Made my second batch of bio/freedom diesel this weekend.

[onstottc]

Just as dangerous as your average power tool, yet without the annoying pain that comes from sawing your finger open.

Great: Now all you Junior Backyard chemists need to do some more research:

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m2028.htm

http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/SO/sodium_methoxide.html

http://www.brainyencyclopedia.com/encyclopedia/m/me/methoxide.html



more:



Sodium Methoxide

CAS No. : 124-41-4

Molecular formula: CH3NaO

Molecular weight: 54. 02



Methoxide - Sodium Methoxide - Sodium Methylate - is an organic salt, in pure form a white powder. Sodium methoxide in methanol is a liquid that kills human nerve cells before any pain can be felt. In biodiesel production, "methoxide" is a product of mixing methanol and sodium hydroxide, yielding a solution of sodium methoxide in methanol, and a significant amount of heat. Sodium Methoxide in methanol is a liquid that kills nerve cells before you can feel the pain. Rinse with water and seek medical attention immediately.



Sodium methoxide mainly used as condensing agent, catalyzer with strong basicity and analytical reagent. It is widely used in medicine, pesticide intermediates, edible fat.

 

[DKayser]

Isn`t lye corrosive?

Have you inspected the motor for any problems yet? I`m in favor of this experiment, but a little uneasy about damage. I t would make interesting reading to see an oil analysis after extended use of the "freedom fuel. " Given that lye IS corrosive, & does not play well with aluminum, it would be prudent to watch that area of concern. Keep trying new ideas, that is how great things happen. DK.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

I'd like to run SVO in my truck but I can't find anyone to SELL me SVO. Maybe I should look into getting WVO and filtering it. Even THAT seems messy. I don't want to make biodiesel, just run SVO in my truck unprocessed with additives for lubricating qualities, at a low mix rate of say 50/50. Possibly more when the VO is heated up.



Does anyone know the process for straining WVO???

 

[Blakers]

I'd like to run SVO in my truck but I can't find anyone to SELL me SVO. ??

I think we buy lots of it at work from ADM. At least I see their tank cars here.

 

[Blakers]

Have you inspected the motor for any problems yet? I`m in favor of this experiment, but a little uneasy about damage. I t would make interesting reading to see an oil analysis after extended use of the "freedom fuel. " Given that lye IS corrosive, & does not play well with aluminum, it would be prudent to watch that area of concern. Keep trying new ideas, that is how great things happen. DK.

I believe when the fuel is washed, all the lye and other polar substances are removed.

 

[Blakers]

I would like to know the difference between the method described here and the way we split the glycerin from fats at work. We use 100 foot tall splitter towers, pump fat in at the bottom and water in at the top. The towers are heated with 800 psi steam. The fat and water are pumped into an interface where the water breaks the glycerin off the fat. This water/glycerin mix is called sweetwater and is distilled into glycerin. The remaining fat is a fatty acid that is later hydrogenized and distilled and made into various products, some edible and some not. I presume it could also be used in a diesel in its non-hydrogenated form.



Ok chemists - tell me if there is a difference in the final product.



Blake

 

[GEM]

This was a joke, Right?

 

[Blakers]

This was a joke, Right?

NO... not at all. I would like to know the answer.



Why would it be a joke?

 

[EBoyts]

For people interested in buying commercial "freedom fuel" here's a link that shows retailers across the nation:

Retailers in U. S.

Unlike the WVO, commercial stuff is produced using virgin oils grown for the purpose. It is usually sold blended with petro diesel in 20/80 blends (B20), and less frequently in 100% (B100). I've been running B100 and love it. It lubricates better and burns cleaner with less deposits than petro diesel (stats from BlueSun mfg. here in Colorado)-- and ITS GROWN and PRODUCED in the UNITED STATES! The U. S. can grow as much of this as we want. Enjoy driving that truck? --burn as much as you want, we'll make more!

Subverting the economic system in the Middle East through U. S. fuel independence is a powerful Patriot act. If we successfully undermine their primary source of revenue, we topple their economic system and we win.



Something to be aware of: If you have a higher mileage engine, converting to 100% biodiesel can "clean" your tank and fuel system of petro deposits, which in turn can cause problems for your injectors. Normally, this is not a problem on lower mileage trucks (maybe 100-150k or less) or with ANY truck if you burn the blends-- it only happens when you burn the 100% stuff. My truck has over 292K, and when I made the switch from petro-- I installed a FASS which meant new fuel lines (no deposits) and a beefed-up filter for catching any loose deposits from the tank. The good news is, it keeps everything running cleaner-- injectors too!



Currently, biofuels don't have the wide-spread production and distribution efficiencies of the more well established petroleum industry, so it is hard for them to compete price wise-- but its a start. When you factor in the cost of doing business with the Middle East, the price we pay for their petro is a lot higher than what you see at the pumps.

 

[Headshot zod]

forum and pics of my truck's filter running B100, around 175,000 miles on fuel tank.

 

[EBoyts]

Headshot zod,

man, that is one nasty looking filter! Thank you for the heads-up.

How much bio had you run prior to this? From your sig I'm guessing it was waste oil? If so, were you blending it or using it straight?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

EBoyts your link doesn't work, here it is: Bio Fuel Retailers

 

[Headshot zod]

1st tank B50 (soybean)

2nd tank 10 gallons svo/1 gallon or so of B100

Next 55 gallons of B100 (soy)

next 55 gallons of B100 (sesame seed)

about 25 gallons left of B100 (sesame seed)

I haven't run the wvo yet. I have some gravity settling in my basement.