Information on Homemade Biodiesel Processors

You can turn peanut oil into biodiesel using simple equipment and materials.

With the right equipment, you can turn vegetable oil into biodiesel. Commercial biodiesel processors are available, but can cost thousands of dollars. Processors in kit form are cheaper. The least expensive processor is one you build at home from scratch.

Benefits

Biodiesel is regarded as more environmentally friendly than regular diesel. It produces less pollution and is more sustainable. Processing your own biodiesel can help reduce oil dependence, and can cut fuel costs. A homemade processor cuts costs still further.

Features

A biodiesel processor consists of a sealable receptacle for the oil and other ingredients, plus a mixer blade and a heating element. The container needs to be sealable because toxic fumes are produced during the process.

Types

The very simplest homemade biodiesel processor uses an ordinary food blender with a glass jug (glass is necessary because some constituents of the biodiesel will attack plastics). Larger processors can be made using empty fuel drums. You will need to add a mixer mechanism and a way to heat the biodiesel. You may also need a hose to pipe the finished biodiesel out of the container.

References

• Journey To Forever: Make Your Own Biodiesel
• Dangerous Laboratories: Biodiesel
• Small Farm Permaculture and Sustainable Living: Biodiesel Processor

Resources

• Lazyman's Guide to Making Biodiesel