A friend and I are getting ready to purchase a system so we can run all of our work trucks on biodiesel. Home BioDiesel Kits seem to have a nice turn key system. Has anyone used the product. Does anyone know of a better system? We are looking to make at least 80 gallons at a time.

Thanks. 

Even as a reseller of Biodiesel production equipment, my most common advice is "build your own." It's simple to do and substantially less expensive. Regardless of your fabricating skill-level, you should be able to build a safe, consistent system - and you'll learn a lot more (this is critical in your long-term production success).

I never ever ever recommend a biodiesel processor that uses a plastic tank as a reactor vessel.  You want STEEL!!!

Check out the BioPro!

Automated 50 - 100 gallons in 48 hrs.

All stainless steel construction.

Bob

Many people build there own however there is quite a double standard when it comes to processors and the controversy about plastic tanks just ask Gradon about this we had a rather nice talk about this. The water pumps are dangerous as well not to be used for flamable liquids and PVC is just asking for trouble. Yes steel is best if you can afford it. The water heater systems have there downfalls as well. It all comes down to the operator and good old common sense................Be safe

It seems like a lot of companies are selling plastic. What are the pro's and con's?

I have had some experience with the blue water pumps that these companies are using. I don't like to admit it but I played with Diesel Secrets junk. My fear is that the pump might spark and cause a fire. the last thing I want is Methanol fire. the same goes with the hot water heaters. Is there a better pump that is specific for chemical use?

shawn woolery:

I have had some experience with the blue water pumps that these companies are using. I don't like to admit it but I played with Diesel Secrets junk. My fear is that the pump might spark and cause a fire. the last thing I want is Methanol fire. the same goes with the hot water heaters. Is there a better pump that is specific for chemical use?

Not for $30.  The clear water pump motor is an AC induction motor (no slip rings) separated from the pump housing.  Unless you have two failures at once (both a motor drive circuit failure and a spill) the pump is perfectly safe.

I have one and so far no problems at all.

 My system will only process 45 gallons at a time (which is fine for my use)

 The plasctic is so think on the reactor tank that  I can't see any problems with it for some time to come. Plastic is more friendly that steel for expansion and because it is so thick I reckon it will outlast a stainless one.

mumptia:

I have one and so far no problems at all.

 My system will only process 45 gallons at a time (which is fine for my use)

 The plasctic is so think on the reactor tank that  I can't see any problems with it for some time to come. Plastic is more friendly that steel for expansion and because it is so thick I reckon it will outlast a stainless one.

The fact that plastic expands more than steel should be worrisome, not calming; it most certainly will not last longer than steel.  The expansion from heat will stress at fitting joints, and remember the ideal heat for processing biodiesel is very close to the temperature limit for most of these plastic tanks.  If your heater is inside the plastic reactor, God forbid you get hot spots.

Interesting.

I'll keep an eye on the fittings, but if properly vented, the pressure from the heat reaction should not play a factor in the plastic tubss integrity at all correct? 

ebztz:

Even as a reseller of Biodiesel production equipment, my most common advice is "build your own." It's simple to do and substantially less expensive. Regardless of your fabricating skill-level, you should be able to build a safe, consistent system - and you'll learn a lot more (this is critical in your long-term production success).

 

 

Where would I find decent plans to build my own? 

biodiesel_4_me:

Where would I find decent plans to build my own? 

1. What is your desired production level? (How many gallons / week?)
   
   
2. What is your level of technical competence? (How handy are you?)
   
   
3. How much access to tools do you have?

I can make a recommendation, but which recommendation depends on you.

 SHAWN

 I HAD LOOKED AT THE HOME BIO PROCESSORS AS WELL. . WHEN I COMPARED THEM TO EVOLUTION BIO PROCESSORS, THEY WERE VERY VERY CLOSE AND ALOT LESS MONEY. THE BASIC DEFFERENCE IS IN THE WASH PROCESS HOME USES ( A DRY WASH SYSTEM, AND EVOLUTION WASH'S W/ WATER )

If looking at those you should consider the processor I sell. Same tanks, same pumps, movable pump on stainless steel stand, clean design, and easy to work with. All at a reasonable price. ($1600)

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/40-GALLON-BIODIESEL-PROCESSOR-wvo-Machine-Lye-diesel_W0QQitemZ110053340775QQihZ001QQcategoryZ57114QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem

I've been shopping for awhile now and so far I am learning towards http://www.allamericanbiofuels.com/  According to my research, most home systems  are between $1500 - $4000 for a single pump processor.  All American is around $1300 for a dual pump and multifilitering system.

 That's my $0.02.

Craig

I took a look at that All American site and the first thing I noticed was the use of PVC. I have been making bd for about four years and have had PVC fail whenever I used it for bd an/or methoxide. I don't have too much of a problem with the use of plastic tanks as long as the heater is outside the tank.

You can put together a very good system for around $500 when you use 55 gallon drums. Lots of that type around making good bd. When ever someone asks me about getting started in bd, my first question is "do you have a supply of good oil".

Ive never had a problem with pvc in the last 3 years BUT my pvc is not on the bottom of my tanks so it may be why? I wouldnt think a blue pump would hold up to a methanol and lye mixture directly used for mixing. Anyone tried that? I thought I read somewhere it did not.