Well, I'm ready to take the plunge into the world of biodiesel. I have been doing so much research my head is about to explode so I figured I would get some final input from the experts. First, I don't want you to think I'm some hotshot that has 20K to throw away or that I don't respect the guys that have made their own processors from scratch. I own a small construction company and I'm in the field every day either running machines or estimating. I don't have alot of extra time to build a system and will require something that is relatively easy to use. I will be financing the processor through the business and after discussions with my accountant have decided to budget between 16,000 - 20,000 for the investment. This will include the processor, storage tanks, pumps & hoses etc. and a collection system. I would not be spending this much money if it was not for the business and I could not take advantage of the tax benefits. I have heard alot of negative feedback on the plastic tank processors in regards to the heating of the oil. This is why I'm leaning towards a steel or stainless system like the Biopro. However, I'm not ruling out a plastic system. My three choices(not set in stone) are as follows:

1) Biopro 190 or 380

2) Evolution Biodiesel - Farm boss

3) Buying a complete kit that just needs to be assembled such as this  http://www.b100supply.com/Biodiesel_Processor_Kit_p/c-130.htm

We use an average of 7,500 gallons of diesel a year for our business. Also, I'm lucky enough to have commercial garage space to set it all up. I plan on making the purchase by the end of this month, already have a wvo source and will have drums in place this week. That being said, if you were going to make a business investment such as this, what would it be? 

Bio-Pro 380 would be my vote with that kinda volume.

 

Trc

 

No contest on this one. You can produce the capacity you desire with the BioPro 190, though the 380 would be half the work for the same production level.

Sammy8:

1) Biopro 190 or 380

Automated, stainless, and proven to be a reliable quantity. I have a 190 and LIKE IT. There's no question I am partial, but this is a deserved partiality. 

Sammy8:

2) Evolution Biodiesel - Farm boss

Plastic tanks are wholly inappropriate for this application, as they impose limitations on the processing you can do and they are combustable. They're cheap and readily available, and there are hoards of them because of the monkey-see monkey-do mindset. In-line heaters are dangerous in a system with valves and/or hoses that can collapse, as is the case with this system. I've personally see the results of fire from this very thing. Flow stops and heat is applied to a static, flamable fluid. Oil might not flame up, but if there's methanol in the heater - NOT safe. The mixing on such a large reactor system is also suspect - a single pump??

Sammy8:

3) Buying a complete kit that just needs to be assembled such as this  http://www.b100supply.com/Biodiesel_Processor_Kit_p/c-130.htm

Certainly better than plastic, but if you build, build with stainless. Carbon steel can cause polymerization of certain polyunsaturated FFAs and esters, particularly when heated [edit: my source for the carbon steel / polymerization is a Masters-level chemist with 5 years industrial biodiesel production experience;I have never seen this discussed elsewhere, however - can anyone verify?].

Find a dealer of each product and go look at one. The quality differences are obvious in person (unless you build your own, in which case, it's up to you).

 

 

What would you recommend for storage tanks? I would like to get a 500 gallon tank for B100, a 250 gallon tank for petrodiesel to blend from and two 200 gallon tanks for the different blends, ie. B20/B80.

NREL Biodiesel Handling Guide

You'll want to peruse the whole thing, but here are any interesting snippet:

(Page 9-10) B100 may permeate some typical types of plastics (polyethylene*, polypropylene) over time and they should not be used for storing B100. 

*Note that plastic processors are made from polyethylene.

Jeeze, I hope you have a good supply of DRY oil lined up.

Sammy

Where are you located? 

I am definately Biopro biased!

Bob

raften:

Jeeze, I hope you have a good supply of DRY oil lined up.

Raften makes a good point. Don't invest unless you know you have sources for decent oil.

Side note, I've been experimenting with tallow-based biodiesel. The product is milky looking methyl esters at 60F, though they flow and combust normally - acceptable as summer fuel. Many toss this aside as it's wet, but we filter, heat, and settle to separate the water. If you're stuck for oil sources, you may be able to grab some of this from other producers/SVOer's, netting feedstock for you and doing a favor for them.

raften:

Jeeze, I hope you have a good supply of DRY oil lined up.

 

Yes I do. I'm fortunate enough to have some very good friends in the restaurant business. I have 4 small mom and pop shops very close by to my shop and I should be able to start putting drums at the larger locations by the end of the week. Based on their usage, I should have about 475 gallons a month right now and hopefully more to come. My main concern now is a collection system. Trying to decide if I should have a tank with a suction system or if I should use a lift gate and swap out the drums. It seems that most people like swapping the drums so they can clean them out on occasion and so you don't suck up all the crap at the bottom?? If you don't mind me asking a 1000 questions, what have you guys found to be the most effective way? Do you use the filtered drum covers at the restaurants?

bobabbey:

Sammy

Where are you located? 

I am definately Biopro biased!

Bob

 

Hey Bob,

I'm located about 10 miles west of Boston. I spoke with Don, for over an hour or more about a month ago. He was very helpful and answered many of my questions. I am definatley leading in the direction of the Biopro and will most likely be contacting you very soon. Have you sold any processors in or around the Boston area that I could check out?