2 years ago
how do you make biodiesel from vegtable oil from restaurants? (max of 500mL)
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M$1 Answer
Here are the basics. You will need to heat the oil to remove any possible water. While you're waiting for your oil to heat you can do the math. You will need to use 20% methanol, for example 5 gallons of methanol will make 25 gallons of biodiesel. You will need to measure out at least 3.5 grams of lye per 1liter of oil. Some oils with a higher fat content, may require more lye. Mix the methanol and lye together to make methoxide. The lye must be fully dissolved in the methanol.
Add the methoxide that you just made to your heated oil and mix it well. Then you need to let the whole mixture settle overnight. What will happen is that the glycerin will be separated from the methyl esters and drop to the bottom. When you see two distinct layers, you know you have done it right. Now you can either drain the glycerin from the bottom, or pour the biodiesel off the top. From here you can just filter the biodiesel and put it straight in you tank, or refine it further by water washing it if you wish.
As for the leftover glycerin by product, you could make bar soap out of it, or just add water and make a crude hand cleaner for the garage. Just be sure you boil out any leftover methanol as it is poisonous and it will seep through your skin.
Now you have a clean burning fuel that is not only better for the environment ,but your diesel engine will last longer due as well,l to the lubricating properties of biodiesel.
Add the methoxide that you just made to your heated oil and mix it well. Then you need to let the whole mixture settle overnight. What will happen is that the glycerin will be separated from the methyl esters and drop to the bottom. When you see two distinct layers, you know you have done it right. Now you can either drain the glycerin from the bottom, or pour the biodiesel off the top. From here you can just filter the biodiesel and put it straight in you tank, or refine it further by water washing it if you wish.
As for the leftover glycerin by product, you could make bar soap out of it, or just add water and make a crude hand cleaner for the garage. Just be sure you boil out any leftover methanol as it is poisonous and it will seep through your skin.
Now you have a clean burning fuel that is not only better for the environment ,but your diesel engine will last longer due as well,l to the lubricating properties of biodiesel.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
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