might be within 4 hours of you depending on where you are- Marietta, OH, at Washington State Community College diesel department (register through me, not through them), Jan 17-18. we'll actually make tons of little 5-gallon batches (and I'll have my 'real' processor system along): Girlmark.com: Biodiesel classes with Maria 'girl Mark' Alovert, fall-winter 2008 has more info.

[Cjhstang]

girlmark-do you stay in ohio with your classes or do you make it into PA? I'd def be interested if you made it towards harrisburg.

[girlmark]

Sorry to hijjack the thread. I am talking with a farmer friend near Lewisburg PA about hosting a workshop in the spring, so you're hopefully in luck if he's still interested in doing one.

Mark

[bigredFister]

My dad uses lye to make castille soap. His source for straight lye is the hardware store where it is sold for clearing clogged drains. Note: don't be confused by other drain cleaning products such as liquid plumber etc. They are not straight lye. By the way, if I understand the process correctly a byproduct of BD production is glycerine which can be used to make glycerine soap by melting it and pouring it into molds. We make our own beer too. Once I get my truck up and running I guess I'll have to try my hand at BD.

[girlmark]

I am actually doing my basics and advanced classes in Lewisburg PA (Mifflinburg actually)- mid March. The guy who is co-teaching is really knowledgeable and has a really good system on his farm. It should be really educational to see how they worked it into their farm operation. We're going to cover a lot of advanced topics relevant to dealing with super bad oil and more.

Girlmark.com: Biodiesel classes with Maria 'girl Mark' Alovert, fall-winter 2008 has the details.

Thanks for asking,
Mark