I got no problem with building my own. Just any advice i can get to get started?

 

Before you even think of putting together a processor do you have a reliable source of WVO? How much per week? These are things you need to know in order to size your processor.

 

UM not at this point.But im sure i got a couple places that would be able to get me at least 60 gallons a week.

 

Back later, just got called out on a job.......

 

Back again


You really need to secure your oil first, and figure out how your going to retrieve it from the restaurants. We have had several members over the years that went to all the trouble and expense to build a processor and then lost their source of oil.

Building a simple processor is relatively simple. You have two choices, build an "appleseed" style or "open" style. The appleseed is the most used system out there, but I found it to be more of a problem than anything, so my next processor was built as an open style. I am presently building my third generation open style and should be able to make 100 gallons per hour. You can see pics of my first open processor in my Gallery here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=16082

 

Like fabman says, make sure you have your wvo secured before doing anything. I too have seen far too many people get everything else bought, fabricated, and assembled, only to find out after the fact that they either can't get wvo, or were unable to manage an account properly and lost it. I have mentioned this before, but it's from these types of people whom I have been able to purchase equipment, materials, and chemicals from for pennies on the dollar. Besides, that's another aspect of biodiesel production which needs to get sorted out anyway with the timing and logistics issues of how the oil will be handled, picked up, and managed. You will not have any issues getting rid of the wvo if everything else falls through.

 

do i just talk to managers to set these accounts up?

 

Talk to the manager, owner, chef, or whoever it would be that is the primary decision maker for this sort of thing. It's about creating a relationship, whether that's making a new friend, becoming a new customer who eats regularly at their establishment, or can pull off a hard sell that you can do a better job at providing the service of taking away their used fryer oil.

Find out what the current system is. Do the cooks/chefs pour off the oil hot into a metal drum or dumpster? Do they strain it or pour all the food chunks and junk straight into it? Or, do they allow it to cool and pour it back into the cubies, (the original oil containers), and set them in a locked area or ? How big are the receptacles, and how long do you have before you need to pick up? If it is a large receptacle, what kind of pump will you use to pump out their wvo? Are the cooks dumping the wash water from cleaning the fryers into the receptacle? Are you set up to de-water your wvo? Many, many things to get sorted out.

But always remember, it's about providing a service to these restaurants.

 

yeah i didnt think about all those questions. Man im glad i got guys who really know their stuff?

 

Is soybean oil the best one to get?

 

The type of oil doesn't really matter much, altho Canola is what I prefer because the bio has a lower cloud point.

I'm presently working with some area farms to form a Co-Op. They will each grow enough Canola to supply their needs for a year at a time.

The new processor will be built on a 40' trailer and will go to each co-op members farm and extract the canola oil from the seeds in their storage bins and pump new Bio into their storage tanks.

This is something we've been planning for the last two years. After looking into what all the State and Federal agency wanted for permits etc to locate a plant, I decided to take the thing in a new direction. With a portable plant we have NO restriction's or permits, just an inspection once a year from DOT on the safety of the trailer ONLY.

 

WOW thats a great thing to do.Thats a great help. But ima City man no farm

 

More questions for you.......

Do you have a good spot to build and operate your system? Neighbors? Small children?

What about a source of the needed chemicals, ie: Methanol, KOH, or NaOH? If you deceide to water-wash how will you get rid of your washwater?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to help you start making your own fuel, but it takes a serious commitment to do it right, and you'll find a lot of people in this forum that will help you do it right!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away!

 

the methanol i can buy buy the bag.KOH? and NaOH? if i water wash i usually take my water i use for other thing to a refinery so they can control the chemicals i use in it. No little kids neighboors yea but i got this shed i can use. Ima young and always ready to learn