Carson Valley Biodiesel Products

cvbiodiesel@charter.net

Making biodiesel in the Carson Valley, Nevada, USA

My Experience

I started this effort in late fall, 2003 with cogitations, self education and a bit of dabbling.  By the spring of 2004 I leapt into action (smiley face) and went to a biodiesel production conference.  Armed with new knowledge I entered into a period of fabrication (that went on indefinitely) and created the first processor (pictured below).  By summer, production began and a diesel vehicle was procured.  With biodiesel accumulating (usage lagged behind production) it was time to introduce biodiesel to friends and family.  The rollout was successful and a variety of locals began using biodiesel in increasing amounts. 

After nearly two years, a local business stepped up to the plate and began producing biodiesel on a much bigger scale than I was able to achieve (they had a much bigger budget!).  With locally produced B100 available at a drive up pump, I didn't see the advantage to continuing to homebrew.  In May 2006, a Canadian bought my latest edition processor and I shared the associated intellectual property so that biodiesel could be produced elsewhere, where they don't have drive up B100 pumps.

Over the course of my brief biodiesel production career, I made 50 or more batches of biodiesel, became very familiar with both the single and two phase processes, followed the biodiesel industry, and enjoyed the collegiate biodiesel community.  I hope this website is entertaining if not helpful to those readers that find it.

For some of my early attempts at making biodiesel, you can still find the Biodiesel Batch Log at:

http://webpages.charter.net/tahoecrazy/BiodieselBatchLog.htm

Check my last entry to see how up to date this may be

Here is a picture of the first processor – a 55 gal drum, amateur welding attempts, etc.  This processor is now for sale (buyer will need to remove peeling paint from inside and supply own valves/tubing/etc.)

The second generation processor incorporates HDPE (plastic) cone bottomed tanks, separate methoxide, processor, wash and storage tanks (from right to left), and a bunch of valves.

The third generation processor is now here (July 1, 2005) and incorporates a water heater in place of the 55 gal cone bottomed HDPE tank.  This tank heats stuff up so much quicker than other techniques I've tried.  Additionally, I changed many of my connections from schedule 40 PVC to 'black' iron pipe fittings to stop the recurring leaks.

The first ‘company’ car was a diesel Volkswagen New Beetle (cyber green color) running on 100% biodiesel (the ‘BIOBUG’) during warmer weather months, and B20 +/- some 'B' during the winter months.

We used B100 and have logged 12,000+ miles thus far (July 5, 2005).  Gas mileage ranges between 38-48 mpg depending on things like using A/C, driving up and down mountains, etc...  There have been no noticeable performance changes, leaks, or other problems (aside from non fuel system related issues).  Unfortunately, the use of soy plant oil, instead of rapeseed plant oil, as the feedstock for the biodiesel has voided any remaining warranty (thanks to my Dad for alerting Volkswagen of our indiscretion!)

 Sunah and 'Dad' fueling up the BIOBUG

To collect the waste vegetable oil, Harbor Freight was the resource for a trailer under $200 (3 months of watching the classifieds didn’t result in ANY used trailers for under $500).  Equipped with a hand pump, 15 ft of spa hose (won’t crimp very easily), 55 gal drum with removable lid and some ratcheting tie downs, this trailer has worked very well for running out and getting the waste oil.

Once you’ve got the oil and the processor all set up, a few more items will complete the list of necessary things.

Between the grocery store for the household chemicals and the thrift store for the used blender, you can complete your biodiesel laboratory.

About Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel (or fuel additive) manufactured from any vegetable oil.  It will enhance the lubrication of the fuel delivery system and engine, clean the fuel delivery system of impurities deposited from petroleum fuels and reduce exhaust pollutants of any diesel engine.  For the more aggressive environmentalists out there, unused or filtered used (waste) vegetable oil can be used in a diesel engine, but be prepared to make some modifications to the fuel system.  By contrast, straight biodiesel can be used in ANY diesel engine (100% biodiesel is referred to B100) without modifications (see below).  For the more conservative, a blend of biodiesel with petroleum diesel is a good start - 5% biodiesel (B5) or 20% biodiesel (B20) are popular blends.

Before pouring biodiesel into your vehicle (car, truck, tractor, etc.) consider if any modifications may be needed.  Diesel vehicles assembled since 1996 will typically use synthetic fuel lines and o-rings that are ideal for biodiesel and require NO modifications.  Diesel vehicles assembled prior to 1996 may or may not have these synthetic fuel lines.  If the fuel delivery system contains rubber lines, fittings, or o-rings, they may deteriorate over time in the presence of biodiesel and begin to ‘sweat’ or develop a leak, especially when exposed to the B100.  This takes considerably more time when blended with petroleum diesel (B20 and lower), but is still a concern that should ultimately be addressed.  One other consideration is that the fuel filter should be changed after a few months (few thousand miles) of using biodiesel because the impurities from the petroleum diesel that are dissolved by the biodiesel will end up on the fuel filter element and could reduce the flow of fuel through this filter. 

My personal experience is limited to our BIOBUG: poured B100 into it on July 15, 2004 and had no problems for 22,000 miles.  At that time, the fuel pump deveolped a leak.  With the local service expert unable to determine the cause and suggesting that we just replace the fuel pump for $1500+, we decided to trade it in on a Jeep Liberty CRD 4x4 (diesel of course!).  Since none of the other folks running the homebrewed biodiesel in similar concentrations had similar problems, I don't think the biodiesel was the cause.  The Jeep has not developed any leaks in the fuel system with the remaining homebrewed biodiesel or the ASTM certified pump B100.

Products - no longer available

Biodiesel available by the gallon

Glycerine degreaser available

Glycerine available to make soap or whatever

if interested email Steve at cvbiodiesel@charter.net

Resources

Josh Tickell’s book – From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank or www.veggievan.org for more info

Rudi Weideman’s course on biodiesel production through his company Biodiesel Solutions (www.biodieselsolutions.com).  He also offers a processor called the Fuelmeister

Biodiesel Homebrew Guide by Maria 'Mark' Alovert www.localB100.com

www.journeytoforever.org – an informative web site with several different recipes for producing biodiesel and making your own processor (look under the biofuels section).

Ebay is a place to pick up items like chemical mixers, chemical pumps – www.ebay.com

USPlastics – www.usplastic.com for conical bottomed mixing tanks and stands (I couldn’t find these anywhere else for as good a price)

Helpful LOCAL resources include:

Bently Biofuels - local producer and owner of the B100 pump http://www.bentlybiofuels.com/

Western Nevada Supply in Carson City for difficult to find PVC fittings

Home Depot or Lowe’s for valves, tubing, other hardware needs (at discount prices)

Sierra Chemical in Sparks for Methanol

Raley’s Supermarket for Red Devil lye, 99% isopropyl alcohol (for titrations), and canning jars (for mini-batches)

Twin City Surplus in Reno for 55 gal drums (and other crazy stuff)- http://www.twincitysurplus.com/