Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from vegetable oils and used in standard diesel engines. Converting vegetable oils into biodiesel involves breaking the triester (a type of complex fat) and making monoesters (a derivative of an organic acid). You can complete this process all in the same processor, through a batch reaction process. You will be able to convert used vegetable oil into biodiesel that you can use in your diesel car.
Instructions
Processor Stand
1. Cut the 4x4 into four two-foot long sections using the circular saw.
2. Cut along the grain, and diagonally from one corner to another, six inches into the end of two of the 4x4 pieces using the hand saw.
3. Cut the two 4x4 pieces against the grain six inches down the side to remove the small piece of wood.
4. Cut along the grain, and diagonally from one corner to another, 5.5 inches into the end of two of the 4x4 pieces using the hand saw.
5. Cut the two 4x4 pieces against the grain 5.5 inches down the side to remove the small piece of wood.
6. Measure the diameter of the 55-gallon drum using the tape measure.
7. Cut two pieces off the 2x4 that are the length of the diameter of the 55-gallon drum using the circular saw.
8. Cut a notch in the center of each 2x4 that is the same width of the 2x4 and half of the thickness using the hand saw. Line up the two pieces together at the center to form an interlocking X.
9. Set the four 4x4 pieces on their end and in a square. Have the longer end corner of each board on the outside of the square. The two pieces with shorter cuts should be next to each other also.
10. Set the 2x4 X onto the notches and screw it in place using the screwdriver to form the stand.
Batch Reaction Vessel
11. Set the 55-gallon drum on the top of the stand in an upright position. Tilt the drum slightly to one side.
12. Drill a one-inch hole in the lowest corner of the drum using the drill motor and one-inch bore bit.
13. Cut off three inches from the PVC tubing using the hand saw then fit the valve into one end of the tube and work the other end into the one-inch hole in the drum. Connect the leftover piece of tubing to the other end of the valve.
14. Use epoxy glue to seal around the tube on the inside and outside of the drum and around the fitting between the tubes and the valve. Allow the glue to dry for 48 hours.
15. Expand the supports of the paint mixer to the diameter of the drum and then set the mixer on the top of the drum.
Tags: using hand, 55-gallon drum, drum using, 55-gallon drum using, against grain