?'s for Marty.

[clavos]

Where do you get your biodiesel in the metro area? What is the price? Do you have any problems with gelling in the winter? I'm going to start using it as long as I don't have to drive half way to Nebraska to get it. If the price is right, it may be worth it though. I'm really tired of forking over $70-$80 hard earned greenbacks every time I fill up. I feel like I'm supporting the two evils in the world. (Bush & OPEC). Power to the farmers!

[UrbanCowboy]

I was just thinking about biodiesel myself about an hour ago. I was wondering what is required to convert to biodiesel? Any ole diesel engine or what?

[clavos]

The info I've reviewed, requires no conversion what-so-ever. I've heard, but not seen, that it is inexpensive compared to regular diesel. Since it is still 80% diesel, I'm not sure what kind of savings can be expected.

[Glass]

Niels, the town of Breckenridge was using a 90%diesel mix of Bio-Diesel , and stopped using it because even at 90% it was still gelling on them. Not sure how gelling is at lower elevations...

--John

[Marty]

well Neils, I havent seen any one selling it in the metro area. I know of a place in bolder, one in the springs and two in durango. Sorry to dissapoint you but at thoes places they sell it at or above the price of petro. I personaly havent had any jelling problems and I'm adding Amsoil diesel treatment. During the winter the old man and I mix it with 50% petro just to be safe as far as jelling goes.

Your right, the truck does not need to moded any diesel engin will work. but it is advised that you change the fuel filter a little more often. We run it in my 99 F350 the old man's 03' F250 (6.0L) a genorator, Kerisone heater, as well as oil lamps in the house, you name it.

The prosses is simple, requires a few chemicals and a little baby sitting but for how much it costs ($0.60 pre gal) well worth it!

I'll post the instructions and a few pictures of my "lab" if you guys are intrested

[clavos]

Post what you have if you don't mind. There is a place in the neighborhood of 52nd & York that sells it, but I was hoping it was a little more widespread. I was also hoping it was a little less expensive. I don't think I want to pay more for lower fuel economy, but am still interested.

[Marty]

give me a day or so on the pictures. I also have a table that converts into stan. mesurments. Ill explane the prossor with the pictures.

BIODIESEL RECIPE

1st STAGE:
Heat Oil to 95°

Mix in methanol .08 liters (80 milliliters) per liter
150 liters oil = 12 liters methanol

Mix for 5 minutes

Mix in 1milliliter sulfuric acid for each liter oil
150 liters oil = 150 milliliters sulfuric acid

Mix oil with heat on for 1 hour

Turn off heat and mix for an additional 1 hour

Let mixture sit for at least 8 hours

2nd STAGE:
After the 8 hours reheat the oil to 120°– 130° F

Prepare the methoxide
Stir methanol .12 liters (120 milliliters) per liter of oil with
3.1 grams of lye per liter of oil (I use a little more)
For 150 liters oil = 18 liters methanol with 480 grams of lye

Gently pour methoxide into used oil

Continue to heat and stir for 2 hours minimum

Let sit for at least one hour

Drain off some glycerin (doesn’t matter how much) into a bucket – mix in 1 milliliter of Phosphoric acid per liter of oil (use two syringes of phosphoric acid) and then pour back into used oil.

Mix again for 5 minutes

Let sit for 6 hours minimum – longer is better – the drain off the glycerin. (should be at least 100 milliliters of glycerin for each liter of oil
150 liters oil = at least 15 liters of glycerin ( 4 gallons )


WASHING IS TRICKY


This seems to work best.

Use 2O milliliters of phosphoric acid mixed with about 50 liters of water

Bubble wash for 1 hour and drain water mixture (loads of lye in this so be careful) If you wash longer the oil will start to emulsify

Use 2O milliliters of phosphoric acid mixed with about 50 liters of water again

Bubble wash for 2 - 3 hours and drain water mixture.

Use 1O milliliters of phosphoric acid mixed with about 50 liters of water.
Bubble wash for 6 – 12 hours and drain water mixture.

Use 1O milliliters of phosphoric acid mixed with about 50 liters of water.
Bubble wash for 12 hours and drain water mixture.

Put in about 50 liters of water, Bubble wash for 12 hours and drain water mixture.

Continue with 50 liters of water, Bubble wash for 12 hours and drain water mixture until water in is same ph as water out. Usually 2 to 3 more times


IF OIL EMULSION OCCURS (foamy layer)

Try heating the oil and then let it sit. If that does not work, while it is hot, STIR in phosphoric acid – not a lot of acid – just a syringe at a time – it should start to separate immediately.

Every time I have done this, either the heat or the acid or both caused the biodiesel to separate.

[rino351]

looks like a very complicated procedure.
:shock:

[clavos]

I'm guessing that you're a chemist. I can't even boil an egg. LOL...

[Marty]

well it looks like a lot but it's not that bad. it's not any harder than making mac n cheese. sevral of the steps are unessary and there are a few short cuts. For instance bubble washing doesn't work well. So we don't use a bubbler. I'll make simper instructions when I take pictures with the next batch I do.

[Marty]

Hey Neils, I have a little over 400 gal made up......Ied be more than happy to sell some to you at the tune of $1.70/gal I'll deliver it to you if you would like 55gal or more just so long as I can have my drum back when it's empty. oh and Rino, if your dad wants to try some I'll do the same for yea'. although your not that far from me so if he wants to swing by and try a half tank or something he's more that welcome.

[mattadams]

Marty, for the love of god man, get me a how-to article on it! LOL.

[clavos]

Marty, I may have to take you up on that. Then we'd be able to sit down and talk about this. $1.70/gal is inexpensive compared to what I've been paying. I don't think I have the time or the space to set up an operation like the one you described, and I'd most likely get a visit from the local authorities for some sort of violation. I'll get back to you this weekend. Are you going to the X-Mas shindig?

[Marty]

yea, I'll be at the x-mas party.....and I try to have something with pix ready for you by then Matt...sorry, I'm a slacker, I know.

[rino351]

Yeah, my dad would be interested in giving it a try.
$1.70 is way better than $2+
It doesn't seem like you'll be running out any time soon, but if you will be at the X-mas party, I would like to talk to you about it as well.

[Glass]

Diesel is finally down in Dumont, its at $1.99 a gal / -7 cents off that if you pay cash, but that should only last a week or so.. :lol:

--John

[clavos]

Diesel takes so much less refinement than gasoline, I really can't understand why it costs more.

[Tray]

It's always cheaper at the station I stop at. Not even the regular unleaded is as cheap as the diesel. Every time I see the sign it makes me think about switching.

[clavos]

Marty, I'll be getting in touch with you early next year to try a barrel of your schtuff. I talked Dad into trying it which means he'll pay.

[Marty]

Awesome Neil! just drop me a line when you know when and where. happy holidays!
-Marty-