CJP Found New Couple Oil Crop Cultivation Technology For Biodiesel Production

(PRWEB) December 30, 2007 ---The years of continuous research, experiments and trials have given Centre for Jatropha Promotion & Biodiesel (CJP) a big break through in the search for a viable alternative feedstock for biodiesel in combination with Jatropha. CJP is the Global authority for scientific commercialization of Jatropha fuel crop.

The Director Plant Science CJP Mr. R.R. Sharma has stated that Jatropha plantation occupy about 50% of the planted land and to utilized the rest of land in sustainable manner we have been experimenting different intercropping options, patterns and agro- technologies. We have been in search of such an inter-crop for Jatropha which should be oil bearing like Jatropha itself without competing with it for food and water and should be capable of fulfilling Jatropha fertilizer requirement and still maintaining soil fertility.

"Finally we got it," said Mr. Sharma. Emergence of the combination crop system may change the entire scenario of the biodiesel industry and shall provide much relief to the industry which desperately in a need of a viable sustainable non-food feed stocks.

Mr. Sharma further added that, "Now we can ensure an oil yield of > 6 tons per ha i.e. same acreage of land may provide double output. The technology termed as COC by CJP shall be released commercially soon."

Chicken Fat Converted Into Biodiesel

Chemical engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas have investigated supercritical methanol as a method of converting chicken fat into biodiesel fuel. The new study also successfully converted tall oil fatty acid, a major by-product of the wood-pulping process, into biodiesel at a yield of greater than 90 percent, significantly advancing efforts to develop commercially viable fuel out of plentiful, accessible and low-cost feedstocks and other agricultural by-products.

“Major oil companies are already examining biodiesel as an alternative to petroleum,” said R.E. “Buddy” Babcock, professor of chemical engineering. “With the current price of petroleum diesel and the results of this project and others, I think energy producers will think even more seriously about combining petroleum-based diesel with a biodiesel product made out of crude and inexpensive feedstocks.”

Under Babcock’s guidance, Brent Schulte, a chemical-engineering graduate student in the university’s College of Engineering, subjected low-grade chicken fat, donated by Tyson Foods, and tall oil fatty acids, provided by Georgia Pacific, to a chemical process known as supercritical methanol treatment. Supercritical methanol treatment dissolves and causes a reaction between components of a product – in this case, chicken fat and tall oil – by subjecting the product to high temperature and pressure.

Substances become “supercritical” when they are heated and pressurized to a critical point, the highest temperature and pressure at which the substance can exist in equilibrium as a vapor and liquid. The simple, one-step process does not require a catalyst.

Schulte treated chicken fat and tall oil with supercritical methanol and produced biodiesel yields in excess of 89 and 94 percent, respectively. With chicken fat, Schulte reached maximum yield at 325 degrees Celsius and a 40-to-1 molar ratio, which refers to the amount of methanol applied. The process also produced a respectable yield of 80 percent at 300 degrees Celsius and the same amount of methanol. At 275 degrees Celsius and the same amount of methanol, the process was ineffective. Ideal results using tall oil fatty acid were achieved at 325 degrees Celsius and a 10-to-1 molar ratio. At 300 degrees Celsius and the same amount of methanol, the conversion produced a yield of almost 80 percent. Again, at 275 degrees Celsius, the process was ineffective.

Previous efforts, including a study two years ago by another one of Babcock’s graduate students, to make biodiesel out of low-cost feedstocks – as opposed to refined oils – have used one of two conventional methods, base-catalyzed or acid-catalyzed esterification. Although successful at producing biodiesel, these conventional methods struggle to be economically feasible due to long reaction times, excessive amounts of methanol required and/or undesired production of soaps during processing.

“The supercritical method hit the free fatty-acid problem head on,” Babcock said. “Because it dissolves the feed material and eliminates the need for the base catalyst, we now do not have the problems with soap formation and loss of yield. The supercritical method actually prefers free fatty acid feedstocks.”

Biodiesel is a nonpetroleum-based alternative diesel fuel that consists of alkyl esters derived from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils or animal fats. The fuel is made by converting these oils and fats into what are known as fatty acid alkyl esters. The conventional processes require the oils or fats be heated and mixed with a combination of methanol and sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. The conversion process is called transesterification.

Most biodiesel is produced from refined vegetable oils, such as soybean and rapeseed oil, which are expensive; they generally account for 60 to 80 percent of the total cost of biodiesel. Due to these high feedstock prices, biodiesel production struggles to be economically feasible. Currently, as Babcock alluded, biodiesel cannot compete with petroleum diesel unless the per-gallon price of diesel remains higher than $3. For these reasons, researchers recently have focused efforts on less refined and less-expensive feedstocks as a more viable competitor to conventional diesel.

