Biodiesel is fairly simple to make. However, safety is key; would-be biodiesel producers are encouraged to watch this Biodiesel Safety Video.
The basic ingredients of biodiesel are vegetable oil or animal fat; alcohol (typically ethanol or methanol); and a catalyst (typically sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). Put very simply, the ingredients are mixed in a reactor and stirred. After the reaction (called transesterification) takes place, the heavier glycerol component settles to the bottom and the resulting esters are pumped off. These esters are purified, usually by water washing, and then the biodiesel is suitable for use as fuel.
Methanol and strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are hazardous. Use extreme caution when working with these materials.
For more information on biodiesel processing, see Biodiesel Production Principles and Processes. For information on extracting oil from oilseeds, see Oilseed Handling for Biodiesel Production. For information on the types of oilseed crops that you might grow for biodiesel production, see Oilseed Crops for Biodiesel Production.
