I found a kit that makes 14 gal at a time for $799 and it is ready to go, just buy the lye and the methanol, gather WVO and off you go. OR, I can buy the appleseed starter kit that comes with everything other than the hot water heater and the methoxide tank for around $230. The appleseed processor seems kind of hokie to me, almost like I would have problems with it or I would have to monitor it constantly. I am wanting ease of use and efficient use. Just wondering what the take is on which type of processor to use is. Thanks.

ive been looking for a "good" cheap kit also where did you find one for $799?

I found it on e-bay for $799 from a guy in houston but it says pick up only next to the price then on his description in the ad it says it is ready to ship once the payment clears. I just want to know if it is a waste of money to spend that much for the plastic mix tanks when I can build one out a hot water heater for so much less. The appleseed method, like I said, kind of looks to me to be a shabby set up. I am just wanting some input from anyone using either system.

Tex, I would go with the appleseed.
I agree, most of the pictures of it you see of it on the net look pretty hokie, but it certainly doesn't have to be that way. I've seen some very nice looking appleseeds. As long as you have the time and skill to put into it you will come out with a better unit for a much better price.
There have been quite a few complaints on the biodiesel websites about the cheap setups being sold, many bordering on unsafe. Cheap valves and very hot materials coming in contact with plastic are common complaints.

I just bought another guy's appleseed reactor for 400 bucks. Methanol was 225$ delivered though =(. Looks like the price has gone up a bit.

im in the process of building an appleseed processor. i got my pump on sale for ~29 and have located my water heater. now im just waiting for ball valves to have a sale and im all over it.

kawi: how many gallons of methanol was that for? and how far do you expect it to go?

now im just waiting for ball valves to have a sale and im all over it.


Always on sale here http://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?UID=2006101710240993&catname=water&keyword=WVBG

sweet find thanks.

all im seeing is valves with one male and one compression fitting? do they have (or ever have) male 3/4" NPT on both sides?

sweet find thanks.

all im seeing is valves with one male and one compression fitting? do they have (or ever have) male 3/4" NPT on both sides?These guys inventory changes all the time. If they don't have something one week they very well might have it next.

Good price here also http://acmehardware.com/Plumbing/LDR-0202204/

sweet! thanks for the link. i just ordered my ball valves andf check valve. my goal is to be operational by the end of the year

If you go hang out on the biodiesel forums some, you will see the appleseed being mentioned again and again, and not in a bad way. It seems to be the processor of choice of people who actually know what they're doing. At least, that's the impression I got. There's also some info floating around out there about the shortcomings of some of the pre-made setups you can buy. One major point mentioned is the plastic chemical tanks.

Is there anything wrong with buying all the plumbing already assembled from an individual or should I just try to piece parts it together?

I wouldn't think there would be anything wrong with buying it pre-assembled, as long as the previous owner did a good job.

txwelder, where did you find the ready made appleseed set up? already have a waterheater! semper fi
Jim

I found on e-bay a while back all the plumbing with valves and the pump for like $240 or so. I cant find it now but Im sure it will pop back up, just have to keep watching it. I cant seem to find a water heater for less than $150 and they are all only 30 gallons. I really want at least a 50 gal so I can make enough for a full tank at a time. I have almost 50 gallons of WVO in the garrage that I cant do anything with right now so I am getting ancy because Im assuming if I put it off too long it will go bad. Anyhow, good luck!

Tx, ask some local plumbers. Many of them have a pile of old heaters just waiting for a run to the dump.

I dont know any plumbers, but I guess I could just call a local shop or swing by and see if anything is laying around. Tell me why is it that someone is going to GIVE me a working hot water heater? I mean, the heating element still needs to work and if it doesnt leak then why is it junk?

All kinds of reasons for replacing a working heater. Old one too big or too small, switching from electric to gas...

As long as the tank is good the heating parts are cheap and easy to completely replace.

I got a guy on the line for a free electric working 40 gal heater. How much fuel can I expect to make after glycerin is drained? Does it vary with the quality of the WVO you are using?

Well Im picking up the heater tomorrow AM. Now all I need is to get the parts list so I can start buying all the plumbing.

I got a guy on the line for a free electric working 40 gal heater. How much fuel can I expect to make after glycerin is drained? Does it vary with the quality of the WVO you are using?

Typically, for a 40 gallon batch you'll drain around 6 gallons of glycerine.

you have to have a separate tank in your truck for bio right? or can you just dump it down the diesel chute?

It just goes right in. Second tank is for running pure WVO.

I have been reading a few of the appleseed sites and it seems like there is a lot of things to do, like measuring, weighing samples, is this just for the setup? or do you have to do it for every batch? also what do you really need? a processor yes, storage tank, washing tank? what else? I want the least complicated process

Yes you will have to do a titration on every batch- this will tell you how much catalyst you will need to turn whatever oil your using into good ol' biodiesel. You'll need something to mix the methanol and lye (or potassium hydroxide depending on which one you want to use) in. Definently need the washing, processing and storage tank. You'll want to let your biodiesel settle for a while before using it.

so how much space will the whole setup take? about how much $$ to get it running good?

mine is aprox 3'dx4w'x60''h

Space depends on the tanks your able to find. Most of the guys get 55 gallon drums and a water heater. Cost depends on all the fittings and tubing and the tanks you buy and where. If you can get some good deals it might not be that expensive to get set up. Shoot its possible you already have most of the stuff in the garage.

I've got the appleseed setup, just haven't had the time to put it all together. I've read girl marks' book also. You've got to do some research before you begin the process. And most of the people on the biodiesel webpages will tell you horror stories about the "more expensive" plastic reactors... Stick with the hot water tank...:cool:

Yeah plastic tanks and heat.....ummm not good