Biodiesel has many benefits. In addition to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, it is better for the environment than purely petroleum-based products. As a renewable, biodegradable and thus carbon-neutral material, biodiesel does not contribute to greenhouse gases. In fact, it decreases sulfur and particulate-matter emissions. It also provides lubrication for better-functioning mechanical parts and has excellent detergent properties.

“Biodiesel provides an effective, sustainable-use fuel with many desirable properties,” Schulte said. “In addition to being a renewable, biodegradable and carbon-neutral fuel source, it can be formed in a matter of months from feedstocks produced locally, which promotes a more sustainable energy infrastructure. It also decreases dependence on foreign oil and creates new labor and market opportunities for domestic crops.”

Adapted from materials provided by University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Source: sciencedaily.com

How to make biodiesel

The video shows the whole chain from seed to diesel. Enjoy.

Spanish energy firm to invest $250M in biofuel in the Philippines

50,000 hectares to be planted with cassava

By Amy R. Remo
Inquirer
12/11/2007

An energy company based in Spain plans to invest as much as $250 million to develop 50,000 hectares of land into cassava plantations whose output will be used as feedstock for biofuel facilities in the Philippines, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said.

Abengoa Bioenergy signed a memorandum of understanding with Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s two-day state visit to Spain last week, Yap said.

Abengoa is the largest ethanol producer in Europe, where it operates several bioethanol facilities. It also has plants in Brazil and the United States, where it ranks fifth in the industry.

The memorandum of understanding, which is valid for a year, was signed by Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Abengoa chairman Javier Salgado Leirado last week.

Under its provisions, Abengoa will help the Department of Agriculture identify varieties of cassava for cultivation trials.

Puyat said that Abengoa would provide design engineering and supply the machinery required to develop cassava plantations, as well as study the possibility of setting up bioethanol factories in the Philippines.

Feedstock production from the distillery is projected at 1.0-1.2 million tons to generate about 150 to 200 million liters of bioethanol a year, he said.

Through a Abengoa-PADCC working committee, the PADCC will help Abengoa in conducting capability-enhancement training for farmers, Puyat added.

He said Abengoa would lend its technical expertise in the agricultural production side to develop high yielding varieties and increase feedstock productivity.

Yap said Abengoa and PADCC could enter into partnerships focusing on energy crops development and cost-competitive biomass technology.

Earlier, a Bilbao-based biodiesel leader in Europe -- Bionor Transformacion S.A. -- revealed plans to invest $200 million in the Philippines to develop at least 100,000 hectares of land into jatropha plantations to be used as feedstock for biofuel plants.

Evolution Biodiesel Kits

This is an overview of a small scale biodiesel processors made in the USA. For those interested in making quality biodiesel in your shop, farm or home, then this video is for you. This shows that Biodiesel is easy to make...regardless of price making your own is cheap; best of all it creates the least damage to the environment. Watch and enjoy.

PNOC to propagate jatropha for biodiesel in Mindanao.

On the news today from the PDI (Philippines Daily Inquirer):

By Abigail L. Ho

PNOC Alternative Fuels Corp. is set to propagate jatropha, for use as biodiesel feedstock, in Mindanao.

According to an official of PNOC-AFC, a subsidiary of the Philippine National Oil Co., Mindanao appears to be the best and most suitable place for growing jatropha, mostly because of the climate and the large tracts of idle land available for use as plantations.

"The Food and Agricultural Organization, in its recent study, assessed the potential of jatropha production as a biodiesel feedstock," PNOC-AFC chair Renato Velasco said in a statement. "The results showed that we have sufficient arable lands and favorable climatic conditions to ensure the large feedstock production every year, and Mindanao is found to be the most suitable area.

"We have already started planting jatropha in Cagayan de Oro and we aim to establish an aggregate amount of at least 700,000 hectares of jatropha plantations all over the country, bulk of which will be in Mindanao."

While encouraging Mindanao farmers to go into jatropha production, he said the aim of PNOC-AFC's jatropha propagation program was not to make farmers shift from producing food crops to planting jatropha.

"We want the farmers to continue growing rice, sugar and others," Velasco explained. "What we intend to do is give farmers additional income by planting jatropha (on idle lands)."

He said jatropha production was a viable livelihood option for farmers as this required minimal supervision and would not compete with food crops for land.

Idle tracts of land--ones that would not be suitable for food crops--could be used in jatropha cultivation.

As for concerns on the use of jatropha as biodiesel feedstock, PNOC-AFC, together with relevant government agencies and the academe, are conducting wide-scale scientific work to discover which variety of jatropha would be best for widespread propagation, Velasco said.

