How to Make Biodiesel With E85

Biodiesel fuel can power any engine that runs on diesel fuel, including vehicles, generators and furnaces. E85, or ethanol, is an ester alcohol that can be manufactured at home. Many prefer to use ethanol over methanol to produce biodiesel because it has fewer harmful side effects, but the process is a bit more complicated, because ethanol is not naturally as reactive. Begin experimenting with biodiesel production in small quantities with methanol before investing in a biodiesel reactor.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Biodiesel reactor
• 100 gallons rapeseed oil
• 25.5 gallons of water
• HDPE #2 plastic container with a lid
• 27.4 gallons of ethanol (preferably 200 proof)
• 10.83 lbs of potassium hydroxide

1. Review the instructions for the reactor. After familiarizing yourself with the equipment, add the rapeseed oil to the main chamber and the water into the appropriate camber.

2. Combine the ethanol and the potassium hydroxide in the plastic container. It is important to add the potassium as quickly as possible to minimize its exposure to air.

3. Put the cap on the container, and shake it until the solid potassium hydroxide is completely dissolved. If the container is too heavy, the liquid can be stirred with a HDPE #2 plastic stirrer.

4. Add the liquid to the rapeseed oil and turn on the reactor. The reactor will stir the reactants, remove the glycerine and wash the biodiesel.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the ingredients carefully. The ultimate success of the batch depends on the preciseness of the measurements.
• Work in a ventilated area, and wear eye protection and gloves at all times. Be sure to read all safety warnings for the reactor.

References

• National Biodiesel Board

Resources

• Biodiesel Reactors