WVO or BIO

[TruckerDon]

I was thinking of getting 2 40 gal. tanks in the back of my '99 F350. Both heated by coolant and probably a heated fuel line and switchover valve either way (so I can go back to a totally stock system in an emergency)I will also retain my stock 40 gal diesel tank. Here are my 2 scenarios:

I have considered using one tank for a settling tank and the other a reaction tank for Biodiesel. I would collect into one, then filter and pump into the other, do a biodiesel reaction, drain my glycerine, and pump into my main tank. OR.. a settling/reaction tank and a washing tank. Both tanks would be heated with coolant and I would use a 12V pump for mixing and transfer. I'm still a little scared of burning the glycerine. That is the reason for the transesterfication. I was considering a lower methoxide dosage, with the understanding that I will still have some unreacted WVO.


I've also looked at Greasel's Nomad system. Looks like a good idea. Like I said, I'm still a bit wary of burning all that stuff unreacted in my DI Powerstroke.

Which do you think is cleaner and better for the engine? I'm thinking that if I build my system this way, I'll have more flexability. I can make bio and pump it into my OEM tank, and I can burn WVO in a pinch. I can also run my OEM tank with DINO if things get real bad.

I'm still researching filtration, and I have a few ideas about that, too. Any opinions on paper towel type filters? I was thinking that these are pretty fine, and the replacement elements are pretty easy to come by. Of course I was going to do coarse filtration at collection time, and run everything through my OEM fuel filter/water sep. as a final step.

Some info about me: I live in an apartment, so space is at a premium. That is one of the reasons for a totally onboard system. The other reason is that it's not uncommon for me to burn 50Gal a day. I'm an automotive equipment manufacturer's rep, and I have a 30' equipment demo trailer, and that thing takes some fuel to drag around. I'm also in GA, so during the summer, the BIO/WVO setup should work fine. In the winter, I was planning to run around B50 or so. The truck also runs for 4-6 hours a day, so the fuel in my tanks will stay warm most of the day for any settling/reactions that may need to occur.

Thanks in advance for any input.
Don.