"The Philippines is capable of producing jatropha biodiesel that can pass international standards," Velasco said. "What is more important to note is that we used seeds from the local jatropha variety."

Case IH Expands B100 Biodiesel Use in Farm Equipment

Case IH has extended its recommendations on use of biofuels to include B100 - or pure biodiesel - on even more of its farm equipment models.

Farmers now can use B100 on nearly all Case IH medium- to high-horsepower tractors, combines, windrowers, and most self-propelled sprayers and cotton pickers -- so long as proper protocols are followed for engine operation and maintenance.

"With record prices for crude oil, Case IH committed to exploring better ways to use environmentally-friendly biofuels made from renewable raw materials. We have conducted rigorous laboratory and in-field tests to evaluate how our engines perform with various biodiesel blends," says Don Rieser, Case IH director of tractor product management. "As always, our ultimate goal is greater productivity for our customers. That's why we also are committed to educating our dealers and customers on how to get best results with biodiesel fuels - especially when using higher-level blends."

Rieser says that Case IH dealers are knowlegeable about guidelines for using biodiesel fuels in Case IH equipment and can advise farmers on biodiesel approvals and technical requirements. Recommended practices include sourcing pre-blended biodiesel from reliable suppliers, following proper filter and oil change intervals and - in some cases - having dealers install special parts to help the vehicle perform as expected with a higher percentage of biodiesel.

Equipment approved for B100

New approvals for use of B100 apply to Case IH JX Series, JXC Series, JXN Series and JXU Series tractors, as well as the full-line up of Maxxum, Puma and Magnum tractors - including the new Magnum 335. All new Steiger tractors also are approved for B100, except the highest horsepower model, the Steiger 535.

Other Case IH models okayed for B100 are the new Module Express 625 module-building cotton picker and SPX 3320 and SPX 4420 self-propelled sprayers.

All Case IH machines leave the factory with a full tank of B5 biodiesel - a blend of 5% biodiesel and 95% traditional fuels. Customers can use B5 in all Case IH engines without restrictions or special engine maintenance. Case IH also supports B20 use in more than 90 percent of the models it sells in North America and Europe - again with certain requirements for operation and maintenance.
Customers can check biodiesel approvals and requirements by visiting the Case IH Web site at www.caseih.com and looking for the special "Biodiesel Ready" logo on individual product pages.

Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, reliable equipment - for those who demand more. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support for professional farmers and commercial operators through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity enhancing products include tractors; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment; tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; and site-specific farming tools.

For more information, visit us on the World Wide Web at http://www.caseih.com

Video demonstration of BioDiesel in Stove

This is a demonstration video how to use biodiesel in a stove. In the Philippines, we still have lots of people using kerosene stove in cooking, maybe biodiesel can be an alternative.

After the stove had been made running, this video shows it runs almost without smoke and no smell.

Watch it and enjoy.

Biodiesel heater

This is a good video demonstrating how we can keep warm this coming winter using biodiesel.

Generating Hydrogen From Biodiesel Waste

Scientists at the University of Leeds are turning low-grade sludge into high-value gas in a process which could make eco-friendly biodiesel even greener and more economical to produce.

Biodiesel – motor fuel derived from vegetable oil - is a renewable alternative to rapidly depleting fossil fuels. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, and production is on the up. But for each molecule of biodiesel produced, another of low-value crude glycerol is generated, and its disposal presents a growing economic and environmental problem.

Now researchers Leeds have shown how glycerol can be converted to produce a hydrogen rich gas. Hydrogen is in great demand for use in fertilisers, chemical plants and food production.

Moreover, hydrogen is itself viewed as a future ‘clean’ replacement for hydrocarbon-based transport fuels, and most countries currently reliant on these fuels are investing heavily in hydrogen development programmes.

The novel process developed by Dr Valerie Dupont and her co-investigators in the University's Faculty of Engineering mixes glycerol with steam at a controlled temperature and pressure, separating the waste product into hydrogen, water and carbon dioxide, with no residues. A special absorbent material filters out the carbon dioxide, which leaves a much purer product.

“Hydrogen has been identified as a key future fuel for low carbon energy systems such as power generation in fuel cells and as a transport fuel. Current production methods are expensive and unsustainable, using either increasingly scarce fossil fuel sources such as natural gas, or other less efficient methods such as water electrolysis.”

“Our process is a clean, renewable alternative to conventional methods. It produces something with high value from a low grade by-product for which there are few economical upgrading mechanisms” says Dr Dupont. “In addition, it’s a near ‘carbon-neutral’ process, since the CO2 generated is not derived from the use of fossil fuels.”

