Alternative Fuel Choice » Biodiesel

How Do You Make Biodiesel?

Razel Kilmer — Thu, 27 May 2010 09:07:21 +0000

You’re only setting yourself up for a massive disappointment if you think you can just fill your gas tank with used oil and be done with it. Certainly, it is possible to fuel a car using used oil, but this oil has to be very pure and your engine needs extensive modifications done before this is possible. A lot of people aren’t aware that engine modification is usually needed before you can run your car on biodiesel; this is a fuel which is lower octane than conventional petroleum based fuels and requires some processing and in many cases, changes to your engine.

However that doesn’t mean that biodiesel isn’t a viable energy source. Right now biodiesel has many every day applications. It can be used by itself as a self sustaining fuel source, or combined with petroleum based fuels to cut down on our dependence of fossil fuels. There are many transit fleets across the nation that have switched to biodiesel, as well as many school busses. With the health concerns of passengers’ prolonged exposure to toxic exhaust fumes the demand for a cleaner burning alternative became greater.

There are also government vehicles using this clean-burning biodiesel fuel and some homeowners even heat their homes this way. States with large agricultural sectors such as Iowa and Illinois are looking towards the possibility of becoming the “Saudi Arabia of biodiesel”, with farmers themselves regarding the adoption of biodiesel as an exciting and potentially profitable development. Individuals and organizations who use biodiesel to fuel their vehicles are often eligible for tax credits and other incentives. There is also a growing interest in the possibility of using biodiesel to power trains, generators and even aircraft to reduce emissions, especially in urban areas.

If you’re interesting in making biodiesel fuel you can easily find detailed instructions in many books and from a number of different websites; what you’ll read here is only the basics. It’s possible to make your own biodiesel, but it’s important to do so with careful attention to the instructions provided – if the ingredients are not in the right proportion, you’ll be left with fuel which is either too thick or thin to use. Typically, the best mixture is around 20% oil to 80% other ingredients.

The first part of the process of making biodiesel is to heat your waste oil to a temperature of at least 130 degrees (Fahrenheit). Next, you’ll need to titrate your oil to find out the concentration of free fatty acids; there are often a great deal of these left behind in used restaurant oil). Following this, the oil is combined with a pre-mixed tester solution. You can visit any number of websites about making biofuels to learn the details of this process.

A catalyst (typically lye) is usually needed to make biodiesel from used cooking oil since the oil and methanol don’t mix without help. You’ll need to combine the lye with the methanol and then add to the oil and mix well once the oil has been heated. The process creates glycerin and other byproducts which need to be removed from the fuel. After these byproducts have been separated from the biodiesel, the next step is to “wash” the fuel with water to remove any remaining impurities. Following this, the fuel can be stored and any water left behind can evaporate before the biodiesel is finished and ready to use. This procedure is not the only way to make biodiesel, but it is the most common and the ingredients needed are easily available and inexpensive. You can find out more about the details of the procedure and the equipment you’ll need online, as well as about how to modify your engine to use biodiesel, if needed.

One thing you’ll notice once you start using biodiesel to fuel your vehicle is that your filters will become quickly. This is nothing to be alarmed about and is actually a good thing – the cleaner biodiesel fuel actually helps to eliminate deposits left behind from the use of conventional fuels. Once these residues have been eliminated, your engine will actually run more efficiently!

Biodiesel began as an extremely marginal energy source when Rudolf Diesel began producing fuel from rancid peanuts. Today, it is a widely used and increasingly common source of energy – once, biodiesel was prohibitively expensive to produce, especially compared to cheaper fossil fuels. Biodiesel began to make a comeback starting in the 1970s as people came to realize that petroleum wasn’t an inexhaustible resource and the advancements made in biodiesel production technologies have made it an inexpensive renewable energy source. It’s also a fuel whose properties (far less pollution than fossil fuels) makes it a good fit for the increasing awareness on the part of the public of the damage done to the environment through the use of petroleum and other fossil fuels.

