Q: What is Biodiesel?
A: Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable or animal oil sources. The sources for making Biodiesel can be grown or produced year after year, unlike the fossil sources for petroleum based diesel. Biodiesel can also be made from USED vegetable oil, recycling gallons of oil that might otherwise be dumped as waste.
Biodiesel can be used in every application that petroleum diesel is used in. Biodiesel can be used straight (100%) or in any mixed ratio with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel blends are already being sold by commercial fuel stations around the world.
Q: Can you mix Biodiesel with petroleum diesel, and if so, in what proportions?
A: Yes, you can mix your Biodiesel in any proportion with petroleum diesel. You can also run 100% Biodiesel in your diesel burning engines, furnaces, and equipment. Anything that runs on petroleum diesel can also run on Biodiesel.
Q: What ingredients are used in the Biodiesel manufacturing process?
A: Vegetable oil, household lye, and 100% (not blended) methanol.
Q: Does Freedom Fuel America sell the ingredients used for Biodiesel production?
A: No. The lye is easy to find at your local hardware store, usually under the plumbing supplies section. It is commonly used as a drain opener. Look for 100% pure, undiluted lye. Do NOT purchase liquid lye. Lye granules or flakes can sometimes be purchased in bulk, but care must be taken in storage to keep it dry at all times.
Lye is corrosive. Avoid contact with skin. Wear eye protection when handling lye. Follow all safety precautions on the product label.
Methanol can be more difficult to find, depending on local availability. It is commonly sold as motor racing fuel. Look in your local yellow pages for a supplier under headings such as automotive racing, racetracks and fuel. You should NOT use a blended methanol. You should NOT use any fluids which contain methylated spirits, mineral spirits, or isopropyl alcohol. You should NOT use ethanol.
Methanol is highly combustible, and should be treated and handled with the same caution and care as gasoline. The production of Biodiesel MUST be done in a well-ventilated area, and away from all sources of sparks and flames.
Do NOT smoke while making Biodiesel. Do NOT weld, or use a grinding wheel in the same area you store or use your methanol in.
Your vegetable oil sources will vary, depending upon your location. Be aware that oil quality varies greatly. Look for oil that is not hydrogenated or solid at room temperature. Oil that has been used to fry mostly fish and vegetable products is going to be better than oil that has been used to fry chicken, beef or pork. Avoid oil that has excessive amounts of water in it.
If you are considering making Biodiesel, you should begin to talk to restaurant managers about using their waste oil. Locating your local oil sources is an important first step toward making your own Biodiesel fuel. Establish a good working relationship with your oil providers, so you will continue to have a source for your oil.
Q: How much methanol is required to process a 40 gallon batch of oil into Biodiesel?
A: A 40 gallon batch of oil will need 8 gallons of methanol to process it into Biodiesel.
Q: How much Biodiesel will I end up with from a 40 gallon batch of oil?
A: You should have about a 1:1 production ratio. You should get about 1 gallon of Biodiesel for every gallon of oil you process (the added methanol is extracted with the glycerin by-product.)
Q: What if I want to produce large quantities of Biodiesel?
A: The quantity of oil you can process into Biodiesel at one time is determined by the capacity of your processing tank. A bigger processing tank can produce more Biodiesel.
One way to increase production is to use a dual processing tank system. Processing vegetable oil into Biodiesel is essentially a two stage process. Stage One involves thoroughly blending vegetable oil with a lye/methanol solution. Stage One takes about 2 hours from start to finish, and includes the testing of the oil (but not the mini-batch).
Stage Two involves letting the glycerin separate from the oil. Stage Two takes at least 8 hours to complete. A dual processing tank system allows you to start a new batch in tank One while the first batch is going through Stage Two in the second tank.
We highly recommend that anyone interested in producing large quantities of Biodiesel first practice making smaller batches to learn the process. Smaller batches can be made in larger capacity tanks.
Freedom Fuel America is working in partnership with a company called North American Ag Solutions to develop larger capacity ready-to-use Biodiesel processor units for commercial and fleet applications. More information on these units will be emailed to everyone who indicates a need for higher capacity production as this information becomes available. Interested parties can email naas@freedomfuelamerica.com.
Q: Is the process of making Biodiesel labor intensive?
A: There is minimal labor involved. Basically, as far as your labor goes, you need to gather your 3 ingredients (oil, lye, and methanol); test the pH and quality of your oil; measure out the required amount of lye and methanol and blend it together; mix this with the oil; drain off the glycerin waste once it has settled out; wash the mixture if desired and drain off the wash water; then transfer the finished Biodiesel to your storage container.