Dr Dupont believes the process is easily scalable to industrial production, and, as the race towards the ‘hydrogen economy’ accelerates, could potentially be an economically important, sustainable – and environmentally friendly – way of meeting the growing demand for hydrogen.

Dr Dupont’s research has been funded with a £270k grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under the Energy programme, and is in collaboration with Professors Yulong Ding and Mojtaba Ghadiri from the Institute of Particle Science and Engineering, and Professor Paul Williams from the Energy and Resources Research Institute at the University. Industrial collaborators are Johnson Matthey and D1-Oils.

Hydrogen economy

A ‘hydrogen economy’, reliant on hydrogen fuelling fuel cells and producing electrical power, instead of the low energy efficient internal combustion engines,is proposed to solve the ill effects of using hydrocarbon fuels in transportation, and other end-use applications, which causes the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Whilst it’s likely to be many years before a full hydrogen economy can be achieved due to infrastructure and storage issues, biodiesel is a forerunner to this as a sustainable, more environmentally friendly fuel, to be used in combustion engines.

Hydrogen production

Hydrogen production is a large and growing industry. Globally, some 50 million metric tons of hydrogen, equal to about 170 million tons of oil equivalent, were produced in 2004. The growth rate is around 10 per cent per year. In the United States, 2004 production was about 11 million metric tons (MMT), an average power flow of 48 gigawatts. For comparison, the average electric production in 2003 was some 442 gigawatts. As of 2005, the economic value of all hydrogen produced worldwide is about $135 billion per year.

Source: University of Leeds.

How to Make MILLION$ in Biodiesel! Turnkey Business Revealed

Money in Biodiesel.

Do you want to help the environment, and at the same time, do you want to make yourself wealthy?

Watch this video, help save the environment and make money.

SDSU Biodiesel Preocessor

This is part of a series of videos I gathered from the internet. This one is an illustration of a biodiesel processor.

Coco-Biodiesel FAQs in the Philippines

What is CME?
CME is the acronym for Coconut Methyl Ester or Coco-Biodiesel. Biodiesel, on the other hand, is the international name for methyl ester when used as diesel fuel enhancer. (CME is not the same as the coco-diesel used in the 70’s. Coco-diesel pertains to the use of crude coconut oil did not undergo esterification.)

Is Coco-Biodiesel safe to use on my engine?
YES! Coco-Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or fuel system. Also, blending Coco-Biodiesel actually improves the Quality of the diesel fuel because of its properties, like:

* high lubricity, which protects your engine from wear.
* Detergency, which cleans your engine fuel system.
* solvency, which dissolves and clean your air combustions from carbon deposits.

How do I mix Coco-Biodiesel?
Simply add a 1% equivalent of Coco-Biodiesel to the fuel you are loading into your tank. For example, if you are loading 50 liters of diesel fuel, add 500ml of Coco-Biodiesel. If you are refilling only 10 liters, add only 100ml of Coco-Biodiesel.

Why only 1%?
While the World Fuel Charter published by all automotive manufacturers worldwide allows blends of up to 5%, studies show that a 1% mix of Coco-Biodiesel is enough to significantly reduce emissions.

Won’t the use of Coco-Biodiesel increase my spending on fuel?
Initially, it would appear that way. But think about this. Since you will gain more mileage per liter with the use of Coco-Biodiesel doubles the value of your fuel investment.

Where Can I Buy Coco-Biodesel?
You can buy Coco-Biodiesel from distribution outlets and manufacturers/suppliers accredited by the Department of Energy (DOE). These DOE-accredited outlets and suppliers sell Coco-Biodiesel that complies with Philippine national Standards (PNS 2020:2003). Additionally, these manufacturers and suppliers have assured DOE of Coco-Biodiesel’s continous supply.

Is Coco-Biodiesel the solution to all fuel-related engine and emission problems of my vehicle?
Coco-Biodiesel is just one of the solutions to pollution and emission problems. To ensure optimum engine performance, a vehicle owner or diver should still carry out regular maintenance and practice good driving habits.

Is Coco-Biodiesel here to stay?
Coco-Biodiesel is a priority project of the Arroyo Administration. It is being implemented by DOE in collaboration with several government agencies: the Department of Environment & Natural resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Finance (DOF). It is likewise supported by the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Asian Institute of Petroleum Studies Inc. (AIPIS), and other academic and research institutions; transport groups, NGOs and donor communities.

In addition, the critical step of instituting Coco-Biodiesel was taken by the President of the Republic of the Philippines by issuing memorandum Circular No. 55 on February 9, 2004 “directing all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations to incorporate the use of one percent (1%) by volume Coconut Methyl Ester in their diesel requirements.”

