Making Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a form of alternative fuel made from recyclable products such as cooking oils, vegetable oils and animal fats. This fuel is much better for the environment than standard fuels and can be used in some engines (such as diesel engines) with no/few modifications. You can buy bio diesel from suppliers or even make your own if you prefer.

In order to make biodiesel you will need a regular source of oil or fat. Some people will recycle cooking oils for this and others will use other sources of oils/fats. The oil/fat here needs to be put through a process which is called transesterification. This will separate the glycerol from the oil/fat, leaving you with the biodiesel end product.

To do this the oil/fat needs to be heated and put through a filtering process. Some ingredients such as sodium hydroxide and methanol or ethanol are then added. Once this process is complete the glycerol can be removed from the fuel.

In general terms there are no problems with making biodiesel for your own use. But, if you make biodiesel for commercial purposes then there may be permits to get and regulations to follow. In either case you will be expected to dispose of your waste glycerol responsibly.