Using A PH Meter To Measure Titration

Test Batch

I really can’t emphasize how important small test batches are. They help save costs on chemicals when you make a bad batch. You can also test different amounts of chemicals to help identify bad batches and why they happened.

Biodiesel isn’t difficult to make, but it’s not hard to make a bad batch either.

Here’s a list of things you’ll need to get started:

ü  SAFETY EQUIPMENT! ( gloves, goggles and apron )

ü  Scales accurate to .10 of a gram

ü  A few 2 liter containers with screw caps

ü  Funnel to fit 2 liter

ü  Container for mixing methoxide

ü  Measuring cups (not to be used with food afterward)

ü  1 liter of virgin vegetable oil (waste oil will not work with this method)

ü  200 milliliters of methanol (automotive stores as “Heet” not “IsoHeet”)

ü  Lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide or caustic soda ash)

Also none as flack or crystal drain cleaner from your hardware store.

ü  Small plastic bags

ü  A GLASS blender or a heavy plastic jug with tight fitting lid

Step 1

Use the digital scale to weight out 3.5 grams of sodium hydroxide. Use a plastic bag to hold the lye to avoid prolonged expose to the air. Lye absorbs water and the water will negatively impact the conversion of the oil. Make sure to adjust the scale for the weight of the bag.

Step 2

Pour the 200 ml of methanol into the mixing container. Then slowly pour in the lye. Stir while adding. The mixture will produce heat from the chemical reaction; have cold water near to cool your mixture. Stir for at least 10 minutes. The solution should be clear when completely mixed.

Step 3

Pre-heat the oil to 100 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.  Pour the 1 liter of new vegetable oil into the blender (You may also use a heavy plastic jug with tight fitting lid )

(which should not be use for food afterwards).

 Pour the methoxide solution into the blender with it turned off. Place the lid on the blender

( Must Be Glass and Metal Basin Plastic will melt )

and turn it on to a low mixing speed for 20 to 30 minutes.

 (You may also use a heavy plastic jug with tight fitting lid just shake for 20 to 30 minutes)

Step 4

When your done mixing, put the funnel into the two liter container and transfer the mixture from the blender. Place the lid on tightly and allow settling overnight.

The mixture will settle with the darker glycerine at the bottom and the lighter biodiesel on top. Siphon the biodiesel from the top and place into another two liter bottle.

You can test the biodiesel by putting 150 ml into a 1 liter container and adding 150 ml of water. Shake the mixture for 10 seconds and let settle for 30 minutes. It should settle out to milky white water on bottom and yellow biodiesel on top. At this point it may be cloudy, but if it separates completely you have good fuel.

Step 5

You can now wash your biodiesel by adding half a liter of water to the biodiesel, shaking and allowing it to settle. 3 or 4 washes with half a liter of water should be enough. You can test the wash water by testing the ph of the water you’re adding to the biodiesel and testing the ph of the used wash water. When they are the same, you are done washing.

You have now made a batch of biodiesel.