Q: What types of oil can be used to make Biodiesel?
A: Biodiesel can be made from ALL types of vegetable and animal oil, but oil that is from animal sources (tallow, lard, grease, etc.) needs special conditions and procedures to process it successfully. All vegetable oils can be used, including all seed oils, nut oils (including peanut oil), bean oils (including soybean oil), olive oils, and oil pressed from algae.
Biodiesel can be made from new or used oil. Before processing USED oil into Biodiesel, it is necessary to remove all water from the oil (if any exists), and test the oil to see how much lye is needed for that particular batch of oil.
The amount of lye needed will vary from one batch of oil to another, so it is extremely important to test each batch of oil first before processing it into Biodiesel.
Testing the oil is not a difficult process, but it must be done correctly to give accurate results.
Q: How do I test my oil?
A: Testing the oil includes (#1) determining the pH level of the oil with litmus paper or a pH meter; (#2) dissolving 1 ml of the oil to be tested in 10 ml of isopropyl alcohol; and (#3) gradually adding a lye/distilled water solution (1 gram of lye dissolved in 1 liter of distilled water) to the oil/isopropyl alcohol mixture, one ml at a time, until the pH test indicates that the pH has reached 8 or 9.
The number of ml added will then give you the number you need to calculate the amount of lye needed to process the USED oil into Biodiesel (the number of ml of lye/distilled water solution plus 3.5 equals the grams of lye needed per one liter of USED vegetable oil being processed.) NEW oil will use 3.5 grams of lye per one liter of oil because it has a pH of 8 or 9 to start with.
Once the oil test has been completed, it is highly recommended that you make a mini-batch of Biodiesel using the results of your test. This will assure you that your calculations are correct, and will tell you if the oil you want to use is good oil for making Biodiesel with.
Q: What is a Mini-Batch?
A: A mini-batch is just that: a trial run using the specific oil you plan to make your large batch with.
A mini-batch takes at least 8 hours to settle after mixing, so make your mini-batch the DAY BEFORE you plan to make your full batch.
Do NOT attempt to make a full batch of Biodiesel without making a mini-batch to test your oil first!
To make a mini-batch, use 1 liter of oil, 200 ml of methanol and the amount of lye you calculated from your oil test (this will be the number of ml of it took to reach a pH of 8 or 9 plus 3.5).
In a 1500 ml capacity clear glass or plastic container, dissolve the calculated grams of lye for 1 liter into the 200 ml of methanol. Pour 1 liter of the oil into this mixture and blend thoroughly for 15 minutes. Let this mixture sit overnight, and observe the results.
You want to see a clearly distinct separation of darker glycerin at the bottom and a clear, pale yellow to rich golden-colored Biodiesel on the top. There should be no additional layers or foam. Additional layers or foam indicate that your proportion of lye is incorrect or that your oil is not suitable for making Biodiesel with.
Q: What if my Mini-Batch fails?
A: Be thankful that you took the time to make a mini-batch, and do not have a 40 gallon failure on your hands. Re-do your oil test to make sure you are using the correct amount of lye for this particular oil.
One of the most common mistakes people make is using too little lye due to making a mistake in the initial oil pH testing.
Once you have verified that you are using the correct amount of lye, make a new mini-batch. If the second batch fails, it is an indication that this particular oil is not suitable for making Biodiesel.
Q: What do I do with the Glycerin by-product once my oil has processed into Biodiesel?
A: The glycerin that settles to the bottom of the processing tank as the oil is transformed into Biodiesel is non-toxic, fully biodegradable, and contains no PCBs once the methanol has evaporated out of it.
If you store the glycerin undisturbed for several weeks, you will allow more Biodiesel to separate out of it. It is recommended that you store the glycerin in methanol compatible plastic containers which will allow you to see the separation line, and pump out the Biodiesel once it has finished separating from the glycerin.
The glycerin can be saved, and used as a shop soap/degreaser. It can be boiled and filtered to make a high-quality liquid soap for home use. It can be further processed to make a high-quality hard soap base (you could sell it locally to a designer soap maker, or help a family member go into business making specialty soaps using the glycerin as a soap base.)
Another way to dispose of unwanted glycerin is to compost it along with other vegetable matter outdoors. Natural microbes and bacteria will quickly consume the glycerin. Do not dump the glycerin into any water sources, sewer systems or drains. Glycerin will harden over time, and can cause pipes to clog. Glycerin is a soap.
Q: Does Biodiesel gel like petroleum diesel gels in cold weather?
