Biodiesel

I know this is supposed to be a technology blog under the strict "technology" sence of wires, computers, binary logic, electronics etc. But like the Gyroscope post this subject is way too interesting to leave aside.

Meet Biodiesel.A renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement. It is based on animal-fat or vegetable-oil that consists of long chain alkyl esters. Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as agricultural oils, recycled cooking oil and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) or may be blended with petroleum diesel at any concentration in most injection pump diesel engines. Biodiesel has been known to break down deposits of residue in the fuel lines where petrodiesel has been used. As a result, fuel filters may become clogged with particulates if a quick transition to pure biodiesel is made. Therefore, it is recommended to change the fuel filters on engines and heaters shortly after first switching to a biodiesel blend.

In Greece the first biodiesel plant ‘ELVI’ was established in Kilkis(Northern Greece), while during 2006 three new plants were established. After that ‘AGROINVEST’ in Fthiotida (Central Greece), ‘PETAS’ in Patra(Peloponese) and ‘VERT OIL’ in Thessaloniki(northern Greece) where established.

The process of making biodiesel is fairly simple and it didnt take a lot of digging to find out that my beloved Make magazine has a toutorial about it and also kipkay has made a video.


Now if you think thats a lot of hassle, take a look at this 14 year ol fellow (back in 2006) who began refining biodiesel from local pubs and restaurants, to fuel his dad's tractors and vans, saving him around £300 a week. He ended up running his own company called S-Plant. Green energy is the future!!