1 Making Your Own Biodiesel Zhiyou Wen 1 , Christopher Bachmann 2 , Robert Grisso 1 , Jactone Arogo 1 , David Vaughan 1 1. Extension specialist, Biological System Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. 2. Assistant Professor, Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Biodiesel is an excellent alternative fuel for diesel engines. It is made from agricultural products grown within the Commonwealth and can be used by Virginia farmers. It is most commonly made from oil extracted from soybeans, one of the top agricultural products in Virginia, and there is a lot of interest in biodiesel production across Virginia. In general, biodiesel can be produced from any of the following: pure vegetable oil (soybean, canola, sunflowers); rendered animal fats; or waste cooking oil. The oil is converted to biodiesel through a chemical process called transesterification. Glycerin is removed as a byproduct of the reaction, and the resulting fuel can be blended with petroleum diesel, or used directly as a neat fuel. Biodiesel should be evaluated according to the protocols outlined in the Biodiesel Standard ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D6751 before use. In Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) publication 442-880 (Wen et al., 2006), the basics of biodiesel fuel are discussed as well as the myths and questions about biodiesel usage. This new publication presents the procedures for producing biodiesel, with particular emphasis on small-scale production. Caveats: Many readers will not want to invest the time for produce your own biodiesel. These readers will still find this publication of value, because it explains the relatively simple procedures to make the products. In that sense, it takes some of the “mystery” out of an important fuel that we used directly, or indirectly, every day. Keep in mind that chemicals discussed in this report can cause injury. Do not attempt any of the described procedures until you are confident you understand the safety procedures. It is relatively easy to produce a product that is suitable for use in industrial burners or older diesel engines. However, it is more challenging to produce fuel that meets or exceeds the ASTM D6751 standards. Use of biodiesel that does not meet the ASTM criteria could result in engine damage and will undoubtedly void all manufacturers’ warranties. If you are planning to use the fuel you produce in a modern diesel engine equipped with a high-pressure fuel injection system, you must pay particular attention to the amount of residual glycerin that is present as well as the water content of the fuel. If you are unable to evaluate your fuel sample according to the protocols described in ASTM D6751, or cannot afford to submit a sample for professional analysis (approximate cost $1500/sample), then you should not attempt to use the fuel you produce in modern agricultural machinery or industrial equipment. Also, if you are planning to use your home-made biodiesel for on-road applications, you MUST be fully aware of both State and Federal regulations regarding taxing and permitting procedures required for fuel distributors.