Using Sodium Hydroxide In Making Biodiesel

There is a fuel that comes from cooking oil or vegetable oil.  You will simply have to combine oil with other chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, which are pretty common.  The new chemical fuel has applications as a diesel engine.  In other occasions, it can be mixed with other petroleum-based fuels.  The result is no less than a fuel that is economical, safe and renewable. 

The truth is that you can definitely create biodiesel from fresh or even used oil.  You need the following items: 1000mL of vegetable oil, 3.5g of caustic soda or sodium hydroxide, and 200mL of methanol.  You likewise need to have the following materials: a mixer (if possible with a low speed function), a digital weighing machine, plastic containers (one for methanol, another for vegetable oil, and a wide-mouthed mixing plastic container), protective gloves, eye shield (goggles or protective eyeglasses), and apron.  Take note that one of the chemicals, caustic soda is very hazardous to use so employ safety measures always.  Likewise employ caution in dealing with methanol. 

Make certain that the optimum temperature is 70 ºF or higher in making biodiesel because the rate of chemical response relies on the temperature.  Therefore, in a low atmospheric temperature, count on a gradual response process. 

The process starts with spilling out of the methanol into the blender that is positioned at the lowest speed.  Gradually add the caustic soda until it completely dissolves in the solution.  This method creates a substance called sodium methoxide.  When caustic soda has completely melted, combine the one-liter vegetable oil.  The slow blending action must continue until about half an hour during which time the mixture must be consistent.  Empty the solution into a wide-mouthed glass container.  Observe that the mixture starts to separate into several sheets of fluids.  The layer at the base is glycerine.  On top of that is biodiesel.  Set this aside for a few more hours until the deposits separate fully.  This time you can simply pour out biodiesel.  You can also utilize a pump to remove the topmost fluid out of the mixture.

Note that glycerine is not a waste product but an added useful result of the reaction.  It has practical use in other factories.

Note too that any unchanged engine operating on diesel may use pure biodiesel or a combination of biodiesel and petroleum diesel.  It may be vital to use the mixture when driving in cold weather especially if air temperatures go down below 55 ºF.  Bear in mind that unadulterated biodiesel can develop into viscous and thick when exposed to low temperatures.  Thus, you should choose to increase the amounts of petroleum diesel while the temperatures decline.

In accumulating the chemicals for your biodiesel processing, be sure to separate them afar from food items and especially make sure to stack them well away from drinks.  Once more, one of the most hazardous components is sodium hydroxide so follow the required precautions in storage and handling.

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