OK, my friend and I are trying to get started out making biodiesel. We've got the pump, and fittings needed to create the "appleseed" unit I found plans for, but we're trying to find an alternative to purchasing a waterheater...which I don't like the idea of anyway because of how it's entirely closed. Any suggestions? We want to do this as cheaply as possible...
Also, what are god sourced of WVO? Don't most fast food places use some sort of solid block type oil? Can this be used?
Finally. is anyone near Evansville, IN currently producing that would be willing to entertain guests, possibly share info? I'm very excited about the prospect of making my own diesel, if for the dollar savings alone....but it also seems to be a somewhat large initial investment....and I'll be honest I have no idea how this is all supposed to work. Everywhere I find online is just bragging about the benefits of their $2000+ machines or finding flaws with some other process.
Closed is good, as methanol poisoning is bad. Leave a 1" vent in the top of the Appleseed and plumb it outdoors, away from humans and possible ignitions sources. Remove all the heating elements from the water heater and heat the oil before you put it in. This is the safest Appleseed variant I am aware of.
ErikUseful Biodiesel-related linksSupport International Microbusiness - Kiva"It is sometimes necessary to choose between clarity and precision, and an enlightening clarity (without serious distortion) is to be preferred to an obfuscating precision.
http://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=854 Pick your size, I use a 15 gallon regular drain, but my dad just got the full drain version. The regular drain is easier to make a stand for, but stuff gets caught in the bulkhead. Either way they work very well.