With all the benefit of Coco-Biodiesel and with all the support that it is getting, we can be assured that it will be a sustainable and strategic approach in cleaning the air and energizing the economy.

Source: pcaagribiz.da.gov.ph

Biodiesel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions

A CSIRO report released today (27 November 2007) confirms that using pure biodiesel or blending biodiesel with standard fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector.

27 November 2007

Biodiesel can be manufactured from any product containing fatty acids, such as vegetable oil or animal fats.

The report, The greenhouse and air quality emissions of biodiesel blends in Australia assesses the emission levels and environmental impacts of biodiesel produced from sources including used cooking oil, tallow (rendered animal fat), imported palm oil and canola.

CSIRO Energy Transformed National Research Flagship researcher and report author Dr Tom Beer believes the wider introduction of biodiesel in Australia could help address the high greenhouse gas intensity of our nation’s transport sector.

“The results of this study show biodiesel has the potential to reduce emissions from the transport industry, which is the third largest producer of greenhouse gases in Australia, behind stationary energy generation and agriculture,” Dr Beer said.

“The greenhouse gas savings do however depend on the feedstock used to produce the biodiesel. The highest savings are obtained by replacing base diesel with biodiesel from used cooking oil, resulting in an 87 per cent emission reduction.”

“The results of this study show biodiesel has the potential to reduce emissions from the transport industry, which is the third largest producer of greenhouse gases in Australia, behind stationary energy generation and agriculture,”
Dr Beer said.

“Palm oil can produce up to an 80 per cent saving in emissions provided it is sourced from pre-1990 plantations. The palm oil source is critical as product from plantations established on recently dried peat swamps or cleared tropical forest will in fact have higher greenhouse gas emissions than regular diesel due to factors such as land clearing.”

The use of biodiesel also reduces the particulate matter released into the atmosphere as a result of burning fuels, providing potential benefits to human health.

While the results are encouraging, further research is required to establish the viability of the biofuels industry in Australia and address some of the associated issues such as sustainability, technological improvements and economic feasibility.

CSIRO, as part of the Energy Transformed National Research Flagship, is undertaking an extensive research program into alternative fuels such as biodiesel to assess possible biophysical, social and economic impacts of their production and adoption.

National Research Flagships

CSIRO initiated the National Research Flagships to provide science-based solutions in response to Australia’s major research challenges and opportunities. The nine Flagships form multidisciplinary teams with industry and the research community to deliver impact and benefits for Australia.

The greenhouse and air quality emissions of biodiesel blends in Australia report can be downloaded at The greenhouse and air quality emissions of biodiesel blends in Australia.

Download images at: Biodiesel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


ReferencesBeer T, Grant T, Campbell PK. 2007. The greenhouse and air quality emissions of biodiesel blends in Australia. Report Number KS54C/1/F2.27. August 2000. Report for Caltex Pty Ltd. Prepared with financial assistance from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources.

Making Biodiesel at Home

A Quick Lesson In Making Biodiesel

How to make biodiesel

A few facts on biodiesel

Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic. 100% biodiesel is as biodegradable as sugar and less toxic than table salt. It biodegrades up-to four times faster than petroleum diesel fuel with up-to 98% biodegradation in three weeks. However, contrary to a popular misconception, it stores indefinitely in completely full, cool, dark containers. Compared to crappy fossil fuel diesel, biodiesel has the following emissions characteristics:

100% reduction of net carbon dioxide
100% reduction of sulphur dioxide
40-60% reduction of soot emissions
10-50% reduction of carbon monoxide

a reduction of all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and specifically the reduction of the following carcinogenic PAHs:
phenanthren by 97%
benxofloroanthen by 56%
benz-a-pyrene by 71%
aldehydes and aromatic compounds by 13%
5-10% reduction of nitrous oxide depending on age and tuning of vehicle.


For every one ton of fossil fuel burnt, 3 tons of CO2 is released into the atmosphere, biodiesel only releases the CO2 that it has taken in while the plants it is made from were growing, therefore there is no negative impact on the carbon cycle.

How to build a single tank biodiesel processor

Firstly though, we have to say that our biodiesel expert is not longer involved in SchNEWS so we are not able to offer any advice or further information on the subject further than what's here. There are websites listed at the bottom of the page which contain loads more info. Please don't email us asking questions about biodiesel as we won't be able to help.

Equipment required

45 gallon drum.
1/2 or 3/4 Hp electric motor.
Two pulleys which produce 250 rpm and a max of 750 rpm at mixer blade.
A belt for the above.
12 inch rolled steel rod.
Two steel shelf brackets (for the blade).
1 1/2 inch (38mm) brass ball valve.
A hinge and a spring to act as a belt tensioned.
2000-watt electric water heater element.
A water heater thermostat.
1 1/2 diameter piece of steel pipe * 3-5 inches long with male threads on one end.
Assorted tat: angle iron, wood, screws etc.

