U.S. Department of Agriculture

Homemade biodiesel will reduce your fuel cost to as little as 50 cent a gallon!

o Did you know that the transportation industry causes more damage to the ozone layer than any other industry?? With the help of the media, more people than ever are taking notice of the damage we are contributing to the ozone layer. Governments and agencies around the world are now researching alternative ways of producing energy and fuel.

o Over the last few years government and environmental agencies such as the Envronment Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have spent millions on researching the benefits of using biodiesel. Studies have shown that biodiesel production is set to grow to approximately 124 million gallons per annum

o There are countless benefits to using biodiesel – Here a just a few

o You’ll receive government incentives and tax benefits when you make your own biodiesel fuel

o Biodiesel is a non-toxic and reusable fuel source

o The contents of biodiesel are much more lubricant than those in regular diesel, making it better for your cars engine

o Unlike regular diesel, biodiesel emits a pleasant and fresh odour

o Because biodiesel is a made from renewable sources, you can expect to save money on fuel costs

o Biodiesel can be used on any of your home or vehicle engines that run on diesel, without having to make any modifications

o It has been proven that biodiesel is harmless to your health

o By using biodiesel you’ll be helping the farmers keep their jobs

o Because biodiesel is free of sulphur the exhaust emission are completely non-toxic

o It is possible that you can make your own biodiesel, and join the ever growing biodiesel community

o The basic procedure of making biodiesel involves using a biodiesel processor to convert vegetable into biodiesel, by mixing the oil with lye and methanol

o Before you start making biodiesel it’s essential that you are equipped with the right safety gear. This includes chemically resistant gloves, eye wear and respirator

o Making your own biodiesel does take some practice, but once you’ve done a few test batches you’ll find the process will become much easier. Once you begin making biodiesel you’ll find that it can be a satisfying and exciting hobby

o To make your first test batch of biodiesel, you will need these 3 ingredients – lye, methanol and vegetable oil. If you don’t already have these, don’t worry, there quite easy to find.

o You should be able to find some local restaurants or takeaway stores, that will give away their vegetable oil for free

o You can purchase lye from most convenience stores, by checking either the cleaning or bathroom sections

o You can purchase methanol from the local hardware store, or if you have a go kart track nearby, you can ask there

o You do not need a biodiesel processor to make a test batch… All you need is a small blender. Once you become comfortable making biodiesel you will have to use a proper processor; you can make one yourself or purchase one. You might be able to find some good second processors on eBay

o Before making your own biodiesel it helps to understand how the process works. Transesterification is the technical term for converting vegetable oil into biodiesel. Basically the objective is to separate the glycerine from the fatty chains on the vegetable oil. The lye is used to break up the chains of fat held together by the glycerine. The methanol is then mix to replace the glycerine, creating biodiesel…