How To Produce Biodiesel - Biodiesel Production Equipment

Production of biodiesel is actually quite easy. In fact, the whole process is said to be easier than creating beer. There are three major ways to produce biodiesel from oils and fats.

The first one is through base catalyzed transesterification of the oil, the second one is through direct acid catalyzed transesterification of the oil and the third one is through the conversion of the oil to its fatty acids and then to biodiesel.

Nowadays, the most common process used to create biodiesel is through the base catalyzed reaction. The process has a number of advantages, among them includes the fact that the process involves low temperature and pressure, chances of converting the oils into fuel are high with minimal side reactions and reaction time, the process involves no intermediate compounds and does not require the use of other materials that can be highly toxic.

To achieve the production of biodiesel through base catalyzed production, one needs to mix alcohol and catalyst together. The catalyst is dissolved in the alcohol using an agitator or mixer which is one of most basic of equipment needed when creating biodiesel. The resulting mix of alcohol and catalyst is then charged in a closed reaction container.

The oil or fat is added is then added into the container together with the mix. Everything should be done in a sealed container to keep the alcohol from evaporating.

It takes about 1 to 8 hours of reaction time before the biodiesel is produced. Some companies prefer mixing the components together in room temperature while others do it in temperatures slightly above the boiling point of alcohol. During the whole process, tight monitoring of alcohol and water level is being monitored to maintain the right proportions.

After the reaction has taken place, biodiesel needed to be separated from excess glycerin and methanol which are by-products of the whole process.

When making biodiesel, manufacturers usually use huge containers for mixing of the fuel components. Likewise, if the tanks are huge the other equipment used must be industrial sized. There are a number of biodiesel tank mixers, biodiesel tanks, drum mixers, biodiesel processing and storage plants.

And the equipment includes washing, methoxide mixing, settling, and filtering equipment, all in industrial sizes of course. Creating biodiesel is really easy that people can make their own fuel right in their kitchen. The basic equipment is right at their disposal.

Some homebrewers construct their own biodiesel processors using plans that they have downloaded from from the web. Aside from the mixer/processor, other equipments that a homebrewer needs are pumps (either manual or electric) which are needed to transfer oil, methanol, and glycerin. They also will need lots of containers for storage purposes.

Most homebrewers will start off with small batches first until they become comfortable with the whole process. With very few liters as products, these people need very little equipment as well. But as they become accustomed with the process, homebrewers may start increasing their production slowly which means upgrading their equipment as well.

Remember also to include as part of your equipment the protective gears needed when processing biodiesel. Since you will be dealing with toxic materials, it is imperative that you wear all the necessary protective gears. Such gears may include but are not limited to goggles, protective gloves, face mask, protective suite and so on.