Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need chemicals to make biodiesel?
Yes; you'll need methanol (wood grain alcohol) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) / Lye. You can purchase methanol in bulk through local chemical dealers. Check your phone book for local listings. There are many US companies that produce, sell and ship NaOH in bulk.
Do I need to modify my vehicle to use biodiesel?
Most likely not. If your vehicle was made before 1993, it likely has natural rubber fuel lines. These will need to be replaced with synthetic ones. Otherwise, the rubber tubing and seals may break down over time.
Do I need to pay taxes on my BioDiesel?
Recently, we've heard of instances where people were fined for using Biodiesel in their vehicles without paying the excise tax.
While running Biodiesel is great, in most states it's considered a fuel that's run in a vehicle on a public road and will require being taxed in one form or another.
The Federal Government allows for a federal excise tax exemption of up to 400 gallons of fuel run per quarter if it is used for non-commercial use.
State tax varies from state to state but in most cases, you're required to either complete paperwork (for a possible state excise fuel tax exemption) or required to log your biodiesel use and pay it on your income taxes at the end of the year.
Also, here's my take on the people that are getting fined and how they can avoid it:
1. If you use Biodiesel, track your miles.
2. At the end of the year if you feel like doing your part, there's a section on your taxes where you can "pay your excise tax for untaxed fuel you used on a public road"
3. If you get pulled over, pull out the log & tell em you're logging all of your miles & plan to "true up" at tax time
4. If you really feel "anal" about it, go download the tax forms & look for the box (I remember it quite well from tax time).
Also, if you're worried about the state tax thing, do the same.
More information can be found at your local state website or at the National Biodiesel Board (http://www.nbb.org)
Does using biodiesel void my vehicle warranty?
Thanks to the Magnusson - Moss Act, manufacturers can't void the warranty of vehicles if you decide to use biodiesel. However, it is probably a good idea for you to contact your manufacturer for more details.
Is biodiesel safe for any diesel engine?
Yes! The properties of biodiesel are similar to diesel and little or no modifications to your engine are necessary. Modifications might include replacing a fuel filter due to heavy petro diesel usage and carbon and soot buildup in fuel system components. Biodiesel will clean out your fuel system because it is a powerful solvent.
Should I filter the waste vegetable oil (WVO) before processing?
Of course and this is because you want the least amount of contaminants in your final product. Otherwise, you may end up with French fries in you oil!
What are the benefits to switching to biodiesel?
Where to begin!? If using B100 there is a 67% decrease in major pollutants and reduces cancer risk by 90%. It is part of a closed carbon cycle. Again if using B100 there is an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, 90% reduction in unburned hydrocarbons, contains no sulfur, has a flashpoint of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a sustainable fuel source that has the potential to empower farmers and local economies. The aromatics when burned are pleasant, non-toxic, and cleaner. Biodiesel lubricates and prolongs engine life.
What is transesterfication?
In organic chemistry, transesterification is the process of exchanging the alkoxy group of an ester compound by another alcohol. These reactions are often catalyzed by the addition of an acid or base.
One more time in English? This is the chemical process that your oil must go through to end up as biodiesel.
What kind of vegetable oils can I use to make biodiesel?
It is most commonly made from waste vegetable oil; usually soybean or canola oil. Biodiesel is very versatile and can be made from virgin oils, such as soybean, canola, cottonseed, palm, jatropha, and Chinese tallow.
Where can I buy waste vegetable oil (WVO)?
Many people will establish a working relationship with a local restaurant or school district (cafeterias). Many businesses pay to have the waste removed, so you can likely work a deal where you can get it for free.
Why wash your biodiesel?
Washing biodiesel stops transesterification and removes left-over alcohol and catalysts from your fuel. Washing your fuel is not mandatory. However, you will not achieve ASTM D- 6751 without washing it.