Do not get the idea that the chemicals are not dangerous. Such ideas are the source of carelessness.
Understand; however, that proper handling and safeguards will greatly reduce the potential for problems.

You can substitute Ethanol for Methanol, there are some problems associated with this substitution, mostly associated with the requirement for absolute purity. Additionally, you may run into problems with the Feds because Ethanol is the alcohol found in "adult" beverages.
You can substitute Potassium Hydroxide for Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), it is slightly less caustic and actually preferred by many BD makers.

You cannot change the need for an alcohol and an alkali because the chemistry won't work without them.

 

I am a chemical engineer, so my perception of a dangerous chemical may be a little different from that of the general public. I still say that fire presents a greater hazard to the OPs family than exposure to any chemicals used in the process.

Obtaining the pure ethanol that would be required would take quite a bit of the economic advantage out of home brewed biodiesel. I would stick with methanol. I think the sodium vs potasium hydroxide is about a wash.

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong but isnt it better to use potassium hydroxide (KOH)rather than sodium hydroxide (NAOH) because I can spread the glycerol on my lawn for fertilizer if it has potassium hydroxide in it.?

 

KOH is easier to work with and should be fine to use as you described

Aldin I agree that fire is the biggest danger I just want to be sure he wears some protective gear, goggles, gloves, even a painters respirator if available while handling the pure chemicals. Better safe than sorry.

 

We seem to be on the same page. Proper PPE is a must, but the simple presence of methanol and lye should not keep someone from undertaking this process just for fear that it will endanger their family.

 

Instead of purchasing protective gear a simple swamp cooler blowing at your back and out the garage will keep the fumes away from you and the family. Realistically its only as dangerous as storing gasoline in the garage. Wood alchohol will evap pretty quickly before being absorbed into the skin (in this heat). Monster (Rob) makes his in a lil shed with no problems at all. JUST DONT INHALE the fumes of the combined metholoxide and then in the veggie heating combo. Your heating with electricity with the garage open anyway and not any at night. (to protect your family) Just my pennies

 

I was thinking more of protecting from an accidental splash/spill of methanol or dust from the KOH/NaOH.

 

WVO costs in the beginning but is easy safe and you can collect on the road.
I love my system. I don't buy anything except filters.
$15 and $5 and then my regular fuel filter.
TnDiesel you can PM if you have any more questions about WVO

 

As I see it WVO is great if you don't have a problem with the initial expense and you dont try to do it on the cheap.

However, you must be careful with the type of oil you use. The highly unsaturated oils being used for health reasons can cause problems with oxidation and polymerization.

 

Any oil can cause polymerization. It is the lack of heat and use that is the problem with polymerization.