Q.What do you need to make biodiesel?

A. A processor, titration kit, methanol and caustic soda or potassium hydroxide. 

We can also supply storage tanks, containers, delivery pumps etc. 

Q. What is the process and how long does it take?

A. We provide full instructions with all of our processors, but as a basic guide, oil is heated in the processor then reacted with a catalyst (methanol and caustic soda); the amount of catalyst varies with each batch of waste oil, this is determined by titrating.

The catalyst causes glycerine to drop out, and the remaining oil is neutralised using household vinegar, then either water or dry washed. If water washed, the diesel is then dried overnight.

The process with water wash takes approx. 24 Hrs.

With the dry wash system it can take as little as 5-6 Hrs.

With both systems the actual hands on time is only 1-2 Hrs.

Q.What is a dry wash?

Basically a dry wash is where the biodiesel is passed through a filter and is neutralised and any remaining contaminants are removed.

Q. How much does it cost to make biodiesel?

A. The processing costs are approx. 12p per Litre. This includes the methanol, caustic or potassium and the electricity used.

If you get your oil for free you will have diesel at 12p/Litre.

The processor prices are all on the domestic page of the website.

Q. How do I get on a training course ?

A. Call the office number on the contact page and ask for Emma, training is every saturday from 10am till 3pm.

Q. Does my car need any modifications?

A. No!

Q. Is my car's warranty affected?

A. This varies with each manufacturer, if you speak to them rather than the dealer you should be able to get some kind of documentation off them approving the use of biodiesel, you may have to persist! The German manufacturers tend to be much better informed and more helpful. Ultimately biodiesel, when made correctly is a great fuel that will not and can not cause damage to any engine. After all why would the supermarkets already be putting it in their diesel if it did!

Q. Is there any difference in MPG or power to the car? 

A. We have some customers who claim to feel a slight increase and some a slight decrease in power, as with the MPG! Neither seem to be very significant. We have asked people to leave their comments on the feedback page.  

Q. Can my boiler run on biodiesel?

A. If it can run on fossil diesel it can run on biodiesel.