Decentralized Biodiesel Production
DIY Biodiesel Production
Home-brewed biodiesel produced from locally-obtained oils is a relatively simple, cheap, and efficient alternative to petroleum diesel for use in existing diesel vehicles and generators. Processors can be easily and quickly produced from common appliances and scrap yard items. Most processing, however, requires industrially-produced methanol and lye. Ethanol-produced biodiesel is possible, and lye may be created from wood ash though purifying DIY reagents for quality biodiesel production is difficult. We are currently investigating DIY reagents and alternatives for complete off-grid production of biodiesel. Neither biodiesel nor any other “alternative” fuel will (or should) replace the energy consumption and growth-generation of fossil fuels during the 21st Century. Our biofuel/biochar systems are attempts to design environmental/energy solutions with an “Earth Systems” perspective.
Biodiesel Production Resources
Appleseed style processor construction and info
Super critical methanol production of biodiesel
Biodiesel Quality Resources
Clean fuel guys – links to microbial, biodegradation, other biofuel issues
Critiques of Biodiesel and EROEI Analysis
The Greasercycle 2.0
A used exercise bicycle with a barrel pump (http://www.harborfreight.com/barrel-pump-45743.html) welded onto the front gear makes a great oil/liquid transfer system for cheap. Remove the hand crank from the pump simply by unscrewing the handle, pick up an appropriate sized gear for the bike and weld it to the handle’s previous location. Easily (and quietly!) moves about 55 gallons of grease/waste oil in 8-10 minutes.
