MakeTruck: Bio Diesel Demo Module

The Bio Diesel Demo Module is a complete portable Bio Diesel production demonstration. A 5gal tank provides storage for raw and waste vegetable oil sources that can be provided by Makers. An enclosed particulate filtration system cleans the oil as it is pumped to the conversion tank. Using samples from the tank, Makers determine the proper ratio of methanol/ethanol and catalyst for the transesterification into useable Bio Diesel. A simple hand crank stirring system and electric heater element speed the conversion process. The resulting product is then stored in traditional diesel containers or put directly into the MakeTruck, and the solute glycerol solidified into cakes for disposal or soap.

Tools:

• tanks, filters, pumps, blender, heater, filter, pH meter, thermometers, hoses, clamps.
• methanol/ethanol storage, glycerol storage, and catalyst (NaOH or similar)
• analysis setup for pH, viscose/temp, and precipitant ratio.
• small burner and calorimeter to determine and compare energy density
• small enough to be simple to run yet large enough to bother.
• educational materials to sources, use, refinement, environment, and politics of petroleum vs. vegetable oils.

Materials:

• methanol and/or ethanol, catalyst, filters.

Projects:

• convert vegetable oil or waste vegetable oil to bio diesel fuel
• compare energy density of various fuels
• study complete cycle from production to consumption of liquid fuels

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