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How can I verify that the biodiesel I make is safe enough to use in my diesel engine?
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First, the quality of the biodiesel/glycerine separation. Second, doing a simple "miscibility" test
your biodiesel with an equal amount of water in a jar. Thirdly by performing a simple ester test to
find out the percentage of ester content. Details on all tests are supplied with all processors we sell.
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Can I use my biodiesel for other diesel-fuelled devices, such as home heating oil furnaces?
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Yes, biodiesel can be safely used in any device, which can use diesel fuel.
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Are there any modifications required in my diesel vehicle to use my biodiesel?
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In most cases you can start using biodiesel immediately without any modification. The only exception
is older (pre-1990 diesels) may have natural rubber fuel lines which are susceptible to slow degradation
with biodiesel. Just replace these with current synthetic fuel lines and you're done. We also recommend
that you replace your fuel filter, oil filter and oil after your first tank of biodiesel, since biodiesel
is a very good solvent and will scrub out all the tars, varnishes and gums left by mineral diesel in your
fuel system. Modern commercial "Euro 5" type common rail engines may struggle with biodiesel - check with
manufacturer.
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Can I mix my biodiesel with regular mineral diesel?
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You can mix biodiesel in any ratio, back and forth, with no problems.
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How safe is biodiesel to handle? What about spills?
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Biodiesel is non-toxic, fully biodegradable, and therefore much safer to store than fossil diesel.
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Will my biodiesel void my diesel engine's warranty?
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Most major diesel vehicle manufacturers have already acknowledged that biodiesel will not void your
warranty. Check with your dealer or diesel mechanic for further details. In the UK a 5% blend will not
effect any diesel warranties. Some manufacturers are now stating 30% - 100% as quality processing
plants grow in number. Always check with the vehicle manufacturer before using biodiesel.
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Am I responsible to pay fuel tax? If so, how much and how do I pay it?
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You are responsible for paying any applicable "road use" taxes on the biodiesel you make OVER
2500 LTRS / ANNUM. At present this is 28.35ppl and is a simple process where you provide a quarterly
submission to HMCE.
YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH HMCE IF YOU'RE MANUFACTURING FUEL FOR PERSONAL
USE UP TO 2,500 LTRS / ANNUM / PROCESSOR.(NOT PER PERSON)
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How long can I store biodiesel?
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Biodiesel can be stored for months provided that it is kept free of condensation and bacteriological growths.
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How can I tell whether the oil I plan to use is suitable for making biodiesel?
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The two most important factors are water content and Free-Fatty Acids (FFA) from animal fats or over-use
of oil. Water content can be checked by simply boiling a sample of oil in a frying pan and looking for
bubbles from the evaporating water (bad oil: either don't use or dry thoroughly). FFA content can be
checked first by simply asking what's been cooked in the oil, then doing a simple titration test to see
how heavily used it is.
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Is there a hierarchy of preference for used vegetable oil?
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Yes, oil which has been used to cook: 1) only vegetables (chips etc.); 2) fish; 3) chicken; 4) beef
and pork. Avoid oils mixed with lard, tallow, grille scrapings, or any other waste animal fat.
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Why does each batch require a different amount of chemicals (titration)?
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Different oils will have a different amount of Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) in them (based on how extensively
they're used). These acids must be neutralised, and additional catalyst must be added to ensure the
biodiesel reaction takes place. It's an easy test, but a very important one to get the best results.
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How much will I have to pay for used cooking oil?
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In most cases a restaurant will be happy to simply give you their used oil, since they would otherwise
have to pay to dispose of it, however a waste carriers licence will be required. If you require large
quantities of used oil you could arrange a local collection company to deliver larger volumes. This service
will cost anywhere between 10 – 30p per litre.
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