A: Yes. It is recommended that you use an additive such as Longer Diesel Life (LDL) in your Biodiesel and your petroleum diesel to keep it from gelling in cold weather. LDL can be purchased from freedomfuelamerica.com via the website and order form. Please note that there are no additives that will keep your Biodiesel from gelling. If you are treating Biodiesel with an additive, you could still have problems with gelling. To use Biodiesel in cold temperatures you should blend it with petroleum diesel, so that you have no more than 15% to 20% Biodiesel in your mixture. In this case, the cold-filter plug point of the petroleum diesel remains unaffected by the added Biodiesel, but you will still need to use an additive such as LDL to prevent gelling.
Q: Will Biodiesel have problems with bacterial and fungal growth?
A: Without an additive to retard growth, Biodiesel and petroleum diesel are both prone to the possibility of bacterial and fungal growth in hot, humid climates. Longer Diesel Life (LDL) additive will prevent the growth of bacteria in your fuel storage tanks and vehicle fuel systems. LDL can be purchased from freedomfuelamerica.com via the website and order form.
Q: What is Longer Diesel Life (LDL), and what will it do for me?
A: Longer Diesel Life (LDL) is a U.S. patented and EPA registered Year Around Diesel Fuel Additive and Conditioner with an added Lubricity agent. Adding LDL to your Biodiesel and petroleum diesel will actually keep more money in your pocket. Not only is using LDL good for you, it is great for your diesel fuel systems and for the environment.
You get more miles per gallon out of your fuel when you use LDL. LDL helps your diesel fuel to be burned more completely in the combustion chambers. You save money by improving your fuel economy as much as 6-10%.
You get longer engine life when you use LDL. LDL cleans injectors, swirl chambers and combustion chambers as you drive. LDL also dissolves carbon, varnish and gum deposits. Your fuel systems stay cleaner and operate more efficiently.
You get to make a significant contribution toward the overall health of the environment when you use LDL. LDL decreases exhaust pipe smoke levels (opacity) up to 50%, and reduces emissions levels up to 15%. You can be a part of the solution for better air quality rather than a part of the problem.
You get to prevent problems before they happen, saving yourself money and vehicle down-time when you use LDL. LDL neutralizes sulfur corrosion, ash and other corrosives. LDL inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. LDL disperses moisture from the fuel. You prevent damage to your engine fuel systems due to undetected fuel impurities when you use LDL.
You get peace of mind knowing that your fuel will continue to flow freely in all but the most extreme cold weather conditions when you use LDL. LDL is a cost effective solution for all diesel fuel gelling issues. LDL has superior anti-gelling capabilities. You solve the problem of fuel gelling in cold weather without needing to modify your fuel systems when you use LDL.
LDL is a potent concentrated liquid that was developed for use with #2 diesel and blended diesel fuel (Biodiesel). One quart treats 250 gallons of diesel fuel in all weather. LDL contains no alcohol and no methanol.
LDL is GUARANTEED safe to use in all auto, truck, stationary and marine engines.
You have nothing to lose by giving LDL a try. LDL is going to benefit you, your engine and the environment. You will notice these benefits in fuel performance and cost savings.
Freedom Fuel America is so sure that you will be 100% satisfied with LDL that we will Buy Back your order of LDL if you are not completely satisfied with its performance.
If you decide that LDL is not a benefit and a real value to you, simply contact us to arrange for the return of the remaining unopened bottles, and we will refund your original purchase price in full.
Freedom Fuel America pays the shipping costs to send LDL to you. Why wait another day? Order LDL today at freedomfuelamerica.com.
Tax Related Questions
Many people have questions related to Tax issues. We at Freedom Fuel America are not qualified to give tax advice. We recommend that you consult your local tax advisor for all the information you need concerning the taxation of Biodiesel production and usage.
Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. It is your responsibility to make sure you understand any local, state and Federal laws that apply to you as it relates to your production and usage of Biodiesel.
Biodiesel is considered a "Blended Fuel"
IRS Publication 510 covers some of the tax related issues concerning Blended Fuel and Excise Taxes.
IRS Form 720 is used to file Excise Taxes.
This is a summary of the information we have on the topic of taxes and Biodiesel production:
There IS a tax on diesel fuel and blended diesel fuel. This tax also applies to Biodiesel fuel.
This tax is paid by submitting Form 720 Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return.
The person that produces the blended diesel fuel, outside the bulk transfer / terminal system (blender), is liable for the tax which is imposed under IRC section 4081(b) upon sale or removal.
The number of gallons of blended diesel fuel subject to the tax is the difference between the total number of gallons of blended diesel fuel removed or sold, and the number of gallons of previously taxed fuel used to produce the blended diesel fuel.
