Introduction To Biodiesel (06:20) | BACK TO TOP
This video gives a basic introduction to organic oils and how they can be run in diesel engines.
We'll discuss some of the cool history behind the diesel engine, why they can run on organic oils,
how different oils can effect a diesel engine, and then we'll discuss the big difference between
Biodiesel and Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO).
How Biodiesel Is Made - The Theory (08:03) | BACK TO TOP
In this video we discuss how Biodiesel is chemically produced. We use simple drawings and diagrams
to keep it easy & simple to understand. Don't worry, we promise, there's no chemistry degree needed.
We think you'll find it really educational! We also discuss some of it's chemical properties
including some of the great benefits Biodiesel has over petro diesel.
How Biodiesel Is Made - Dealing With Used Oils (05:24) | BACK TO TOP
Here we take things a step further and talk more about what goes on when
Biodiesel is being produced, including how to make it from used oils that
commonly contain things called Free Fatty Acids (FFA's). Yep. We keep this
one simple too so that it's easy to understand.
Making A Small Batch - Part 1 (06:28) | BACK TO TOP
Here we talk about how to get ready to make a small batch of Biodiesel from
new oil. We'll show you how to weigh out the chemicals, how to make something called
Methoxide, and discuss proper safety precaustions when preparing to make your first
batch.
Making A Small Batch - Part 2 (07:47) | BACK TO TOP
While our methoxide dissolves we go over everything you'll need to make a mini batch.
We talk about where to find the ingredients needed including the chemicals needed, the
best kind of oils to use (hint: Chinese restaurants rock!), and discuss some safety issues
related to storing chemicals and methanol. We then dump the methoxide in and watch the magic happen!
Making A Small Batch #2 (07:24) | BACK TO TOP
This video covers making a small batch from start to finish in one video. We make a batch of Biodiesel
from new Canola oil. We also detail the items needed and show you what it will look like after it settles
and then what it looks like once the glycerin has been been removed.
Making A Small Batch From Used Vegetable Oil (09:34) | BACK TO TOP
This video covers making a small batch of Biodiesel from used cooking oil. We titrate it, mix the methoxide, mix it with
the oil, and make the batch. We also show what it should look ike when it's done and cover additional topics like washing &
drying the reacted Biodiesel. You'll be able to see the whole process from start to finish.
Titrating Oil - Building A Titration Kit (04:11) | BACK TO TOP
In this video we show how to build a basic titration kit that will be used to titrate oil with.
Titration is nothing nore than a method used to find out what the acid level is in the oil that will be used
to produce Biodiesel. It's necessary to know this because it will indicate how much catalyst
will be used to make Biodiesel.
Titrating Oil - The Chemistry (05:04) | BACK TO TOP
This video explains the chemistry behind how a titration works. We explain what a titration will indicate and why
it's important to perform them on used oil. Don't worry, like the other video's we keep this one simple. No chemistry degree needed.
Titrating Oil - Preparing Titration Solution (04:31) | BACK TO TOP
This video shows how to prepare the titration solution that will be used to do the actual titration with. It's important
that this be done accurately because it will impact the titration readings. To make it, add 1 gram of catalyst (either
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) or Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) to 1 liter of water.
Titrating Oil - The Actual Titration (10:54) | BACK TO TOP
This is where it all comes together. We do 3 complete titrations from start to finish. We measure everything
out, explain how to mix everything, do the actual titrations, and then explain what the results mean.
The Basic Titration Method
1- Add 1 mL of Oil to 10 mL of Isopropyl Alcohol
2- Add a couple drops of indicator solution (Phenolphthalein is what we used)
3- Start adding measured amounts of Titration Solution
4- Watch for the color change to stay for 30 seconds
5- Record how much titration solution was used Titration Solution Used = Number Of Grams Of Catalyst To Use Per Liter Of Oil
If there were 4mL used, then 7.5 + 4 = 11.5 grams X 100 liters of oil = 1150 grams of KOH Click Here For A Guide On Titrating Oil |
Click Here To See Our Selection Of Titration Kits Click Here To Download This Video (21.6 MB)
Testing Oil For Water - Water Test Kit (08:38) | BACK TO TOP
This video will show you how to test for water in oil. One of the biggest problems people have when making Biodiesel
is having too much water in the oil. By testing for water and then eliminating it if it's present, you can ensure
that you get higher yields. The reason? Oil + Water + Catalyst = Soap (instead of Bidoiesel). It's not pretty!
