Instructions on making biodiesel.

These instructions will be somewhat incomplete as I take time over the next year to write everything down.

I use a two stage process.

Sunflower oil into the reactor and heating

	This may seem like an easy process but it is surpirsing what can go wrong. I have a hand operated pump that lifts the sunflower oil up to the main holding tank. I have had a number of failures on the hand pump... the oil seal seems to break down which reminds me to have a backup. Having a backup for everything will make everything go easier.... its not a matter of if it will break down but when.
	I use a vacuum to suck the oil from the main tank into the reactor. Once the oil is in the reactor and you have it maked for the exact volumes you must heat the oil. Having a number of different markers is a good idea just incase you do not have enough oil. ( I speak with experience). Heating the oil is difficult becuase just using a 1500 watt water heater will burn the oil. You need about 800 watts. Taking a 240 volt 1500 watt heater and using 120 volts will work. I have burnt about three heating elements so far finding this out ! Even with having oil constantly moving it is still tricky. Hving al arge amount of oil may tak a day to heat so in the winter use smaller volumes. I have had problems with my pump operating in the very cold too!

Mixing the potassium hydroxide and methanol

	First I empty the container that contains the reclaimed methanol and put it in the mixing tank. I then calculate the amount of methanol I will need (25%) then pump that into the tank. I then calculate the amount of potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide absorbs water quickly so do not leave the container open too long. I pour the potassium hydroxide into a container on the scale. Do not breathe during this process as the fumes are very dangerous. Have lots of fresh air going at all times and the biodiesel room vent fan turned on.
	Have the mixing unit turn on then put the potassium hydroxide slowly into the mixing methanol. Let this mix for about 5 minutes.
	Once the mixing is complete and the reactor temperature has fallen to about 135 degrees F then close the valve at the bottom of the reactor to create a suction and open the valve from the methanol/potassium hydroxide mixer. Leave 25% of the mixture for the next stage

Reclaiming the methanol

	The mixture needs to be heated to evaporate out the methanol. I use 140 degrees F and all the vacuum I can get about 20 inches. The still has a water jacket and ther is a pump that continually circulates the water keeping the condensing unit very cold, This setup works very well.

Washing the biodiesel

Drying the biodiesel