http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/05/fuelpod2-converts-excess-cooking-oil-into-biodiesel/

 

Not for 3,600 smackers!

 

I built one in a couple of 55 gal drums, total cost: <$100. Can churn out 120 gallons a day.

 

I'd love to see how you did that. For that small of a start up cost I may even be persueded to try making some BD.

 

I cant find any real technical info on it anywhere.

 

Firemedic
With a used waterheater as the primary vessel a barebones Appleseed costs less than $200

 

I asked for literature. We'll see what they have to say when it gets here.

 

I got an email back finally,



Hi,
yes we are dealers for greenfuels but
your dealer in the states is

biodieselsolutions.com

mail is: info@biodieselsolutions.com

Toll Free877) 358-6400


Main775) 358-6400
__________________________________________________ _____________
another one

 

another response, I will let you know the price as soon as they let me know.

The following link to our website shows the steps involved in the FuelPod 2, as you can see it is a very simple process: http://www.greenfuels.co.uk/FuelPod_2_Quick_Guide.pdf

I have also attached a document about the chemicals required. You may like to contact your local chemical supply and check that they can supply in smaller quantities. One batch needs approximately 10 litres of methanol and you may like to see if you can get hold of methylate solution, if not then caustic soda. We are currently looking into the cost of shipping for you, if in the meantine you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards Laura Watson

 

FuelPod2 seems a bit pricey for what you are getting. it has a nice all in one design but you still have to go through the titrations and all the normal stuff. I still think the BioPro is a better unit, all stainless steel, glass lined tubing.. and it is a all in one design. It also does esterfication before transesterfication (acid then base) and thus is no need for titrations... (assume 100% and thus every batch uses the same amount of chemicals). It is set for a two day process.. fill... hit start... the next day drain off glycerin and start the wash cycle. It uses a water wash so it takes longer than the FuelPod2 dry wash... but I have seen the lab results and the biodiesel exceeds all the ASTM requirements. They are coming out with a dry wash unit for the BioPro probably this year. I haven't found as much info on the fuelpod2. The BioPro is more expensive though... sadly I cannot afford either one... THUS

I will end up doing something similar to AndyFords and use some 55 gal drums. Has anyone been using the foolproof method of processing? (acid/base) I am wondering if I will have some real trouble using steel drums and sulfuric acid? I am wondering how 380 ml of sulfuric acid mixed in 50 gal of oil and 6 gal of methanol will effect a steel drum? Doesn't seem like much to me and since it gets consumed in the reaction I don't see how it should cause any additional problems.