How to Make Alternative Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel will make your car run better and help save the environment.

Making your own biodiesel fuel isn't very complicated. The process is one that can be done right in your home with ordinary cooking oil, water and some basic chemicals. Biodiesel fuel will make diesel cars and trucks run better, and it's much kinder on the environment than petroleum-based fuel. Using biodiesel is also much cheaper than buying fuel at the pumps.

Things You'll Need

• Funnel Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers Unused soy, corn, olive or vegetable oil 2 HDPE containers Blender Lye Methanol

Instructions

1. Decide which oil to use. Used cooking oil restaurants commonly throw away can be obtained for free by simply asking them to give it to you whenever you need it. However, clean, unused soy, corn, olive and vegetable oil will produce the cleanest and most efficient fuel. When purchasing cooking oil to make biodiesel fuel, it is important that your cost per unit (gallon) is not more expensive than a gallon of diesel costs at the pumps. Unused cooking oil can commonly be purchased for as little as a $1 per gallon and climb into the $3 to $5 range depending on the brand and what the oil is made from. It is, therefore, recommended to first make the attempt to get it for free, as it will be your largest expense.

2. Prepare the oil. Using a funnel, pour the oil into a high-density polyethylene container. These bottles are also known as HDPEs. Commonly used for storing liquid chemical, they keep fumes and liquid contents from escaping. Experts recommend you start small to familiarize yourself with the process. Make only 1 to 2 liters of fuel until you get the hang of it.

3. Mix 200 ml of methanol into one liter of unused oil. Methanol is a simple alcohol found in antifreeze and it's used as a paint solvent. It is a very light alcohol that will help convert the oil into burnable fuel. Make sure the methanol you use is pure and not diluted with other chemicals. Methanol that is 99 percent pure will work. Methanol is fairly cheap. It's commonly sold by the gallon for about $12 to $15. Fifty gallons can be purchased for about $250 to $300. Measure in a beaker, and pour the contents into a separate high-density polyethylene container. Plug the bottle.

4. Add a small amount of lye to the mixture. Lye consists of sodium or potassium hydroxide and will jump-start the conversion of your oil to fuel. Lye can be purchased for about $4 per pound. Use about 3.5 grams of lye. To measure lye, place it in a small plastic bag and weight it on a small food or postal scale. Adjust the scale to offset the weight of the bag. Add the lye to the container containing the methanol.

5. Blend the mixture. After you've measured the contents of what will become your biodiesel fuel, mix the lye and methanol by pouring both into the bottle containing the oil. Plug the HDPE mixture with a the included stopper (sometimes called bung).

6. Allow to settle for 10 to 24 hours. As the mixture settles, it will change color, with a layer of greenish tint at the bottom and a slightly pale to opaque yellow above. You will notice this color after settling as you pour the fuel into a polyethylene terephthalate jar. These jars are easily obtained and are used to store makeup, lotions, snack foods and various household items. Make sure your PET is strong and has a solid, screw-on lid.

7. Test your biofuel. Pour the fuel from the PET container into an empty clear 2-liter PET container, which is similar to a 2-liter soft drink bottle. Add 150 to 200 ml of tap water. Shake for 20 to 30 seconds. Allow to settle. You will know if your biofuel is on its way to being finished. A good batch will look as though half the liquid is an opaque yellow substance and the other half is almost clear.

8. Dilute the fuel. For every liter of fuel, add 1/2 liter of tap water and stir with a paint stick until oil and water are well mixed. Allow to the mixture to settle for two to three more hours. If it will not mix, you may need to dilute it again before drying it. A "dry" biodiesel fuel is clear, which could take a few hours or longer, depending on the climate. It will take a bit longer for the fuel to dry in colder temperatures. It should, therefore, be stored as close to room temperature as possible. Diluting is sometimes called "washing."

9. Store and begin using your fuel. Biodiesel fuel can be kept in ordinary gasoline cans. Using a funnel, transfer the fuel from the PET bottles into your gas cans. The amount of fuel you choose to make and use will determine the size of your storage containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make test batches before making large quantities of biodiesel. Be cost effective. If you have to purchase oil, compare the price of oil with the price of diesel at the pump to avoid spending more money making the fuel than it costs at the pumps.

• Always store the fuel in a safe place away from fire hazards. It is extremely flammable and should be kept in an isolated place such as secure locked shed or garage. Always mix biofuel in a ventilated area. Always wear rubber gloves, respirators and eye protection when working with chemicals. Keep all contents away from children and pets.