The Machine Finally Arrived!

The machine is here. There are some accessories to get, oil collection to start.... the production should start about mid-February.

The Machine is Coming!

The Bio pro 190 will be here Thurs from Calif, the first order of chemical reagents have been ordered, and we'll soon be underway. Here are some websites that describe the benefits of using, methods for making, and what to expect from using biodiesel.
1. http://utahbiodieselsupply.com/whybiodiesel.php This site explains the machine we'll be using, has links to other related biodiesel web sites, and has sites for ordering paraphernalia related to biodiesel production.
2. http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/ This is another general information site for biodiesel fans.

These two websites will give most of the general information about our project. It should reassure that the fuel we'll be making will be higher quality than what we have been buying for our trucks.

Truck Modifications:
While biodiesel is better for our engines than petroleum diesel (better lubricative properties, burns cleaner, etc.) , using biodiesel will initially work off some fuel line particles and move them into the fuel filters. Before we start the project, it would be good to
1) get our oil changed
2) get our fuel filters changed.

After we start using biodiesel, oil changes won't be needed any more frequently that before (actually less because there is less engine wear with biodiesel). After 500 miles, though, it would be good to change the fuel filters again to removed cleansed fuel line particulates from the filters. After that, regular fuel line maintenance is sufficient.

Taxes

I've procrastinated the idea of taxes. I hate them as much as anyone. The irony is that if we make biodiesel, mix, and sell it, we'd get a 25% credit on the equipment, plus a $.30 / gal tax credit for being good citizens. However, because we aren't mixing and selling to the public, we get no credit and have to pay .16 per gallon 'road use' tax. So, what to do. My first inclination is to ignore the rules, not declare the fuel production, and stick it to the state for making ridiculous penalties on private citizens trying to do something good for the environment and American political situation on a non-profit basis.
More reflection, however, makes me see that if I'm going to make an action statement about keeping our planet healthier, bringing our finest home from the middle east, and try to show others that they too, can make a difference... I'd better do it honorably and within the system. I'd prefer our operation be something we can be proud of, without looking over our shoulders for the taxman. I also feel that stupid tax laws won't change if the state has no idea how many people are doing it... or would do it if tax incentives were in place.

Engine Effects of Biodiesel

Biodiesel runs cleaner than diesel such that it dramatically reduces black smoke from even older diesel engines that builds up on the outside of the vehicle. Biodiesel fuel causes engines to runs more quietly with less vibration than petroleum diesel and without the objectionable diesel odor. It produces fewer particulates and is better for children as they are the most affected i.e. asthma triggers.
Emission Reductions are as follows (compared to petroleum-refined diesel):
Total Unburned Hydrocarbons -67%
Carbon Monoxide -48%
Particulate Manner -47%
Sulfates -100%
Nitrous Oxide +10%
Ozone Potential -50%
Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegrades easily 95% in 30 days in soil which means it is unable to contaminate soil, ground water supplies, rivers, lakes and marine areas if used in 100% pure form. It does not leave unsightly oil slicks. When burned it burns more cleanly, reducing particulate, though it increases nitrous oxides that cause ground level ozone after interactions with sunlight.

Biodiesel can increase engine life and reduce maintenance costs if its quality is up to standard. Mechanics like to work with Biodiesel as it is much less toxic.

I've only seen one mention of the problem of increase lubrocity being a problem: because it lubricates better it is more able to pass by the o-rings of the pistons and get into the engine oil. This means the engine oil is diluted. Some vehicle manufacturers are saying that a more frequent oil change schedule would be necessary. I've seen comments also saying that the engine oil stays much cleaner too. This is likely only a problem when using high % blends or 100% Biodiesel.

Biodiesel has detergent and solvent effects that clean the fuel system and may resolve some injector problems due to fouling. I've not seen this explicitly mentioned as a strategy but this may be worth a try as cleaning injectors is not cheap. However, I have seen researchers outline that to explain that despite lower energy density of Biodiesel, the engines converted to Biodiesel had better than expected power and therefore less than expected fuel consumption because the used older engines ran more efficiently after Biodiesel was used because of the cleaning effects. The effect lasted for a considerable period. However, this effect especially on older fuel systems means that initially when high percent blends are used, existing deposits are mobilized and can plug the filter. This can cause, only initially, more than one filter change or a plugged fuel system for the unawares. The advice is to have a spare filter at all times during a switch to Biodiesel and be ready to do it yourself on the side of the road.

Intro to Chapin Biodiesel

Welcome! This is blogging for dummies, and I'm very qualified. This site will be to inform the group of what we're doing, and give us a chance to compare notes on how things are progressing.
Here's What's Up:
1.Members:
Tom Anderson
Jon Cooper (7499958
Tray Harrell (trey@lkharrelllaw.com; 8033459449)
Dean Jacobs (thejacobs@gmail.com, 8032407003)
Roger Parsons (kblhomes@yahoo.com)


2. Why Biodiesel?
a) It saves money: my current estimates of cost (just in chemicals, not for machine or time) is about $1.55 a gallon. It'll vary as price of methanol fluctuates. Other reagents are more price stable.
b) It's patriotic. Whatever your politics, our finest young men and women won't stop dying over there until our country unplugs itself from the teat of Middle Eastern oil.
c) It's good for you trucks. Biodiesel is better for your engines than low sulfur diesel.
d) It's green. Much less emissions with biodiesel. Also, biodiesel puts out much more energy per unit of production energy than petrodiesel.
3. What's involved:
a) Production equipment. I've bought the biopro 190 (see at utahbiodieselsupply.com/biopro190.php) and will buy the drums and other paraphernalia (I'd buy it whether you joined me or not, so I don't want to burden anyone else with its cost)
b) Consumable chemicals. I'll prorate the expenses of these per your estimated use (me 40 gal/wk, Trae 25; Tom 25, Jon 15-25, Roger 10).
c) Oil. I'll have you help identify vegetable oil source restaurants (canoloa oil only... I'll explain later), but I'll pick it up (I'm buying a lift tail gate).
d) Processing labor. I'll do it at my home. I'll welcome help as I get more comfortable with the process..
e) Quality control. My job. I have a chemistry background, and I take safety and the protection of your trucks' engines very seriously. Our product will be top of the line, and perform better than petroleum -based diesel. I will be doing more steps and tests than are required for basic biodiesel production to assure top of the line product. You can have any batch independently tested, anywhere, anytime.
4. When We'll Start
Jan 15th The processor arrives.
Feb 15th I'll start production for my truck.
March 1st Target Date for you trucks' first production
Warm weather is easier to start production (you don't have to worry about fuel's gel point), so we'll get a whole warm season in before we deal with it next winter. Cold weather production is possible, it just takes more advanced precautions.