what kind of masks do you guys use when mixing the methanol and lye together to make the methoxide. i am trying to use the Dr. Pepper method and want to be safe when making my first batch.

 

That's a very good question. There are many posts dealing with the how to's, where and why's of making and using your own fuel, but relatively few covering the safety aspects of making fuels at home.

What are some of the basic PPE (personal protective equiptment) requirements for making biodiesel?

 

Masks will not stop Methanol fumes.
I REPEAT DO NOT THINK MASKS WILL PROTECT YOU FROM METHANOL FUMES

unless you have a sealed air mask with alternative air supply you are at risk

the best advise is to handle methanol in a VERY open space and then seal it if you have to take it inside to the reactor make sure it is sealed and no gas can escape while it is being transfered into the sealed reactor.

fume hoods are great and/or fans above the processor pulling air outside.


as far a safy with Lye. I always wear rubber gloves, apron, long sleeves and pants, with a good mask and face shield when handling the lye. This stuff will burn your skin

It is also a good pratice to have a water close by when workinking with these chemicals to wash off with if necessary. Also keep a Large fire extinguisher close by

i think i covered alot. I'm sure others will chime in with their own safty procedures

 

I always mix my methonal and lye outside. without a self contained breathing aparatise there is not way to gaurd yourself from methonal fumes except like bhiggins stated well ventalated area. Other than that I use long rubber gloves, basically the type you use when using a solvent tank that come up to your elbows. and apron is a good idea, safety glasses ata minimum face shield is better, and then I have been just using a dust mask since that is what I have manly to keep the dust from the lye from getting into my mouth or lungs