Assembly

Cut a large opening (about half the top) in the top of the steel drum.
Drill 11/2-inch hole in the bottom of the drum.
Weld the 1 1/2-diameter pipe in the hole at the bottom of the drum.
Attach the 1 1/2-inch brass ball valve to the pipe. This is the drain valve.
Drill a hole in the side of the drum at the bottom, same size as the heater element.
Fit the heater element making sure it is not touching the side of the drum.
Wire up the heater element.

Chemical mixer

Attach one pulley to the rolled steel rod.
Attach the other pulley to the spindle of the electric motor.
Weld the propeller to the other end of the rolled steel rod (shelf brackets).
Attach the rod, pulley and propeller assembly to one side of the hinge.
Weld a piece of angle iron across the top of the drum.
Weld the unattached side of the hinge to the angle iron so the propeller and rod assembly sits in the middle of the drum. The hinge should swing the propeller and rod back and forth.
Mount the electric motor on the side of the drum.
Fit the belt to the pulleys and tighten by wedging a block of wood into the hinge.
You also need to fashion a simple wooden measuring stick with 10 litre increments.

Other bits and bobs

A hydrometer is a good piece of kit to have to measure the specific gravity of the biodiesel. The specific gravity of biodiesel should be between 0.860 and 0.900, usually 0.880. The specific gravity of vegetable oil is 0.920 therefore the specific gravity of biodiesel should be lower than the vegetable oil used to make the biodiesel.

How to make biodiesel
Every time you make a new batch of biodiesel using old vegetable oil you have to find out the amount of reactants required to get the correct reaction, this process is know as titration. In addition to the above equipment you will also need the following equipment:

Petri dish
20 ml beaker
1500 ml beaker
500 ml beaker
Isopropyl alcohol
A graduated eye dropper
Litmus paper
Blender with a glass bowl.
Methanol
Used cooking oil
Sodium Hydroxide


Titration

Step 1 Titration: to determine the quantity of catalyst required

Measure 1 gram of Sodium Hydroxide onto a petri dish
Measure 1 Lt. of distilled water into a 1500 ml beaker.
Pour the 1 gram of Sodium Hydroxide into the 1 Lt. of distilled water
Label ‘do not drink Sodium Hydroxide’
Measure 10 ml of isopropyl alcohol into a 20ml beaker
Dissolve 1ml of used vegetable oil into the isopropyl alcohol.
Label oil/alcohol.
Use the graduated eye dropper to drop 1 millilitre of Sodium Hydroxide /water solution into the oil/alcohol solution
After 1 millilitre of Sodium Hydroxide /water solution is added check the pH
Repeat steps 8&9 until the oil/alcohol reaches a pH of between 8&9. The pH increase will usually occur suddenly. Usually no more than 3 millilitres of Sodium Hydroxide /water solution will need to be added.
Use the following equation: · the number of millilitres of the Sodium Hydroxide/water solution dropped into the oil/alcohol mixture = x · (x+3.5)=N
· N= the number of grams of Sodium Hydroxide required to neutralise and react 1 Litre of used vegetable oil.

· N will be between 4.5-6.5, but it can be higher if the oil has been used for a long time.

Step 2. Measure the reactants

Measure the reactants in separate containers

1 Litre of filtered used oil into a 1500ml beaker

200 ml of methanol into a 500 ml beaker

N grams of Sodium Hydroxide onto a petri dish

Step 3. Dissolve the Sodium Hydroxide into the Methanol

The third step is to combine the methanol with the Sodium Hydroxide to create sodium methoxide, an extremely strong base. Once the Sodium Hydroxide has been dissolved in the methanol, the sodium methoxide must be mixed with the vegetable oil straight away.

· Carefully pour the methanol into the blender, any spills must be cleaned immediately with a water and vinegar solution.

· Carefully pour the Sodium Hydroxide into the blender

· Replace the lid of the blender and blend on the lowest setting for 30 seconds, until the Sodium Hydroxide has dissolved. Sodium methoxide has been produced and caution must be exercised

Step 4. Mix the reactants

· Remove the lid of the blender keeping your face well away from the top of the blender

· carefully pour the vegetable oil into the blender

· Place the lid on the blender and blend on a medium/high setting for 15 minutes. If the bowl or the blender motor get over hot switch off the blender and leave until cooled down sufficiently to continue again.

