From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

Let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment and finally admit that when it comes to the world of alternative energy fuels, we don’t know half as much as we probably should.  There is no shame in admitting it, I’ll be the first to say that I could probably use a primer, an update course on the in’s and out’s of biodiesel.  Given the fact that the landscape of the biodiesel world is ever changing, I think it’s wise we all freshen up.

Good news, I found just the refresher course, from a very awesome source.  So, without further ado on this fine Wednesday, check out 25 things you need to know about biodiesel.  Numbers 1-19 are all the things that are RIGHT about them, while 20-25 are all the other sides of that coin.  It’s always good to play devil’s advocate, right?  As always, head over and check out the full article for more details:

1. “Biodiesels are more available than you may realize
   A lot of people resist the idea of a biofuels simply out of fear of not being able to find any in their area. Well take a look around, you might be very surprised how common biofuel is. Two great maps to search for alternative fuels are Mapmuse and Mapquest.
2. Biodiesel is environmentally friendly
   Biodiesel contains a gentle formula which does not cause near as much harm to the environment as conventional diesel fuel does.
3. Biodiesel can help reduce dependency on foreign oil
   Folks are always wondering how to reduce their dependency on foreign oil, but until the electric vehicle becomes widespread, our options are very slim. Some of the most popular options include walking and biking, but if you need to drive, biodiesel is an effective way to get away from the foreign oil market without changing your lifestyle drastically.
4. Biodiesel helps lubricate the engine by reducing wear
   Biodiesel with its high concentrations of vegetable oil, enables the moving metal mechanical parts in the engine to be constantly bathed in lubrication. This essentially slows the process of diesel engine wear and its eventual failure. Discovery’s How stuff Works estimates that biodiesel in concentrations of no more than 1 percent are able to increase fuel lubricity by as much as 65 percent.
5. Biodiesel cleans the engine
   Biofuels are a much more effective solvent than conventional diesel fuel. They help to loosen deposits inside the engine which could potentially cause clogs. This results in a better running engine in less need of major mechanical maintenance. But for this very reason you will need to change your fuel filter on a regular basis, but we will get to that in fact #20.
6. Biodiesel increases engine life
   Since pure biodiesel leaves no deposits of its own, it actual is able to increase the typical diesel engine’s life substantially.
7. Biodiesel can be used in almost any diesel with little or no engine modification
   A common misconception is that engine modification is needed in order to use biodiesel. Pretty much any diesel engine can burn biodiesel, especially vehicles post-1992. Check with your manufacturer to see their specific recommendations for using these blends. The only caveat is if you are looking into using either waste vegetable oil (WVO) or straight vegetable oil (SVO), you may need a retrofit kit, such as the one discussed in fact #22.
8. Biodiesel is non-toxic
   The basic ingredients of most biodiesels are rather simple. It is fundamentally methanol, sodium hydroxide, and any vegetable oil. It has been said that biodiesel is often 10 times less toxic than regular table salt.
9. Biodiesel does not effect most new vehicle warranties in the US
   It is common myth that using biodiesel in your vehicle will void its warranty. This is just not true for many US made vehicles. This should be one of your first requirements when shopping for a new diesel vehicle.
10. Biodiesel has a higher flashpoint than conventional diesel fuel
    What does this mean to you? Well, it means that if you have a tank of this in a wrecked vehicle, or even in the back seat for an emergency, it is much less likely to accidentally catch fire. It takes more heat for biodiesel to ignite than conventional diesel. This allows for both the commercial and personal transportation and storage of biodiesel to be much safer for all parties involved.
11. Biofuel not only reduces pollution, but can help clean it
    It’s a good idea to know where your biofuel is coming from, as its different sources offers different benefits. Soybean based biofuel crops actually help clean the Earth’s atmosphere of excess carbon.
12. Biofuels can reduce a lot of waste
    Biofuel based on a waste products, such as sawdust, make a great way to use such a fundamentally useless bi-product that would otherwise end up in a landfill somewhere. Sawdust biofuel burns very clean too.
13. Biofuels crops may one day be set-up in landfills
    Rotting material in the landfills creates a liquid called, leachate, which can seep into ground water if not properly processed and cleaned up. Waste Recycling Group has proposed using this leachate as food for algae which would be grown on-site at local landfills. The leachate would then eventually turn to fertilizer, which could then be use to grow willow coppice’s (mostly used in the UK), which can be used for biofuel.