If you’re interested in making your own biodiesel fuel, there are a wealth of resources online which can give you the information you need. You can also find biodiesel kits which include the equipment you need to start producing biodiesel.

The information here has hopefully piqued your interest in biodiesel, or at the very least made you aware of the viability of this clean, renewable energy source. Biodiesel technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace – the next generation of energy tycoons may be men and women making biodiesel in their own garages rather than the oil companies.

WVO Designs was created for Biofuel enthusiasts. Free information is available as well as products for WVO Conversion, WVO Filtering, WVO Centrifuge. WVOdesigns.com is also a supplier of Pureflow Technologies Raptor Pump and AirDog Fuel Systems.

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How Do You Make Biodiesel? is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

WVO: Waste Vegetable Oil As A Great Fuel Alternative

Razel Kilmer — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:57:22 +0000

Waste vegetable oil, or WVO is an established form of biodiesel that can replace traditional diesel fuels in some cars. It is relatively easy to convert a vehicle that runs on diesel to run on vegetable oil. People who have converted cars usually have an established relationship with a restaurant for their oil supply, a situation that is win win for both parties.

There are many different kits available for converting diesel vehicles into biodiesel vehicles that will run on vegetable oil. Kits can cost anywhere from $150 to $4000. Depending on how much you spend, quality can vary significantly. Mercedes and Chevy Suburbans are the most popular vehicles to convert to biodiesel. Kits are usually made for self installment and are pretty easy to do in a couple weekends.

Any vegetable oil that is used for fuel must be filtered before being put in the tank. Any particles or water will cause the engine to become blocked or seize up. When the car starts it is run on diesel and when it is shut off it switches back to diesel. This keeps the vegetable oil at the proper temperature to run the car and keeps the fuel lines free of oil while the car is not running. The viscosity of the oil can clog the lines if it gets too cold.

People with converted cars say that they do not see a noticeable decrease in the power of their car. The fuel efficiency is also the same as a regular diesel car. There is also less carbon build up in the engine when running on vegetable oil.

Even though converted cars run on a completely different fuel, there is actually very little extra maintenance needed. The only extra cost is filter changes which usually cost about $10 a pop. The other big expense is that of the kit itself, but drivers can expect to see a return on investment in as little as a year and a half from the time of installation.

People who run biodiesel cars on waste vegetable oil usually get their oil from restaurants. This situation benefits both parties. Usually the restaurants will give away the oil for free because they usually have to pay disposal fees. Any type of vegetable oil will work in a converted car as long as there is no water, particles, or bacterial contamination.

The most common supplier of used oil is Asian restaurants. These are popular places to get oil because they usually use pure soy and canola oils which are easier to filter due to their lower viscosity. Better quality restaurants usually use better quality oils, so it is better to get your oil from a reputable source. Fast food restaurants can be consistent suppliers, but the use hydrogenated oils which are not ideal for use, but will still work.

When biodiesel kits are installed the main diesel tank lines are left intact. If you can’t get vegetable oil you can still run your car on diesel. This transformation of a vehicle can be great for people who want to reduce their environmental impact and don’t mind putting in a little extra work to obtain and clean WVO. Emissions are lower, fossil fuel is not being consumed, and a waste product gets recycled. This can be a great step forward if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.

Did you find this article useful? You can get more information on the benefits of using a WVO system today! When you install a WVO system, you will save on fuel consumption and help the environment at the same time!

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WVO: Waste Vegetable Oil As A Great Fuel Alternative is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

Alternative Fuel : Biodiesel

Joseph Then — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:27:08 +0000

There has been a lot of attention on alternatives to gasoline. With the prices rising continuously people are starting to worry how they will ever afford to fill their tank. Besides that, the rising gas prices are making the price of everything else go up. It is truly a situation that needs a better solution.

Biodiesel is one of the most reliable sources of alternative fuel. If you think you want to use biodiesel as an alternative, I would say you are smart. Most people and companies turn to biodiesel as they can save money.

