Is Animal Fat / Veg Oil mix suitable for Bio Production or SVO use?

[Steve-Kal Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve-Kal]

Hello All,

I'm in the feasibility stage of my biodiesel project out here in sunny Kalgoorlie. I've approached a few fish and chip shops etc. in town (there is not that many out here) and so far I've discovered that they use an animal fat/veg oil blend to cook with. This goes solid when at room temperature.

Q1 - Is this blend suitable for biodiesel production (transesterification)?

Q2 - Is this blend suitable for SVO use (I realise that the solidifying in the tank problem would have to be overcome)?

Your answers/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

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

Re: Is Animal Fat / Veg Oil mix suitable for Bio Production or SVO use?

Steve,
You can make great biodiesel from Animal fats and high melting point oils. There is onlt one problem, that is that the biodiesel will have a melting point around 30°C lower than the feedstock.
While this may not be a problem for you in Kalgoorlie in summer, it may be an issue in winter. If you use a mix of vegetable oils with a low/moderate MP, and animal fats, you will get biodiesel which has a range of MPs. You can allow the high MP biodiesel to solidify and use the liquid biodiesel from the top of the drum. The high MP biodiesel will melt for you to use in summer.

If using animal fats in a UCO conversion, the fuel tank, fuel lines and filter must be heated to ensure that the oil melts in time for it to be used. Particular atention should be paid to return line switching to prevent solidified oils being returned to the diesel tank.

[Steve-Kal Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve-Kal]

Re: Is Animal Fat / Veg Oil mix suitable for Bio Production or SVO use?

Thanks Tony,

I think that I will join the WARFA.

I will phone you tomorrow.

Cheers,

Steve

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

Re: Is Animal Fat / Veg Oil mix suitable for Bio Production or SVO use?

Steve,
I am on a course all day. Please call after 5pm, later is fine too, if off peak is preferred.
Tony