Q&A for How to Prepare Used Cooking Oil for Biodiesel

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Can we use any other alcohol (such as ethanol or isopropyl) to make biodiesel?

Community Answer

You are using the alcohol to titrate, or test the acidity of the oil, not to make the biodiesel. Other types of alcohol are acceptable for this purpose, though less available.

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Question

Why can't I use animal fats when making biodiesel?

Community Answer

Animal fat will ruin the process of the cooking oil, and animal fat doesn't burn as well as you'd think.

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Question

Why can I not use a gas burner?

Andrew Mckenna

Community Answer

The methanol and isopropyl alcohol will catch fire. Methanol is highly flammable liquid. It's best to mix your methanol and lye in a well ventilated area outdoors.

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Question

What are the benefits of using used cooking oil for biodiesel?

Community Answer

It is a cleaner-burning fuel, meaning fewer dangerous/toxic emissions at the tailpipe. It recycles the cooking oil, thus preventing concentration of it in landfills. It is a better-performing fuel in the diesel engine (higher 'cetayne' value).

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Question

Can I use biodiesel in my home electric generator?

Community Answer

There are risks to the fuel system. Unlike traditional diesel fuel, biodiesel acts as a corrosive agent, etching into raw metal throughout the fuel system, including the fuel tank. The resulting rust can cause problems necessitating the replacement of the fuel system. As for the tank, it often needs to be replaced, or at least removed, cleaned and recoated, which increases regular maintenance costs.

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Question

What is the benefit of used cooking oil for biodiesel?

Community Answer

It is a cleaner-burning fuel, meaning fewer dangerous/toxic emissions at the tailpipe. Also, it recycles the cooking oil, thus preventing concentration of it in landfills. It is a better-performing fuel in the diesel engine (higher 'cetayne' value).

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Question

In Step 5, why can't I use a siphon and pull from the top? Is the pour really necessary?

Community Answer

A siphon off the top is better than a pour, because if you closely monitor your flow it scavenges the more pure oil. The sediments and water go to the bottom.

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Question

How do I test the effectiveness of the result?

Community Answer

Pour a small amount into a shot glass and light it with a match. Observe the burn rate and color of the flame.

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Question

Does the dissolved polystyrene contaminate the bio-diesel product if polystyrene dissolves on contact with bio-diesel?

Community Answer

No. It can enhance the final product and make for a tighter-running fuel conversion unit.

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Question

How much cooking oil is the equivalent of a gallon of bio-diesel?

Community Answer

Approximately 1.3 gallons due to the evaporation of water content and filtration of impurities.

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