Dangers of making your own fuel...Bio

[GIT-R-DONE]

So, from those of you making your own Bio out there, what are some of the dangers of making this stuff ? Safety is a concern of mine and was looking for a heads up on what if any dangers there are of the various chemicals, methanol, lye, glycerin... . etc.

 

[Headshot zod]

Methanol is really really flammable and its a deadly poison so don't touch. It's the reason I don't make it as I don't have a place to store methanol.

 

[Dirtscience]

As Headshot said Methanol is about the worst part of it, the fumes from the methanol mixed with lye are very bad for you. A long time ago it was quite popular to have open lid processors. These are not the way to go for safety and health reasons. The Fumes can lead to fire + you dont want to breath them. Storage of the methanol is a concern for some. Your local fire code may not alow you to store 55 gallons of race fuel, let alone a supply of used resturant grease. Most people I know that make there own home brew are pretty quite in there neighborhood about it. On another note If you have a grease spill it can be quite upleasant to clean up. If you start to make your own start with small batches at time and work your way up. To me its kinda like bombing. Making your own fuel can be addictive.

link to msds of methanol http://msds.ehs.cornell.edu/msds/msdsdod/a69/m34190.htm

Mark.

 

[67guzzler]

The hazards of doing transesterification yourself are the catalyst for many people to try blending instead... .

 

[fox]

Follow safety guidelines. No sparks-electric motors- light switches. No open flames--gas heaters of any kind. Ventilation fan.



Wear chemical grade gloves, long sleaves, eye and face protection.

I consider the methoxide to be the most dangerous part, when it is over I relax.

 

[CumminsTex]

Exactly what Fox said! I built a lean-to off the back of my shop to make bio in. I also make my meth-oxide mix in another room away from my processor just to be safe.

I agree with Dirtscience too, it is like bombing very addictive!