How to Convert Used Motor Oil Into Fuel
Many environmentalists argue about the best way to dispose of used motor oil. Instead of disposing of it, convert it to usable fuel for your house or diesel vehicle. Save money and help the environment by making fuel out of your old used motor oil.
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Things You'll Need
- Used motor oil
- 2 HDPE barrels
- Filters: 10-micron and 5-micron
- 2 PVC couplings
- 2 PVC pipes (12 inches)
- 2 large funnels
- Industrial-grade long metal spoon, long paddle or drill stirring attachment
Instructions
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1
Find two 15- to 20-gallon High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE, barrels. HDPE is a durable and common plastic. The barrels are often blue. If possible, buy barrels that have volume marks on the side to help you determine how many gallons of oil are in the barrel.
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2
Measure the pour hole of both barrel lids. Assemble the filter attachments on both barrels. Attach a PVC coupling to the pour holes -- use one that fits very tightly into the hole. Use couplings that are larger on one end than the other so they can help funnel the oil from the larger pipe into the smaller pour hole. Attach a 12-inch length of PVC pipe into each connector. The pipe should be the same diameter as your filters. Place a funnel into the top of the pipe. The diameter of the end of the funnel should be slightly smaller than the pipe.
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3
Insert the 10-micron filter into one pipe. It should fit snugly but still be removable for cleaning. Pour the used motor oil into the funnel, through the pipe and across the filter into the barrel. Take it slow to ensure the oil doesn't spill over the funnel. This step removes large debris from the oil.
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Insert the 5-micron filter into the second pipe, and pour the oil from the first barrel into the second through your PVC funnel. This second filtration removes fine sediment from the used motor oil.
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Measure the amount of filtered oil in your second barrel. Use the barrel's side markings if present. If not, place a measuring stick into the barrel, and make sure it touches the bottom. Make a note of how many inches deep the oil is. Measure the same distance above the oil as it is deep; for example, if it is 6 inches or 4 gallons deep, make a mark at 12 inches or 8 gallons.
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Pour standard diesel fuel into the oil. Fill it to your mark, which will make a mixture that is half oil and half diesel.
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Stir the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes with an industrial-grade metal spoon or long paddle. You can also use a drill attachment that is used to mix concrete. The fuel is ready when both components have fully integrated and there is no more separation.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different ratios of diesel fuel to oil. Some people prefer a 60:40 ratio instead of 50:50.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
