Slick thieves fleece eateries of cooking oil to brew biofuel - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

probear · #46 05-23-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

My point was that WVO is an unknown feed stock that could vary considerably (it is a waste product), there would be no way of ensuring it's quality without constant testing to ensure there were no soluble contaminates (salts, sugars, etc.) left in the fuel. I assume that a producer would test every batch of feed stock prior to the expense of processing it to avoid waste.

I don't know what people produce in their garages, but I certainly wouldn't touch it without seeing the test results first.

Actually, other than dewatering and filtering, normally that is all that is needed. You always test the WVO prior to production just to find out how much crap is in it. Once that is determined, you can add the right amount of catalyst to get a complete reaction. Once the reaction takes place and the glycerol falls out, it takes most all of the contaminants with it. The wash cycle of the biodiesel is to get remaining catalysts, excess methanol and any other soluble materials out.
A final filter prior to fillup will get you to the single micron range, and amazingly, this filter takes a long time to get dirty.

#47 05-23-2008, 04:28 PM

You're probably right, I've never looked into BD production. I actually wouldn't mind seeing widespread BD availability, even if I didn't use it. It still seems that getting the engine manufacturers to endorse it's use will be the major obstacle.

probear · #48 05-23-2008, 06:18 PM

I can't blame the engine manufactures for the delay as the problem is guaranteeing the quality of fuel. Even here in Atlanta, I knew of someone that was purchasing Bio diesel from a reputable fuel dealer only to find out that somehow (and yes, it could have been accidental, just to give the benefit of the doubt) that the Bio diesel was contaminated with straight WVO (luckily, it was filtered and dewatered). Regardless, until production is greater, the manufacturers will be cautious. That is why they are doing it in increments, such as B5 for some and up to B20 for others.
It's almost a bit ironic as back in the 70s, the European car manufactures were hesitant because of the quality of #2 in the states. It was a lot less quality controlled than in Europe at that time....

Don Buchanan · #49 05-23-2008, 06:34 PM

A couple of fry joints in my area are giving the stuff away if you furnish yourown container. I know a guy who has been hooked up on this deal for about 2 years now. I need to pind a place that fries in gas so I can claim the residue for my 450-se. LOL

OlBrenner · #50 05-23-2008, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Buchanan

A couple of fry joints in my area are giving the stuff away if you furnish yourown container. I know a guy who has been hooked up on this deal for about 2 years now. I need to pind a place that fries in gas so I can claim the residue for my 450-se. LOL

Those would be some horrid onion rings...