What is Biodiesel? Biodiesel is produced from renewable energy sources and is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. It is made from plants such as mustard, soy or corn. Biodiesel is free of petroleum products, is nontoxic and biodegradable. While burning biodiesel emits fewer pollutants than conventional gasoline. Because it contains no petroleum ingredients, it can be mixed with gasoline, a mixture that can be used in different vehicles to produce. Now comes the question “how to make biodiesel?
Biodiesel is produced through a process called transesterifiaction. The procedure involves removing the glycerin from vegetable oil or fat. Once the process is complete, the sub-products such as methyl esters and glycerol are ignored. The chemicals are used to make biodiesel, methanol, isopropanol and Lye (must be used for the titration).
Before the process to know how to make biodiesel, take a look at the risks involved. Lye is NaOH or KOH. Two of them are dangerous and contact with skin or eyes should be avoided. While biodiesel, make sure that children are kept away. Lye tends to react immediately with the aluminum, tin and zinc. Therefore, use of containers, plastic or steel.
» Read more: How to Make Biodiesel Fuel – The Basics