Q & A
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a fuel derived from vegetable oil or animal fats that can be an additive to or entirely replace conventional petroleum diesel fuel. In the United States, the majority of biodiesel is made from soybean or canola oils, but is also made from waste stream sources such as used cooking oils or animal fats.
What can biodiesel be used in?
Biodiesel can be used in any motor that diesel can: diesel vehicles, agricultural equipment, generators, heaters etc
Will modifications be necessary to use biodiesel?
The only modifications that would be necessary is for pre-1990 vehicles. These vehicles use natural rubber fuel lines, vehicles since around this time period use biodiesel compatible fuel lines, so for most, NO MODIFICATIONS are needed!
Will I go through alot of fuel filters while using biodiesel?
Although you may go through 1 or 2 fuel filters while initially starting to use biodiesel, you will NOT clog fuel filters while using properly made biodiesel. The reason the initial fuel filters may plug is because biodiesel is an excellent cleaning agent, and will dislodge any crud that has collected over time from running diesel.
What ingredients does it take to make biodiesel?
Biodiesel is made from 3 ingredients. The main ingredient is vegetable oil, it can be used or new. The second and third chemicals are methanol and lye (sodium hydroxide). With the proper caution and procedures, making biodiesel is safe enough for even the newest of biodiesel producers!
Where are places I can get vegetable oil from?
There are many places that use vegetable oil. You can think of local establishments that deep fry foods, such as restaurants, bars, pizza places, VFW or Legions, and fairs/festivals. Most places pay to get rid of their oil, they will be more than happy to let it off their hands.
Are there any advantages/disadvantages of using biodiesel?
Yes there are many advantages:
-Has only about 10% of the emmisions of regular diesel
-Reduces noise levels in the engines it is used in
-Has better lubricity creating longer engine life
-Reduces foreign dependency on oil!
There are also some Disadvantages:
-Biodiesel has a Cloud point around 32 degrees farenheit, so mixing with regular diesel is necesarry in winter.
-Initially you may clog a fuel filter, from cleansing of your fuel system.
I wasnt very good in science in school, will I be able to make biodiesel on my own?
YES, once you have the right equipment, you can easily produce your own biodiesel. We will walk you through each machine and can answer any questions you have. We guarantee you can make biodiesel by following the directions in your manual that comes with each machine.
The steps to make biodiesel using the Revolution Biodiesel Processor!
2. Dump oil in heater drum, heat to 130 degrees.
3. The machines motor will suck the oil into the left tank tank.
4. Test the oil to determine the amount of lye needed.
5. Mix methanol and lye in smaller tank.
6. Turn motor on. Methanol mix from small tank will go into large tank.
7. Let motor run for 60 minutes to circulate mixture.
8. After 8-12 hours drain 6-8 gallons of glycerine.
At this point you have biodiesel, but it is a "dirty" biodiesel. What is recomended is to do a water wash, which comes on each machine....
9. Turn timer for water wash. Water will begin to mist over biodiesel.
10. After timer has shut off, drain 5-6 gallons of water.
11. Repeat this process 2-3 times until wash water is clear.
12. Begin drying your biodiesel by having the motor ciculate the biodiesel inside the larger tank.
13. Biodiesel will turn a golden clear, and your process is done and ready to use!
The whole process can take as little as 24 hours, and costs about .70 a gallon to make.