An exclusion from tax on the "blended taxable fuel" mixture is provided in Treasury Regulations section 48.4081-1(c)(1)(ii) for minor blending if: during any calendar quarter the removal or sale of the mixture in aggregate by the blender is less than 400 gallons.
For more information and to view these documents go directly to www.irs.gov and click on Publications/Forms. Look for Publication 510 and Form 720.
Q: Are there any tax incentives related to Biodiesel?
A: You should consult your tax professional for advice related to Biodiesel and tax issues. You might be able to take advantage of tax credits or other incentives related to the use of Biodiesel as a fuel or fuel additive, and the use of vegetable oil in the production process. Biodiesel is considered an alternative fuel, and can potentially help vehicle fleets meet EPACT requirements.
Q: Is Biodiesel harmful to rubber hoses and seals?
A: All Biodiesel will have a deteriorating effect on rubber due to the methanol it contains. The rubber parts that might be affected include filler hoses connecting the fuel tank to the fill nozzle port; fuel lines between the fuel tank, fuel filter and injection pump; rubber seals in fuel filters; and parts inside the fuel injectors and fuel pump.
Most diesel vehicles and engines sold in Europe come equipped with fluroelastomer hoses and seals. This material is resistant to deterioration from Biodiesel. Viton, made by DuPont, is one brand of fluroelastomer, but any synthetic material which is resistant to methanol, ethanol and oxygenated fuels can be used to replace rubber parts with.
Q: How long does it take Biodiesel to erode rubber parts to the point of needing replacement?
A: The length of time it takes rubber exposed to Biodiesel to deteriorate is variable. The higher the percentage of Biodiesel you are using, the faster the rubber will deteriorate. Using 100 % Biodiesel (B100) will cause rubber parts to deteriorate significantly faster than using a 5% Biodiesel blend (B5). It is likely that you would need to replace your rubber parts before going 100,000 miles/160,000 kilometers if you were using B100 only.
Q: Will using Biodiesel void my engine warranty?
A: If you have warranty concerns regarding the use of Biodiesel, you should contact the manufacturer of your engine and fuel system. Biodiesel that does not meet ASTM specifications could damage your engine or fuel system. It is your responsibility to ensure that the fuel you put through your engine and fuel system meets the requirements of your systems.
Q: Can I purchase ready-made Biodiesel?
A: Diesel fuel blends of up to 20% Biodiesel mixed with petroleum diesel are sold commercially at select fueling stations nationwide. These commercially produced blends are generally accepted for use in all diesel engines. Some locations sell 100% Biodiesel (B100). Biodiesel and petroleum diesel can be blended for use in any proportion, but any mixture that contains more than about 15% Biodiesel will gel at around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or higher, even if an anti-gel fuel additive has been used to treat the fuel.
Q: How should Biodiesel be stored?
A: Biodiesel should be stored in almost the same way other fuels are stored. Use an enclosed, labeled storage tank that is compatible with methanol, and allows minimal surface exposure to oxygen. Biodiesel processing and storage containers should be surrounded by appropriate containment barriers in case of spillage or leakage (you should have a containment minimum of 110% of total capacity.) Do not store Biodiesel or methanol near ignition sources.
Q: How long can Biodiesel be stored?
A: Biodiesel that is mixed with the proper additive and stored correctly should have the same shelf-life as petroleum diesel. An additive that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, disperses moisture, and lowers the cold-filter plug point should be mixed with the Biodiesel prior to storage. Freedom Fuel America sells a superior diesel fuel additive called LDL that addresses all of these concerns.
Q: What is LDL?
A: LDL is an EPA registered superior fuel additive for diesel fuel. It works to clean all parts of your fuel system, reduces emissions, improves fuel economy, disperses moisture, neutralizes corrosives, inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, and lowers the cold-filter plug point of the treated fuel.
Formulated to use with #2 diesel, and blended fuels (winterized diesel.), it also works in Biodiesel. It has been field tested in excess of -20 degrees Fahrenheit with #2 diesel. (Please note; LDL will NOT be able to prevent any of the free fatty acids in the Biodiesel from gelling.) For year round use in all diesel engines, one quart of LDL treats 250 gallons of fuel. There is no need to increase the dosage for winter use.
LDL can also be used as a maintenance treatment in gasoline (including snowmobile) engines to keep injectors clean. When used in gasoline, one quart of LDL treats 1000 gallons of fuel. LDL is not for use in kerosene.
Q: How does Biodiesel perform in cold weather?
