Hello, I read your post and was curious as to what you want to accomplish. It sounds as though your project is perhaps a hobby rather than a business venture. Is the biodiesel for your personal use only or do you have aspirations of selling product or getting into the fuel business?
It sounds interesting, unfortunately I am in So Cal so probably cannot be much help. I have considered trying to make a few small batchs myself just to see how hard it is. I am a chemical engineer turned construction manager turned operations manager of a small electronics manufacturer. I would love to put my experience to work making biodiesel, just not sure how to do it and make money?
Have you identified a feed stock source?
You may have heard PetroSun is supposed to be building an algae oil farm in Coolidge later this year. Based on the price of their stock though, I would be sceptical as to the health of the company. The project may never be completed, it is hard to say.
I was just reading a press release about a company (Benefuel) that claims to have a solid catalyst that turns vegetable and animal fats directly in to biodiesel without the alcohol or caustic soda used in the wet trans-esterification process. The finished product is ready for use as vehicle fuel and does not need to be washed and the glycerin is said to be very pure as well.
Regards,