14. Biodiesel is more biodegradable than conventional diesel
    Biodiesel which has bacteria introduced to it can decompose in a manner that is four times faster than conventional diesel. This means that in the event of a tanker spill, its clean-up would be much less devastating to the surrounding water, wildlife, fish, and plants.
15. Biofuels do not always involve food crops
    Biofuels in general get a bad rap for having to use food crops as their source, such as soybeans, corn, sugar cane, etc. However there is a third generation of biodiesels in development today that will allow algae to be used instead.
16. You actually have a say in your biofuel
    The greenest way to contribute to better biofuels is to get active in groups which are lobbying to elected officials to increase funding for viable biodiesel. If you don’t like the source of your fuel in your area, the only way to make a change is to voice your opinion and make sure that you are heard.
17. Brewing your own biodiesel is as easy as 1…2…3…
    Okay, perhaps it is more like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7…but each of these steps are not particularly difficult by any means. The first step involves filtering the oil (if using a waste oil). Second step involves heating oil to remove any water (optional). Third, perform a titration test to determine amount of catalyst needed for the mix. Fourth, is to prepare the sodium methoxide. Fifth, allow mixture to settle and remove glycerin (make some soap with it while you’re at it, fact #18). Then the Sixth step involves washing and drying your batch, until you are ready for the final step, which is testing for quality. There is also the Willie Nelson blend of biofuel that can easily be accomplished with a blender in about 20 minutes.
18. A free bonus that comes with brewing your own biodiesel, is a lifetime supply of soap
    Glycerin is the bi-product formed during the process of making biodiesel. If you make enough batches of biofuel, you will probably find that you will have enough glycerin left over to never have to buy another bar of soap again. You can make high-lathering smelly foo foo soap, thick burly workshop soap, or just plain and simple, clean, natural soap. Its all in how you mix the ingredients together.
19. Another added bonus for those of you who fry your turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas
    Your deep fried Christmas and Thanksgiving turkey may pay for itself if you use the leftover grease to power your diesel.
20. First generation biodiesels may increase poverty by raising food prices
    This is a common case brought against biofuels which are derived from such food crops as soybeans or corn. The belief is that one day, especially in developing nations, the crops that are currently being sold for human and animal consumption, would be sold for biofuel production. This could subsequently cause a food shortage, which could also drive the price of food up substantially.
21. Change fuel filters more often
    Since the composition of biodiesel is partially a solvent, some vehicles may experience substantial clogging in their fuel filters due to the dislodged particles that will accumulate. What happens is the biofuel essentially cleans the path that the old fuel has traveled, essentially leaving fragments in the fuel line that can lead to a blockage or malfunctioning fuel pump. Diesel vehicles prior to 1992 are especially prone to this. The best way to combat this problem is to check with your manufacturer on their recommended biofuel blend. Then make sure that you change the fuel pump and fuel filters shortly after switching to a high-concentration of biodiesel.
22. Biodiesel has been known to breakdown rubber components in engine as well as cause other mechanical failures
    This refers to a diesel vehicles fuel lines and fuel pump seals in older vehicles mostly. This is where a retrofit kit, such as a Greasecar system may come in handy, especially when using SVO.
23. In some engines, there can be a slight decrease in fuel economy and/or power
    On average, when switching to a biofuel blend you should expect about a 10 percent reduction in available power. It has been said that approximately 1.1 gallons of biodiesel equals 1 gallon of conventional diesel, which should give you an idea of how little your fuel economy will be effected in the long run.
24. Blends of 5% biodiesel and over may not flow properly during the cold winter months
    Without a heated fuel line, biodiesel may not flow well enough to reach the engine’s combustion chamber. This is why most retrofit kits designed for high concentration blends will include a heated fuel line, such as the one mentioned in fact #22.
25. The recommended shelf life of biodiesel is only 6 months
    Conventional diesel is about six months as well, but when you are manufacturing this stuff yourself in advance, you certainly don’t want to waste any due to it being out of date.”