Step 5. Allow the glycerine to settle

Settling takes about 8 hours but since 75% of the separation occurs within the first hour after the reaction immediate separation will be visible. Within 8 hours the glycerine will have fallen to the bottom leaving a layer on top, this is methyl esters, or more commonly referred to as biodiesel

Step 6. Separation

After blending the contents can either be transferred into a 1500ml container with a stopcock or left in the blender for at least 8 hours.

Step 7. Clean up

Store the leftover used vegetable oil in a dry cool place

Clean all the equipment so it is ready to use again

Expose the glycerine to air and sunlight for 1 week and then use as soap.

Pour the biodiesel into your fuel tank and laugh like fuck!

So there you have it, fuel from vegetable oil. Of course this is only one method of making biodiesel, there are many recipes for making biodiesel just take a look through the web sites at the end of this article. Don’t be fooled into thinking that biodiesel is anything but a serious contender in the alternative fuels market, throughout the world there are commercial processors being built to supply a rapidly emerging market. The UK government however, has chosen to ignore biodiesel, this is their mistake and something we can capitalise on. Let’s start making biodiesel and get production down to the local small scale level with co-operatives and individuals supplying all our needs while taking power away from the mega-corporations.

For more information on biodiesel check out www.planetfuels.co.uk rather than emailing us, we're no experts, unfortunately. Alternatively the first book on the following website (LILI: how to make biodiesel by Dan Carter & Jon Halle) has been recommended to us: www.lowimpact.org/acatalog/books_biodiesel.html The Low Impact Living Initiative website also has other information and equipment for biodiesel and other related topics.

Other Useful web sites:

www.biodieselcommunity.org
www.veggievan.org
www.dancingrabbit.org/biodiesel

Source of this post: http://www.schnews.org.uk/diyguide/howtomakebiodiesel.htm , photo courtesy of www.biodiesel.pl, www.journeytoforever.org, www.biodieselcommunity.org

biodiesel man part 2of 2

biodiesel man part 1of 2

Biodiesel for beginners / Biodiesel 101

This is part of a series of videos I gathered from the internet. All these videos are all about "how to make biodiesel".

How to make Biofuel, Biodiesel, Biofuel Products

This is part of a series of videos I gathered from the internet. All these videos are all about "how to make biodiesel".

Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic. 100% biodiesel is as biodegradable as sugar and less toxic than table salt. It biodegrades up-to four times faster than petroleum diesel fuel with up-to 98% biodegradation in three weeks. However, contrary to a popular misconception, it stores indefinitely in completely full, cool, dark containers.

JATROPA (Tuba-Tuba) Farming for Biodiesel Production

JATROPA (Jatropha curcas L.) Locally known as tuba-tuba is one of the most promising sources of bio-fuel today. About 30 percent of the tuba-tuba nut is composed of oil. This oil can be easily processed into fuel that can replace or mixed with petroleum based diesel to save on imported oil and most importantly increase local employment and help the economy to grow. The tuba-tuba has been planted for quite sometime but it was mainly as fencing. It is also known in the Tagalog region as “tubing bakod” and”sambo” while the Ilocanos call it “tawa-tawa” while it is called “tagumbao” in Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan. In the Cagayan Valley, it is known as “kalunay” and “kasla” among the Ilonggos. In the Lanao region, it is known as “tangantangan”.

Jatropha is a drought-resistant perennial shrub with an economic life of up to 35 years and can even extend up to 50 years. The shrub has a smooth, gray bark which exudes a whitish color, watery latex when cut. The size of the leaves ranges from 6-15 cm in length and width. It sheds leaves in the dry season and rejuvenates during the rainy season.

The flowers of jatropha are formed terminally with the female flowers usually slightly larger. It has two flowering peaks which occur during the wet season. It is pollinated by insects and each inflorescence yields fruits. Jatropha starts producing seeds within 14 months from planting but reaches its maximum productivity level after 4 to 5 years.

The seed matures when the capsules changes from green to yellow about 2-3 months after flowering.

Propagation

Seeds

Jatropha grows fast with little or no maintenance and can reach a height of 3 to 8 meters. It can be planted or propagated through seed or cuttings. Seeds intended for seeding production must be soaked in water for eight hours before sowing. This should be done to soften the seed coat to facilitate faster germination. Slow seeds in soil mixed with sand. The first shoot is expected after six days. Water the plants everyday. Seedlings are ready for transplanting in the field after two months. Planting distance can be 3m x 2m depending on the soil fertility.

Stem cutting

Another method of propagating jatropha is through stem cutting. It is important to obtain cuttings from eight month-old mature plant. Use a sharp bolo to cut the stem about 30 cm long from the base of the stem. Matured cuttings was found to be the best source of planting materials that can easily produce seeds at least 6 months earlier than from seeds.

