The following step by step instructions will show you how to make a test batch of 1 Liter of bio-diesel. Hopefully this will give you an idea of what is involved. No matter how much you make 1 or 500 liters the method is the same, however you will most likely be using used oil if you step up your production.

What you will need:

The first step is to gather together all your ingredients. Bio-diesel is formed when a catalyst is introduced into vegetable oil causing it to split into fuel, and glycerin. This is basically the same method as a soap maker would follow.

Chemicals:

From your local supermarket get a one liter bottle of any vegetable oil, the cheaper the better. Also from the same market you will need some caustic soda, or drain cleaner, buy crystals or powder rather than liquid, and look on the label to make sure it is pure sodium hydroxide with no added ingredients.

You will also need methanol. It is possible you will have to order this online from a chemical supply company. However you may be able to buy it from a car parts store, it is used as a fuel system anti freeze.

Equipment:

As some of the ingredients can be hazardous you should wear goggles and rubber gloves during the process. Also make sure the room you use is well ventilated. The only other equipment you will need is a pan for heating the oil, an old 2 liter plastic drinks bottle for mixing, an old glass jar, plus a three liter open container for washing the final mix. Finally a hose or garden spray that can produce a fin mist of water.

Procedure:

Heat your oil to 60 degrees centigrade, measure the temperature using a cooking thermometer. Use a low flame so that it doesn't heat up too fast. Whilst this is happening mix together 200 milliliters of methanol and 5g of sodium hydroxide in an old glass jar, if you are making more than a liter just scale this up accordingly I.E. for 5 liters use 1 liter methanol and 25g of crystals. When the chemicals mix they will produce heat so do this outside or in a safe environment.

Once your oil reaches temperature decant it into your plastic bottle, then add the chemicals from the jar. As soon as this catalyst hits the oil you will see it cloud up, as a reaction occurs. Put the lid on the bottle and shake to mix thoroughly.

Leave the mix to settle for about an hour, you will see a liquid on top and a solid residue at the bottom. This liquid is your fuel, the solid is glycerin or soap. Poor off the liquid into your open top larger container for washing.

Washing:

Using a fine mist attachment on your hose or spray bottle, spray some water over the surface of the fuel. Use about one third the volume of the fuel in water. The water droplets will sink through the fuel, and as they do they will remove any final impurities. Poor off the fuel leaving the water, and your have your first home made bio-diesel.

I hope I have shown that making your own bio-diesel is a fairly straightforward process. Making a test liter by following the instructions above should tell you if you want to proceed on to a bigger batch.

Make your own bio-diesel:

Did you know you can save money by producing your own bio fuel at home? For comprehensive instructions visit this make bio-diesel website at www.how-to-make-biodiesel-today.blogspot.com/.