Move over Germany because by 2012 you’ll officially be tossed off the top of the throne.  That’s right folks, by 2012 the United States will officially be the single largest consumer of biodiesel in the entire world.  Early estimates claim that the U.S. will be responsible for 19% of all purchase and consumption, easily placing it atop all other countries.

Currently, the biodiesel industry is seeing huge grown in the U.S. in both production and consumption.  It has grown “an average of 50% each year for the past 5 years and even saw triple digit grown in 2006.”  Wow.  As mentioned, Germany is the current country leader of biodiesel at 30% of the world’s market, but that number is in decline as other countries are on the rise.

As mentioned in the article I just read, something that has to be kept in mind is that without tax exemptions and political support, biodiesel might have a rocky future.  Production costs of biodiesel is currently much higher than that of regular diesel and so without those two things, the widespread adoption of such a great technology might be a bit slow and underdeveloped.  Clearly biodiesel is a tricky industry as it also directly affects food prices around the country.  As the article mentions,

“…the biofuel movement may be becoming its own worst enemy. As more food acres are used to grow fuel and as more environment-damaging farming practices are used to keep up with the demand, the price of food rises. As the world food bank becomes more expensive, governments may be more likely to cut biofuel targets and less likely to offer tax incentives.”

When it comes to biodiesel, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably not nearly as versed in the new and exciting technology.  There are so many things I do not know, that I should know, I had no idea about and was rather shocked to discover.  Again, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably feel the exact same way.

One of the most surprising things, that I guess I just did not think about, is that sunflowers are currently being used in oil production and to make biodiesel.  I guess I did not know exactly what was being used to create it, but for some reason it was not sunflowers that instantly popped into my mind.  What’s even more exciting is, scientists are now working on research that will see how productve two different types of sunflowers can be in the actual creation of ethanol.  If they are as productive as some theorize, the two sunflower breeds that can grow as high as 21 feet tall, might be able to produce cellulosic biomass, which can be converted into ethanol.  In short…good news.

The tricky part comes as scientists have to go through some 40-50,000 genes in order to attempt domestication of the plant.  According to the article, however, he has plenty of time and help to find out as he “has received $1.2 million from the US Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense, $500,000 from seed companies, and $400,000 from the USDA Plant Genome program.” No matter what, this could be a great thing and could also provide a way for many Georgia farmers, a hotbed for this type of sunflower, some extra income all while helping the planet in the end.  We shall see!

So you think I was exaggerating when I said that literally any of us can be productively making our own fuel at home?  You think I was making the extremely complex overly simple?  Wrong.  I just found a video to prove to you on this fine Friday, how easy it really can be to begin making your OWN fuel at home, and start saving tons of money on fuel costs each month!

Check out this awesome video, then head back over to Northern Tool and start buying the gear you need to convert your garage into the local BioDiesel Town Pump.  The time is now to revolutionize the way you and your vehicle interact!

Ahh, the final question in your quest to be gas-free.  No, this is not an ad for stomach medicine or an anti-bean commercial, instead it is the final chapter in our Biodiesel Buyer’s Guide.  The final nail in the coffin for conventional gasoline.  What do YOU need to start using biodiesel in your diesel engine today.  Turns out it’s not that complicated, and Northern Tool sells all you need to start turning all of that used french fry oil from McDonald’s they are throwing out, into miles on your car!

As I said, Northern Tool has all the equipment you need to make it work, all that’s left for you is to take the plunge and pull out your wallet to start buying what you need.  Keep in mind as you pay, you will make back all of the money you spend before too long by simply not paying at the local pump any more!  So, what do you need to make biodiesel work for you?  I’m glad you asked:

What Equipment Do I Need to Make Biodiesel Fuel?

* Safety GearSafety Gear: Because you’ll be using chemicals to refine your oil, you should always be sure you’re wearing protective safety gear before starting the process. Safety goggles, gloves, protective apron and boots are essential.
* Chemicals: The Biodiesel fuel-making process requires methanol, sulfuric acid and catalyst along with air-tight storage containers for each.
* Biodiesel ProcessorBiodiesel Processor: The processor converts the oil into Biodiesel fuel. Consider purchasing a well-known, trusted brand such as BioPro or Fuelmeister.
* Fuel FilterFuel Filter: The fuel filter works to filter and remove water from the fuel. Because initial use of Biodiesel can release deposits previously accumulated on tank walls and pipes, it’s recommended that the fuel filter be changed after the first tank of Biodiesel.
* Fuel PumpFuel Pump: The fuel pump provides safe, efficient transfer of the fuel to your engine. Consider models that are heavy duty with thermal overload protection, strainer and automatic nozzle for easy fuel transfer.
* Fuel Pre-heaters: A Biodiesel fuel can sometimes gel, either due to cold temperatures or because it’s been produced from heavily saturated fats such as waste oil from restaurants. Fuel pre-heaters work to effectively keep Biodiesel from solidifying.
* Biocides: Biocides are an additive designed to stop the growth of microorganisms in your fuel, thus helping preserve the life of stored Biodiesel.
* Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines: The solvent properties of Biodiesel can result in a slow degradation of rubber fuel lines over the course of months and sometimes years. Therefore, it is beneficial to use Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines when it comes time for replacement.

There you have it!  As I mentioned, all you need to do now is go buy the equipment, then start asking around at all your local restaurants if they have anyone picking up their used cooking oil at the end of the day.  It might shock you to find out that the vast majority of the time, people are just throwing this stuff away.  One added benefit, depending on the origin of the oil you use, you might smell french fries, you might smell chinese food, or you might smell chicken wings!