Biodiesel can not only save money. It has many other advantages too. Below are the reasons why I think that biodiesel is a good alternative:

Biodiesel is Easy To Use

Trust me on this; using biodiesel is very simple. It is so simple that you do not need to make any alterations to your vehicle. If your vehicle is already running on diesel, you can use biodiesel.

The only problem when you are doing the switch is that you may encounter clogged filters for the first month but you do not need to worry as this problem is very easy to fix.

Easy To Create

Not only biodiesel is easy to use. It can be made easily made too! You can even make it at home, using ingredients that you can buy at the grocery store. You would then need to use old bottles to mix and store the biodiesel you have made.

Biodiesel also does not produce any harmful bi-products. The only bi-product of biodiesel is glycerin. Glycerin is an ingredient used to make soap products. The bi-product is actually useful.

Biodiesel Is Safe

Biodiesel is very safe. It is safe foe humans, animals and the Earth too! It is safe because biodiesel is non-toxic and burns cleanly thus producing less pollution.

Biodiesel is also not going to catch on fire or have the risk of explosion. During the production of biodiesel there is little risk, as well.

Biodiesel Is Renewable

Since biodiesel is made from common ingredients that are renewable, it will never run out, unlike oil.

Your next step? Take all that you have learnt in this article and start saving money! Biodiesel makes a wonderful choice instead of the regular priced fuel. You should try it!

If you are looking for an alternative fuel, perhaps Biodiesel fuel is a good alternative. You can even make biodiesel at home. Check out our website to find out more: http://www.biodieselathome.biz

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Alternative Fuel : Biodiesel is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

Reasons for Using Biodiesel

Joseph Then — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:51:21 +0000

Biodiesel is preferred over diesel fuel for many good reasons. If you intend to address the rising prices of diesel fuel the shift to Biodiesel is a good option .

Here are the top five reasons why Biodiesel is something you should be using in your vehicle right now.

Reason One – Biodiesel contains lesser water than diesel fuel

All types of fuel contain to a certain extent a mixture of water. However, the actual amount of water component used up in the fuel you put in your car can vary. If there is an excess amount of water component, this may prove to be harmful to your car.

For Biodiesel, the good news is that it contains much lesser water as compare to other fuels.

Reason Two – Biodiesel is not expensive

Do-it-yourself Biodiesel production is possible making its price affordable . Compared to regular diesel, Biodiesel’s pump price from gas stations is even cheaper. Biodiesel can better serve your vehicle since it can reduce expenses in your vehicle’s service and maintenance routine.

Reason Three – Biodiesel is more suitable for your car

Biodiesel burns cleaner and has better lubricating properties than regular diesel. This is why it causes less wear and tear on your engine. Because of lesser repair requirements by your vehicle, you expect to accumulate savings over time.

Reason Four – Biodiesel is renewable

Tapping a renewable fuel source proves to be a very important move. Many people simply do not realize that the current fuel sources are being used up and eventually will be gone for good. Once gone there is nothing anyone can do to bring them back.

Utilizing renewable energy sources, like Biodiesel, will ensure that the chances of running out is minimal. Biodiesel is made from natural ingredients that can be made again and again.

Reason Five – Biodiesel friendier to the environment

Vehicle emissions are one of the top contributors to high pollution levels. With so many vehicles on the road that is not a surprise. Regular fuel is dirty and gives off many pollutants. Biodiesel burns clean and gives off lesser pollutants.

The decision to use Biodisel will in many ways promote better and clearner environment. In having a favorable for the environment, animals and humans will get to breath in the air that is less polluted. Anything that can reduce pollution is always a good thing for our planet.

