Right now i am using Hyrdogen injection in my diesel Hilux with the 5L motor,and it saves my fuel for now
I wanted to do this to save up enough money to get the hardware to buy what i need to start making Biodiesel
What i want to know is, Can i use Caustic soda{sodium Hydroxide}to make Biodiesel?
I see many people are using Potassium Hydroxide instead, whats the difference in proformance and the end product?

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Allen C
Blue mountains fieros
C/-Georgia fiero Club
0412119530

KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) is dearer than NaOH. {(Caustic soda) Sodium Hydroxide}
NaOH is easier to obtain in small quantities than KOH.
KOH makes a liquid byproduct, NaOH makes a more solid byproduct.
You use slightly more KOH than NaOH for the same quantity of oil.
Washing can be easier using KOH than with NaOH.
The finished product (biodiesel) is the same no matter which chemical you use, once washed and dryed.

Others may be able to add more to the list.

I think you have covered it Qwarla. I think you use KOH, while I have remained a NAoH user. Both of us are happy with our resultant fuel quality.

Sorry about the delayed responce but now all I have to do is save up "some how" for the hardware to get .So I can start making the Biodeisel.
Its hard to get on a shoe sting budget, No thanks to the RESERVE BANK.
And the RTA in Sydney

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Allen C
Blue mountains fieros
C/-Georgia fiero Club
0412119530

Why not add another hydrogen system and save even more on fuel to put towards the processor??

Allen,
You do not need to "save up" to start making biodiesel.
Purchase 20 litres of methanol from the local Drag Race club, buy some Caustic Soda.

Have a local Chemist of School Chemistry teacher make up a 1 g/ Litre solution of your Caustic Soda.
Purchase some small scales capable of measuring to 1g accuracy
Search this forum for "Chopstick Titration" (using the Google Search method linked to in my signature line).

Collect up some used cooking oil.
Start titrating the oil.
When you have 3 titrations of the oil which agree with each other, calculate the amount of caustic needed to convert one litre (5g + Titration g/Litre)
Do a trial conversion of 1 litre of oil (preheated to approx 50°C).
Check the results of the trial batch and post your processing method and amounts of caustic and methanol along with the measured results of your batch and photos of it here.

when you are happy that you have made biodiesel, look at removing the methanol and byproduct from the biodiesel (more Google Searches later)
You may wish to test your new fuel by chilling it in the fridge and/or performing the 3/27 test for unconverted oil.

When you have done this nad you are confident your ar making good fuel, you can start making Biodiesel in larger batches. You may also like to try using it.

Remember that, at this stage, you have only laid out for 20 Litres of methanol and some Caustic Soda, plus a few dollars for a Chemist to dissolve some caustic in water for you.

Perhaps you can scale up from 1 litre to 15 litres using a translucent 20/25 litre chemical drum as the reaction vessel. You will then be making a real reduction in your fuel bill.

When you can make 15 litre batches with no problems then you nay be ready to upscale to a 60 or 200 litre container for making biodiesel. By this time, you will have saved much more in fuel, than you have spent on the processing.


Please come back to the forum regularly to report your progress and to seek advice on issues which arise.

Have fun with your new hobby,
Tony

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