Tissue culture

Jatropha can also be propagated through tissue culture. This method is a laboratory –based which uses artifificial and sterilized propagation media. Tissues from various plants can be used in this procedure which allows asexual propagation of plants with desired characteristics. In order to obtain a higher rate of survival of planting materials, it is important to establish a nursery that is accessible to the plantation that has a source of water.

Cultivation

Jatropha grows on all types of soil (ordinary soil, sandy, gravely or rocky soil) and adapts easily to different climates. It can survive a long period of drought by shedding most of it leaves. It can stand up to two years without rainfall. The tree also has a short gestation period, it will bear a several fruits starting at about 8 months old and be fully fruit bearing between one to two years. It can be adapted to marginal soils with low nutrient content but the use of organic fertilizer would result to higher yield. It grows best when planted at the onset of the rainy season. The distance of planting for commercial production is 2m x 2m apart but for hedges, the recommended distance of planting is 1m x 1m. The trees can also be planted on coconut plantations – intercropping the tuba-tuba under the coconut trees provided that it receives sufficient sunlight.

The plants must be watered up to two weeks after transplanting to ensure its continued growth. In order to obtain higher yield and better quality seeds, fertilizer application is recommended. To prevent wilting, plants must be watered after applying fertilizer. For rainfed areas, fertilizer can be applied during rainy season. Apply fertilizer at a depth of 5-10cm and a distance of 15-20cm away from the plant. Organic fertilizer is highly recommended for jatropha production.

Harvesting and Processing

Seeds can usually be harvested one year after planting. It is best to harvest the fruits when these have turned yellow to dark brown. Approximately two to three months after flowering, seeds should be collected when the capsules have split open. Seeds should not be dried in direct sunlight because it will affect its germination. One kilogram of jatropha seeds consists of 600 to 1,600 pieces of seeds. The potential yield of jatropha per hectare is 6 tons to as high as 1o tons depending on the site, climate and management of the plants. Seeds are de-hulled by using wooden plank and then winnowed to separate the hulls from the seeds. Before storing, the seeds must be air dried to 5% - 7% moisture content and stored in air-tight containers. Seeds can be stored up to one year at room temperature. Seeds for replanting can be gathered when fruits are already yellow to dark brown. Dry, black seeds can be used for oil extraction.

Technology

Oil Production

The extraction process involves the use of machines to extract the vegetable oil from the seed. This produces Jatropha crude oil, with hull and press cake as by products. Laboratory results show that around 2.9 kg of seeds produces one liter of crude oil.

Refining of oil into biodiesel

On the other hand, the transesterification of crude oil is a process which uses chemicals like methanol and catalysts such as caustic soda. This produces Jatropha Methyl Ester (JME) as its main product and glycerine as its co-product. 10 liters of crude oil can produce 8.5 liters of JME.

The results of testing made on Philippine Forest’s JME show the great potential of Jatropha oil as a source of biodiesel. Laboratory tets showed that it passes the American (ASTM D6751) and European (EN 14214) standards for biodiesel. Moreover, analysis of Jatropha crude oil shows that it is comparable to bunker fuel.

Uses

Jatropha is a potential source of biodiesel for local production to replace a portion of the country’s dependence on imported oil. The extracted oil from jatropha can be used in diesel engines (in lover blends with diesel fuel). Blending of fuel can be done up to 20 percent (B20) without engine modification. Using jatropha as biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Jatropha can be grown on marginal and degraded land, thus, leaving prime agricultural lands for food crops, and at the same time restoring the fertility of these marginal lands. Aside from using the seed oil as biodiesel, the extracted oil can also be used in making soap. The leaves can be used for fumigating houses to expel bugs. The root extract can be used as yellow dye while the bark extract as blue dye. The seeds when pounded can be used for tanning while the roots, flowers and latex of the tuba-tuba plant are said to have medicinal properties.

With the ever increasing interest in biodiesel fuels, we may be one day get used to the idea that fuel for our vehicles was harvested from local plantations instead of using imported oil.

Economics

Initial investment for commercial plantation (2m x 2m) for one hectare ranges from Php31,009 to Php52,770. the return of investment ranges from 0.90 – 1.8 while payback period is between 2nd to 3rd year. Potential yield ranges from 6 tons to as high as 10 tons per hectare depending on the site, climate and tending operations.

References
1. Primer on department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Program Web? FAQs
2. how to Grow Jatropha for Biodiesel-Philippine Forest Corporation

Prepared by the:
Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service
Department of Agriculture
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City 1100
Tel. No.: 9288741 local 2156
DA TIN No.: 000-845-895-000
Webpage: www.da.gov.ph
In coordination with
Philippine Forest Corporation
Old Namria Building, Lawton Avenue
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Tel.: 8893573