Types of WCO to use

[angus@aroundyoga.com Member Find all posts View Profile Close angus@aroundyoga.com]

I note that Elsbett optimises their system for canola oil. Does it matter what sort of WCO you use, for example is SOY oil OK, or will it's different molecular structure gum up my engine?

Does anyone have any advice on this issue?

Angus

[Fitian Was here Find all posts View Profile Close Fitian]

Re: Types of WCO to use

In the past month I have used cotton seed oil, canola and mixed blends vegy oil brand and also a mix of all. Never had any dramas.

Not sure what other users think.

Cheers,

Fitian

[Chris Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris]

Re: Types of WCO to use

Hi All
When is all said and done Soy oil is most likely the best to use since it is the only oil with all of it's fatty acids being the same
All other oils as well as fats consist of mixtures of fatty acids all with differing qualities
Not that it makes them any less suitable for fuel
However for the reason stated it seems soy oil does provide one type of fatty acid where one can deal with a single fatty acid profile rather than a mixture therefore consistency

[Captain Echidna Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Captain Echidna]

Re: Types of WCO to use

My thoughts on why elsbett would optimise for canola is that it seems to be the oil of choice in europe. (I guess the europe is not big on tofu, which also comes from soy) They also reccomend new oil, not used.
If you are going down the used route, then also how the oil is used will make a difference. The temperature of the fryer, what they cook in it, how old it is, can also alter the oil.

Getting back onto the question though, my thoughts would be, the difference between soy or canola for an engine will not make any noticable difference, short or long term.

[Tony From West Oz Vice Chairperson of WARFA Find all posts View Profile Close Tony From West Oz]

Re: Types of WCO to use

Hi All
When is all said and done Soy oil is most likely the best to use since it is the only oil with all of it's fatty acids being the same
All other oils as well as fats consist of mixtures of fatty acids all with differing qualities
Not that it makes them any less suitable for fuel
However for the reason stated it seems soy oil does provide one type of fatty acid where one can deal with a single fatty acid profile rather than a mixture therefore consistency

Chris, From my research, ALL vegetable oils are a mixture of various fatty acids. Whether you are using Canola, Olive or Soy oil, ALL are mixtures of the various fatty acids.
Here is a list of the fatty acid composition of some oils and fats:

This clearly shows that the fatty acid profile for SOY (Edit - was SOT ) and other oils is a mixture.

Captain Echidna, The reasons fro the EU standard being based on Canola is more to do with the Iodine Value (which related also the the linoleic and linolenic fatty acid content) which indicates the likelihood of polymerisation (oxidation) of the oil. The IV transfers to the biodiesel made from the oil, and oil which has a high IV makes biodiesel which oxidises readily.
Canola had a good balance between price, IV and melting point.

[Captain Echidna Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Captain Echidna]

Re: Types of WCO to use

I see, canola is grown because it is used, not used because it is grown.
I had my chicken and egg backwards.

Will filtering remove any polymerised oil? If you have oil oil will it be ok if it is filterd prior to use?