Biodiesel is arguably the best alternative fuel today as it contributes lesser pollution into the air. I believe that the best thing about Biodiesel is that you can also make biodiesel at home. Find out how to make biodiesel by going to my website: http://www.biodieselathome.biz

categories: biodiesel,fuel,automobile,cars,auto,autos,science,technology

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Reasons for Using Biodiesel is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

Alternative Fuel and Energy Sources – On Solar Panels and Biodiesel

Olga Shtora — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:19:00 +0000

We are already aware and are beginning to express more concern for the plight of our environment. In this highly industrialized world, technology and most of man’s activities have caused more harm than good to the environment. In our own little way, we give back to the environment by using fuel and energy sources that won’t harm the environment.

Solar panels are great sources of energy, especially for the remote areas where electricity is not widely available. We used to complain a lot about the heat coming from the sun. Now, we can put it to good use with the solar power technology becoming more and more easily available to the consuming public.

Solar power technology will make it possible for us to reduce, if not totally eliminate, the experience of power outage or shortage. Solar panels will store solar energy so that it can then become a good source for electricity. Hopefully, these solar panels will become the best source of energy. Later on, all the investment you have spared for the solar panels will eventually pay off and you no longer have to pay for electricity anymore.

If you are looking for ways to help achieve clean air and a clean environment, then you have to try investing on biodiesel for your fuel needs. When before, you are only familiar with petroleum diesel to power and run vehicles, biodiesel is an environment friendly alternative because it is not at all toxic. If you will read more about the biodiesel process, you will be more familiar with the term ‘transesterification’. With biodiesel, you no longer have to worry if we ever run out of petroleum diesel. We can only look forward to better production of biodiesel and that it will slowly become the most promising source of fuel in the whole world.

So now, we already have some ideas covered about solar panels and biodiesel.

For the most up to date information about solar panels and biodiesel, this is the only resource you will ever need – http://fuelenergysolar.info, fuel and energy.

categories: fuel and energy,solar panels,biodiesel process,biodiesel

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Alternative Fuel and Energy Sources – On Solar Panels and Biodiesel is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

Homemade Biodiesel – How to Make Biodiesel

Dana Goldberg — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:20:15 +0000

If you have a lot of left over cooking oil, make Homemade Biodiesel. What else is a person supposed to do with left over cooking oil? What are you supposed to do with it? Unfortunately for the plumbing in Britain, many people would just pour it down the drain. Needless to say this created a huge mess for many cities. That is, until they began turning it into useful fuel.

Restaurant owners stand to clean up with this modern invention. Imagine cooking French fries, doughnuts, and the like, only to find yourself basically throwing money away when disposing of the used oil. Not only did it need to be paid for to begin with, now it has to be discarded. As if that is not bad enough, generally these restaurateurs must pay for it to be taken away…

Thankfully these folks no longer need to worry about this. In fact, they stand to benefit. These huge amounts of used oil may be saved in barrels and turned into bio-diesel. They can either use it to fuel their car, home, or if they prefer, even sell it.

The word diesel should suggest what may not occur to many. This is appropriate fuel for a diesel engine, and should not be used in a regular auto engine. Some regular engine vehicles may be altered to accommodate this fuel however. It is best to leave this to a professional.

You may also use this newly created fuel for home heating. Imagine the money that will be saved when not needing fossil fuel. Not to mention the work that you will be doing to help the environment.

The use of biodiesel is certainly here to stay. There are simple recipes available at the library, and on the internet. Just remember to follow directions carefully. Homemade biodiesel will indeed save you a lot of cash, while helping the environment.

Did you know that there is homemade biodiesel? That’s right, you can make biodiesel at home and the Internet is the best place to learn how to go about doing it.

Homemade Biodiesel – How to Make Biodiesel is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

Are Biofuels a Green Energy Source?

Bruce Carl — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:25:39 +0000

In the search to replace fossil fuels, the global community is searching for alternative energy sources. Energy sources that are greener (do not harm the environment) than fossil fuels. Biofuels are a potential source of green energy.

