So, I started making my own biodiesel about 6 months ago, and I've gotten quite proficient at it. I was able to crank out a batch of 10-12 gallons in about 3.5 to 4 days, depending on how well I was able to keep up on it.

Here's a photo of the old processor.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb199/onebadgmc/Biodiesel/IMG_0284.jpg


So, since this is working out so well, and I have yet to hose a batch in 6 months, making 6 batches a month, I've opted to make a larger processor.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb199/onebadgmc/Biodiesel/IMG_0286.jpg

Still need to make a lid for it, and then vent the lid into a 5-gallon container 1/2 filled with water. Also need to get a 2nd 40 gallon fish tank air pump.

But, for the time being, it's functional.

What you can't see is the 8" pyramid cone shaped bottom, or the 1" tubing on the back side, teed with a ball valve to allow air to bypass. Wow, even with the ball valve wide open that little Shop Vac makes a hell of a roil in the tank.

I'm washing 8 gallons in it now, and it's not even 1/3 full. It'll easily do the 16-18 gallon batches I desire, which will allow me to slow my processing to a batch a week.

And it's all stainless on the inside. Just some black iron and brass pipe fittings on the outside.

Biodiesel tends not to like square mixing containers as you tend to get "dead area" of fluid in the corners. Also being flat bottom, then don't drain very well. I will post up some pic in a mo of mine.

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab128/boothybunch/DSCF0186.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab128/boothybunch/DSCF0187.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab128/boothybunch/DSCF0188.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab128/boothybunch/DSCF0189.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab128/boothybunch/DSCF0190.jpg

Biodiesel tends not to like square mixing containers as you tend to get "dead area" of fluid in the corners. Also being flat bottom, then don't drain very well. I will post up some pic in a mo of mine.

You didn't read the description... It's a pyramid bottom, not flat.

And I've got enough airflow to overcome the mixing issue of square.

Nice clean little setup. Did you weld a conical on the bottom of your 55 gallon barrel or is there just a pipe coming out of the bottom? I have 3 homemade 55 gallon conicals and a 40 gallon poly wash tank. The water washing def. takes the most time (three 8 hour bubble washes) and drying for two or three days. I think most people tend to go too big and try to rush the final product and end up getting failed batches.

What do you do with your gallon jugs of glycerin?

Are you asking me or the thread jacker that barfed all over my thread?

that looks like a really nice setup, im looking into making bio now aswell and have found a whole 40gallon processor for 700$...seems like you know what your doing with this stuff, what do you reccomend for someone that is just starting

I have since refined the design a bit... Here's a current photo.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=125809&stc=1&d=1325806405

Added a vent using pool tubing and PVC to go through the garage wall. Added hot water/drainage from the master bath shower for washing. Changed temp gauge from cheap automotive SunPro to a nice gauge that reads from 0-200F. Changed front plumbing around to maintain proper fluid level for continuous wash system.

Advise... Hmm...

- Don't buy any processor you can't inspect the inside of.
- Cone or pyramid tank (depending on round or square) without a doubt.
- Mount the heating element as low as you can.
- Use a ULWD 220V element on 110V (won't burn out in open air if you forget and leave it on).
- Get the chemistry correct. To little KOH won't fully convert, too much makes big time emulsions.

here is two different ones i came by, the first one is alot more than the second but i dont know why the price is soo different
125810
125811

let me know what you think

First one has bigger tanks, but poly tanks aren't really that expensive.

Personally, I wouldn't make bio in a plastic container. If something happens with the heater, and it melts the plastic... You have a mess on your hands, not to mention the fire potential. Washing it in plastic is fine, processing... not a good idea in my book.

okay, did you make yours on your own?

Poly is ok as long as you don't heat in it. Check out my garage and you can see my setup. Yes I purchased mine (Fuel Meister). I heat the oil in a metal 55 gal barrel before pumping it into my processor. I typically only heat to 130-140*F before transferring the oil.

I made some of it on my own. I had to have a sheet metal shop bend the stainless to save me welding two additional long ass seams. Otherwise, had I wanted to do the additional welding, yes, I could have done it all myself.

If you want to get into it cheap, use a steel 55 gallon drum. It'll rust a bit, but won't hurt anything. Tons of people use old water heaters... Google "Appleseed Processor" to see some.

how much did it cost for both of your setups?

I have less than about 700 in this one. Maybe 300ish in the old one that would do 10 gallons at a time.

damnn thats good, i could get the second one in my pics for about 700 u think its worth it?

I think you should sit down and work out what it would cost to buy the components individually and see if you feel it's worth it.

As Rockin C said, you don't want to heat the oil in a plastic tank, it's dangerous. So, with either setup, it appears you'll need a separate heating tank. Figure on using a 16/30/55 gallon steel drum turned upside down with the bottom cut out (so you have the bungs for fittings).

The beauty of making biodiesel is there's a bunch of ways to skin the cat. You have to decide what is best for you and your requirements. I have minimal space to do mine within due to a small garage. I can't have multiple drums sitting around for heating/processing/washing/drying. Therefore, I do everything out of the same container.

i see, your system sounds like its alot easier if you do it all in one and dont have to have such a big setup.....what are you doing with the old one now?

The old one is listed on the local Craiglist for $50.00. It's an old 16 gallon steel drum I converted.

Would you want to sell it to me?

I don't think you'd want to pay for shipping from St. Louis to Canada?

You can make one pretty darn easy. It's just an open top drum with the bottom concaved a bit with a large round pipe so it drains to the center, then it has about 5 bungs welded in it. The only difficult bung is the heating element, which is straight pipe instead of tapered pipe. We had to machine that by hand from mild steel, but now, I've heard someone is making them...somewhere.

How much could it be? But if its too much could you help me make one?

It's not the weight, it's the space it takes up. You *should* be able to buy brand new steel drums for about $75.00 (or you can down here anyhow).

Do you have any friends with a welder and lathe by chance? I mean, coaching you isn't an issue. It's great to share info.

Have you researched on where you're going to buy your Methanol and Potassium Hydroxide? Those are going to be your core ingredients besides the waste veggie oil.

Have you started looking for a source for the waste veggie oil? If you have a source, do you know what type of base oil it is? Peanut, Soy, Palm, etc?

i can get the veg oil, lots of places around that will give it up....the rest i will have to look into, where do you get your methanol and potassium hydroxide?

but for shipping i can have it shipped to a friends house that in the states but closer to the border then i wouldnt be stuck paying soo much for shipping and probably brokerage aswell

I have no means to box up a 16 gallon drum and protect it from having the pipe nipples knocked off it. It's just not worth the effort.

Chemical suppliers in your local area should have the chemicals you need. Start checking around.

Are you asking me or the thread jacker that barfed all over my thread?


Who's the thread jacker???

Who's the thread jacker???

You... You couldn't make your own thread about your processor? Had to jack mine?

So i put up two posts and i'm classed as a high jacker. I comment on your processor and post pics of mine. What's the problem???

Okay thanks, I will start looking around for parts a d chemicals but I will probably need some help in the future when I start putting it together