Ok, by now you all most likely know at least what biodiesel is.  Either you read it here yesterday, you’ve seen it on television, read articles about it, or have friends that use it.  While it is gaining in popularity, many people out there really haven’t the foggiest clue as to what sets biodiesel aside from gasoline, and what makes it so much better, more affordable, and more earth-friendly than using conventional petrol.  Today, myself and the kind folks at Northern Tool are here to clear up those confusions.

After reading this, you’ll know once and for all just why it is so silly that you’ve not been using biodiesel all these years, and why now that you DO know about it, you should begin using it as soon as humanly possible.  Right?  So, the advantages of BioDiesel.  Here, my friends is part 2 of the Biodiesel Buyer’s Guide:

“What are the Advantages of Biodiesel?

Farmers, truck drivers and even everyday commuters are discovering the advantages of Biodiesel.

* Smoother Running Engine. Biodiesel has a much higher lubricity (i.e., lubricating quality) than diesel fuel. That means a smoother running engine, cleaner fuel injection components and a longer engine life. And with a cetane rating that is substantially higher than petrol diesel, Biodiesel leaves minimal carbon deposits in your engine.
* Dramatic Cost Savings. Biodiesel produced by an individual costs substantially less than petrol diesel fuel—often as little as $0.85 per gallon! What’s more, an individual who invests in the necessary equipment to produce their own Biodiesel, can see a return on investment in as little as three months.
* Renewable Resource. Unlike fuel made from a finite resource such as crude oil, Biodiesel is made from renewable organic resources that can be re-grown, reproduced and reused. As such, it also reduces our dependency on crude oil.
* Decreased Environmental Impact. Across the board, Biodiesel is widely accepted as a superior “green” alternative fuel. Because it burns significantly cleaner than petrol diesel, it is nearly carbon neutral and non-toxic, reducing carbon lifecycle emissions by 78%. That’s equivalent to removing 700,000 cars from the nation’s highways. Additionally, Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM), and sulfates, as well as hydrocarbon and air toxics emissions.
* Easy To Make. With the proper equipment, producing Biodiesel fuel is easy–easier by far than watching the sharp increase in costs at the pump every time you need to fill your tank. “

There you go…that my friends, is a powerful index of reasons why you, your family, your friends, your friend’s family should all be scouring the used car lots around you looking for an old diesel engined car to be converting as soon as possible.

So we’ve gone over how to harness the power of the Sun, we’ve jumped right into how to reap the benefits of a blustery day, and both of these will help you save not only money in your wallet, but the environment too.  Now, you’re probably wondering, how the heck do I save some money in the wake of gas prices that never seem to stop rising?  I’m glad you asked, for I just found an amazing buyer’s guide that will accompany the Solar and Wind Energy Buyer’s Guides that we previously discussed and posted on this blog.

So first and foremost, we’re going to cover the basics of biodiesel, what it is, where it comes from, and finally what you need to start using it in your own life.  Without further ado, here is Part 1 of the Biodiesel Buyer’s Guide!

“What is Biodiesel Fuel?

Derived from natural oils, Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines. It is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is legal for use in any concentration with petroleum-based diesel fuel, for the operation of both highway and non-road diesel vehicles.

Contrary to popular belief, Biodiesel is not simply raw vegetable oil, but motor fuel made from any vegetable oil (such as soybean oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or recycled cooking oils) or animal fats, by means of a chemical process which removes the glycerin from the oil. The refining process, called “esterification”, employs an industrial alcohol (ethanol or methanol) and a catalyst (a substance which enables a chemical reaction) to convert the oil into a fatty-acid methyl ester fuel.

Biodiesel is a fuel for any diesel engine. It is made from natural oils rather than petroleum. Biodiesel performs similarly to regular diesel fuel and can be used with no modifications to the diesel engine or the vehicle. Biodiesel offers huge advantages, but like any fuel has some limitations. It is affected by cold weather to a greater extent than diesel fuel and typically delivers 2 to 3 percent lower fuel mileage.

Bottom Line: If It Runs On Diesel, It Will Run On BioDiesel.“

I think the bottom line mentioned up there is something that everyone, everywhere needs to remember.  If it runs on diesel, it will run on biodiesel, it’s as simple as that.  Actually getting it to the point where it’s a useable power source takes a bit of work, but it is do-able, and it is extremely simple once you get the hang of it.  Now that you know WHAT it is, tomorrow we’ll cover the advantages it has over using conventional gasoline, or petrol.  Trust me, once that topic is breached, you’ll be head over heels in love with the idea of biodiesel.