Liquid biofuel which is the one used in cars is a natural and renewable domestic fuel that can only be used for diesel engines. This can be made from vegetable oils mostly soy and corn. The nice thing about it is that it contains no petroleum, is nontoxic and biodegradable.

Cars are one of the world’s largest sources of pollution. Switching to biofuels changes this equation. Biofuels do not emit environmental toxins. You do not have to take my word for it. Biofuels have been examined by the EPA and the California Air Resources Board.

Biofuels can be made from many different products. The most common method involves alcohol. Alcohols such as methanol. Methanol is combined with glycerine and methyl. Do not let the chemical names throw you. These chemicals are found in everyday items such as vegetable oil. Corn and sugarcane have also been used to make biofuels.

Glycerine is used in normal household goods. Glycerine can be found in both toothpaste and soap. Currently, it is very expensive to convert glycerine for biofuels. However, people have reported being able to build a setup to make biofuels for under $200. You would just need a source of raw materials.

But if you look at what you pay for it, the returns are huge because you get to do your share to preserve a cleaner environment, an improvement in air quality and a reduction of cancer-causing agents.

Biodiesel has been proven, on the road. It has offered the same amount of power to efficiency as petroleum based fuels when climbing and hauling. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or mixed with petroleum based fuels. Several varieties are commercially available. B20 is a mix of 20% biodiesel to 80% petroleum based fuel. E85 uses 85% biodiesel and 15% petroleum based fuel.

You could buy a new automobile capable of running on biodiesel. This is not necessary. It is possible to make some engine modifications and run biodiesel in any vehicle. These modifications do not even void your vehicle’s warranty.

The time to move to renewable energy sources is now. We have not run out of time but we have to start reversing the ill effects of fossil fuels, today.

Are you ready to commit to saving our world? Find out how you can get homemade energy plans today. World change is in your hands. The world will thank you.

Are Biofuels a Green Energy Source? is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

Free Report Explains Alternative Fuels

Brett Davis — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:45:23 +0000

With the price of gasoline now more expensive than ever and with no sign of any relief in sight people are now paying almost double what they were just two short years ago.

Many people are obviously concerned and unsure about what they should do in the future. People can’t afford to continue paying these prices and higher as well as the direct cost it also has on goods in the supermarket. Most people, especially those with families, still need a vehicle for regular day to day tasks and if not that, even just for emergencies.

Many people are showing an interest in alternative fuel, alternative fuel vehicles as well as more fuel efficient vehicles that can get you where you need to go with less gas being used but still retaining many of the features that we have come to expect in a vehicle these days.

Technology is coming along at a rapid rate. Can you believe that you are even able to make your own biodiesel at home…and it works.. More and more people are looking at these options in their quest to find a viable alternative fuel.

There are a number of options when it comes to fuel efficient vehicles and a number of different variables when it comes to environmental effect of some of the alternative fuel choices.

Understanding the origins of each of the main alternative fuels and what the plans are to improve on them and the potential for mass production will help you decide in the future which option is right for you.

So i have put together this FREE Report that explains some of the most viable alternative fuel options.

There are no strings to download this free report, just click on the link below or right click and select “Save As” to save it to your hard drive.

Please make sure to send it on to anyone else who you think might be interested in this information.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FREE REPORT ON ALTERNATIVE FUEL NOW

Cheers

Brett

P.S. Make sure you visit the website at http://www.AlternativeFuelChoice.com for some other additional information on your alternative fuel choices.

Free Report Explains Alternative Fuels is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.

CNN Launches Biodiesel-Fueled Road Trip

Brett Davis — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:46:57 +0000

Website Domestic Fuel has reported that CNN are taking a 1978 International Harvester Scout and kicked off a two-week trip going from San Francisco to Atlanta.

They will be blogging about their adventure live on CNN.com and will be a great promotion for biodiesel and alternative fuels.

Click Here To Read The Full Story

CNN Launches Biodiesel-Fueled Road Trip is an article from Alternative Fuel Choice to help you understand more about alternative fuel.