subject: Fundamentals When You Need To Learn How To Make Bio Diesel [print this page] Although bio diesel production has gained huge popularity only recently, it is not a new idea. The idea was present when the first diesel engine was developed since peanut oil was used to fire the first compression-ignition engine.This should not be forgotten when one wants to learn how to make bio diesel.
Bio diesel therefore refers to the non-petroleum-based fuel made from animal or vegetable fat. This fuel is usually mixed with ordinary diesel or used alone with an ordinary diesel engine. As such it is a viable alternative fuel source especially with the increase in fossil fuel prices.
Making bio diesel is not a very difficult process. This makes it possible to learn the skill from different sources. There is a wide selection of materials that can be used in producing this product. These include feedstock and oils such as soybean or rapeseed oil. Bio diesel can also be extracted from vegetable oils especially from hotels. Animal fats such as chicken fat lard and tallow. In some cases, algae is also used but not for commercial production.
When you want to learn how to make bio diesel, the first step will be identifying possible sources of oil. This will help you learn the right procedure since different materials introduce slight variations to the process. Some of the cases will also necessitate specialized equipment such as bio diesel processors while in others, this may not be essential. For instance, extracting bio diesel from exhausted cooking oil using sodium hydroxide and methanol is quite simple and does not require the processor. This method is however suited for limited production.
The next step once you have established the sources is learning how to test the oils. This will help you maintain consistency of the final product by choosing the right ingredients. The main factors determining the quality of the final output are the acidity and water content in the oils used.
The best oil sources, which will make the process easier, are those with relatively low water and acidic content. This necessitates the need to learn how to test the oil using different methods such as heating or using a water testing kit. Acidity is tested by adding the oil to a pH neutral alcohol, a process called titration.
Another major step when making bio diesel is filtration. This is done when using used vegetable oil and helps remove food particles and any other contaminants. Filtering is done mostly with drum filters which are very effective. You should learn about micron rating as it will help you select the most effective filter. The smaller the rating number, the smaller the holes in the filter will be.
Finally, before one can start full production of bio diesel, it is important to have a test batch. This can be prepared from materials purchased from the local shops. This is also the time you will make a final decision regarding the production equipment. Normally these include collection containers, bio diesel processor, oil filter and transfer capability and bio diesel washing vessel.
Normally the projected production capacity is one of the main factors determining the equipment to be purchased. With all this information in mind, it will be possible to learn how to make bio diesel.