A: 100% Biodiesel (B100) will gel at about 30 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, depending on the type of oil it was made from. Please note that there are no additives that will keep the unreacted free fatty acids which might be in your Biodiesel from gelling. If you are treating Biodiesel with an additive, you could still have problems with gelling due to any unreacted free fatty acids that remain in your fuel.
Q: What are my options if I want to use Biodiesel in cold weather?
A: To use Biodiesel in cold temperatures you can blend it with petroleum diesel, so that you have no more than 15% to 20% Biodiesel in your mixture. In this case, the cold-filter plug point of the petroleum diesel remains unaffected by the added Biodiesel, but you will still need to use an additive to prevent gelling. If you want to run Biodiesel in higher percentages in cold temperatures, you could adapt your vehicle fuel system to allow it to heat the Biodiesel above the cold-filter plug point. There are a variety of ways this can be done. Please do adequate research before making any adaptations to your vehicle’s fuel system.
Q: What is the best method for making Biodiesel?
A: Because there is more than one way to make Biodiesel, we recommend that you invest some time in research. In addition to the information links listed at www.FreedomFuelAmerica.com, there are web forums dedicated to homemade Biodiesel. A web search for “Biodiesel” will give you the web addresses for a number of these forums and websites dedicated to the promotion of Biodiesel and its production.
Q: Can I make Biodiesel to sell?
A: If you are interested in producing Biodiesel commercially, the Biodiesel Magazine, available at www.BiodieselMagazine.com, can be a good source of information. You should not attempt to sell Biodiesel without the proper permits and licensing. Many people decide to form a co-op to share in the expense, labor and end product of making Biodiesel. A co-op approach does not eliminate the need for the production permits, etc., but does take care of some of the sales related issues.
Q: Is it easy to get used oil to make Biodiesel with?
A: You could have difficulty finding oil to use for making Biodiesel. Used cooking oil is a marketable commodity, and in some areas, it is actively being used as such. Do not assume that you will be able to get oil just because your area has many fast-food restaurants. You should get out into your local area, and locate your oil sources early in your research process. Finding adequate or affordable oil supplies can be the most challenging part of making Biodiesel in some areas.
Q: Where can I get some excellent chicken wings for lunch or dinner?
A: The Wing Hut, 510 3rd Ave., Longmont, CO 80501, (303) 651-3714. This place is take-out only, but if you are in the area, it is a great place to get wings.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN RED IS REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION DIRECTLY FROM THE NATIONAL BIODIESEL BOARD WEBSITE (www.Biodiesel.org):
TAX RELATED ISSUES FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCERS
The IRS has published updated versions of Form 637 and Form 720. These forms are available by going to the Forms and Publications page of the IRS website, www.irs.gov. A direct link to that page is: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/lists/0,,id=97817,00.html.
Form 637 is the registration application that all biodiesel producers and blenders must complete. (Note: Becoming officially registered may take a considerable amount of time. Planning accordingly to meet the deadlines prescribed by the IRS is critical. For information about the registration process and timing, contact your local IRS Field Office.)
New blenders must be registered with the IRS. They must have their registration officially approved by the IRS prior to commencing any blending activities.
Form 720 is the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return. Entities utilize this form to report and pay federal excise tax.
EPA RELATED ISSUES FOR BIODIESEL
EPA Registration and Health Effects Testing.All fuels and fuel additives must be registered with the US EPA and be subjected to the health effects regulations contained within 40 CFR Part 79. Companies must register their individual fuel products with the EPA in order to legally market the product to the public. In order to register their fuel, companies must either complete the health effects testing requirements using their specific fuel, or make arrangements with an entity which has completed the testing, in order to use the other entity’s data.
The National Biodiesel Board has completed the required health effects testing on behalf of the biodiesel industry, and has established criteria to make the testing data available to companies seeking to register their biodiesel with the EPA. Any fuel that does not meet ASTM D 6751 is not considered biodiesel and therefore does not fall under the NBB testing umbrella. Adoption of D 6751 by the FTA will assist EPA and the biodiesel industry in preventing unregistered fuels from being illegally sold as biodiesel.
ENGINE WARRANTY ISSUES FOR BIODIESEL
Engine Manufacturing Warranties. Most engine companies have adopted D 6751 to define biodiesel and provide information to customers regarding biodiesel. Other 'bio-derived' materials that do not meet D 6751 may cause engine and fuel system problems and void engine warranties.
PLEASE VISIT THE NATIONAL BIODIESEL BOARD’S WEBSITE, www.biodiesel.org or www.nbb.org FOR A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ABOUT BIODIESEL.
For additional homebrew Biodiesel information we highly recommend you visit www.biodieselcommunity.org and www.localb100.com
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