This test can also be used on finished Biodiesel to ensure that it's completely dry.
Making A Large Batch - Shop Intro & Filtering Oil (08:30) | BACK TO TOP
This video highlights how you can set up a basic small scale Biodiesel production facility.
We introduce you to some of the basic components you'll need to produce Biodiesel. In particular, we show how to
filter oil, how to transfer oil around in a shop, how we store and transfer methanol, introduce the catalyst and more.
We also discuss a bit about which diesels can handle Biodiesel.
Making A Large Batch - Loading Oil, Catalyst, & Methanol (05:35) | BACK TO TOP
Using a BioPro 380, we introduce how easy Biodiesel can be made. We show how to load the machine with oil using an inexpensive sump pump,
how to add the methanol, how to measure out the catalyst & get ready to start the batch. There are several different styles and kinds
of Biodiesel production equipment available on the market, this one just happens to be our personal favorite.
Making A Large Batch - Starting The Batch (02:24) | BACK TO TOP
Using the same BioPro 380, we show how to start the machine and get a batch running. This one's pretty small because it really
doesn't take much to get it going. Reach around back, turn the machine on, and push the start button. We then load it with sulfuric
acid (to give us higher yields) and then we let the machine take care of the rest.
Making A Large Batch - Transferring Finished Fuel (06:19) | BACK TO TOP
This video wraps up our videos on making a large batch of Biodiesel. Using a BioPro 190, we transfer
finished fuel from the machine into our storage barrels. We also give a basic overview of the BioPro machines, discuss the
differences in the machines, and then wrap it up.
Testing For Conversion (4:15) | BACK TO TOP
In this video we show you how to test your finished Biodiesel to see how well it converted.
It involves using 3 mL of biodiesel and 27 mL of Methanol. It's really simple to do and works extremely well.
As an added bonus, the person in the video just happens to be the chemist that helped design the BioPro processors.
Sorry for the noise in the background. The wind was blowing that day.
Biodiesel Flammability (02:29) | BACK TO TOP
One of the great properties of Biodiesel is its high flash point (the temperature at which it will burn).
In this clip we illustrate this by attempting to light a small amount of Biodiesel on fire (Hint: TRY being the key word).
However, once under pressure and atomized (ie. through a diesel fuel injector) Biodiesel burns great as we also illustrate.
Click Here To Download This Video (5.5 MB)
Biodiesel Performance (08:51) | BACK TO TOP
In this clip we discuss how Biodiesel performs against Petro Diesel. We talk about using it
in a modified diesel engine with chips and other performance parts installed (Hint: Yep! It'll work with those too!).
We also discuss tips for running Biodiesel in higher performance diesel engines,
talk a bit about running it in colder weather, using additives, and also touch on the importance
of changing fuel filters.
More videos coming!
We have several more videos in the wings so be sure to mark this page & come back often!
We'll be covering everything from collecting oil, to titrating it, to producing Biodiesel on a large scale
and much much more! Our goal is to help you see that making Biodiesel can be simple, easy to understand, and
most of all, fun to do!
Additional Instructional Videos Methanol Safety Methanex, one of the largest distributors of Methanol in the United States
has put together a great instructional video on methanol safety for Biodieselers. There are two file types; A high resolution version at 73.4 MB and a low resolution
version at 41.1 MB. Both are in Windows Media (WMV) format. Look for the link
on the right labeled Methanol Safety - For Biodiesel Producers .
Thanks for stopping by & come on back soon!
Happy Brewing!
Graydon Blair, President
Utah Biodiesel Supply
