The Drip Tray - a collection of notes about making biodiesel

There is something deeply satisfying about making your own fuel from a 'waste' product, such as used cooking oil.

Not only is there the obvious potential to save a lot of money, you will probably also notice, as many do, that once you start on your quest to make your own fuel, you find a 'key' which opens doors to areas of life you had never before considered.

You may well find, as I did, that a deep interest will develop in one or more subjects you had previously ignored, such as chemistry, physics, diesel engineering, electrics, economics, ecology, plumbing, welding. The burning wish to know the answers to questions you had never before asked, is that key.

This collection of notes, designs, ideas and suggestions is intended to hint at some of those answers, and to encourage you to explore for yourself a few of the infinite number of ways you can convert 'waste' to fuel.

If you are new to this, don't be put off - it is no more complicated than cooking. It IS cooking! You'll start with a collection of ingredients and end up, hopefully, with a finished product every bit as good as commercially made biodiesel.

Welcome to the fascinating world of biodiesel!

::: Processor designs

1. EcoSystem processor - needs no water, recovers methanol (GL 1 day system)
2. Advanced Push-Pull processor. Methanol recovery from biodiesel & glycerol

::: System components

1. Soldering copper pipe - a simple guide
2. A safer electrical heater design
3. Plumber's delight methanol recovery condenser
4. Make your own vacuum venturi
5. A simple pump throttle system
6. Carboy filling vents
7. Simple, safe stirrer for dissolving lye in methanol
8. Never-overflowing wash tank
9. Re-ranging a British thermostat
10. Electrical control ideas for heater and pump
11. Electrostatic glycerol separation videos & ideas
12. Electronic dipstick to detect the glycerol or water layer
13. Electronic colour detector for titrations - helps automate the process
14. Simple solar detector and motor positioner
15. A non-glug filler can for fuelling your car.
16. An Immersion Heater power controller, by Matt Stevens (240 kb)

::: Safety notes

Making biodiesel involves poisonous, corrosive, flammable chemicals.

WEAR CHEMICAL SAFETY MASK and CHEMICAL RESISTANT GLOVES when you use Methoxide, NaOH, KOH, Methanol, H2SO4, HCL. Do not breathe methanol fumes. Wear a dust-filter mask when you use KOH flake.

Do not make biodiesel in a house or attached garage - use a lockable, ventilated out-house, with running water, suitable fire extinguishers, and suitable safety notices on all hazardous chemicals.

1. Pressure testing a tank - beware!
2. First aid for chemical burns
3. Protect yourself from splashes and burns
4. Breathing apparatus for your safety
5. MSDS Safety details for Methanol
6. MSDS Safety details for NaOH
7. MSDS Safety details for KOH
8. MSDS Safety details for HCL
9. MSDS Safety details for H2SO4
10. MSDS Safety details for Phenolphthalein

::: Reference Data

1. Mixing fuels of different biodiesel percentage
2. Biodiesel specifications
3. Methanol purity chart
4. Is your lye NaOH or KOH? A simple test ...
5. Calibration weights for scales - you already have them!
6. Methanol technical data
7. Methanol boiling points at different concentrations
8. Excellent biodiesel users guide - big file 1.7Mb
9. Testing biodiesel in the lab
10. Calculating volume of liquid in a part-filled cylindrical tank
11. Applying for Waste Carrier's license and registering with HMRC if you make >2500 litres a year
12. Bosch VE injection pump assembly notes
13. Phenolphthalein vs. Turmeric comparison
14. Simple, healthy deodorant - try it!
15. Simple, healthy soap - try it!

::: Test your biodiesel knowledge

1. Take test 1
2. Take test 2
3. Take test 3

To my other passion - cycling! Even cheaper than biodiesel, keeps you fit and is a whole heap of fun ...

If any of this information has helped you, may I ask a BIG favour?

If you can, may I ask you to help with a donation to Cancer Research UK ?

These folks spend all donations wisely, and it's for a truly honourable cause. Their progress and research benefits so many people, not just in the UK. You can make a positive difference by donating here ...



Thanks in advance!!

Have I goofed?
Can I help with anything?
Want me to add something?

Feel free to contact me at grahamlaming@hotmail.com

All the best,


Graham Laming