I've been thinking about going the biodiesel route and picking up a processor from these guys: http://jjtecho.com/
Although I've been doing my research and reading, input here is definately appreciated as from what I see there are lots of people here with vastly more knowledge than I have as a newcomer to biodiesel/WVO.

Does the linked processor look reputable? Is it pretty much 'plug and play' or am I going to have to buy all kinds of odds and ends before I'm really set-up to start making my own? For those of you with processors like this, how do you heat the WVO? Is it built into the unit or does it need to be heated separately and then added (another piece of equipment to purchase and set-up).

Obviously, I'm pretty much a nOOb on the subject despite some reading. Forum guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Vin, I don't know what that thing costs, but you can build your own much cheaper. Do plenty of research, design the system on paper incorporating all the features you need, then start collecting parts. Don't skimp- use only brass and stainless valves. Haunt your local restaurant equipment auctions and find a stainless reactor vessel of at least 60 gallons- some even have heating cabinets built in.
I built a 100-gal processor that uses a water heater plumbed into the circuit to heat the oil to @135*F prior to reaction. My only regret is not searching out a stainless reactor tank. A metal tank would allow hotter oil temps, therefore faster and more complete reactions.
You might also go to http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/foru...1/m/9721044051 and take a look at the system he's developed. I based my monstrosity on his theory, and it really works well. http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/foru...1/m/9721044051

 

Thanks for the input. I'll go read up on those links. The biggest downside of building my own is knowing that the wife will be pretty much biting her tongue and worrying I'm on the verge of burning the place down until I actually have a few batches of bio under my belt with no drama.

 

This is the one we have and it works great going on a year now running bio: http://www.extremebiodiesel.com/

 

Do a Google search for Appleseed Processor.

They can be made for ~$300-$400 and seem to be the prefered system for the Home-Brewers.

 

I heat my veggy oil in a steel drum with one band heater. I would recommend additional band heaters, since mine takes a long time to heat up 55 gallons of oil. I use the homebiodieselkits.com kit.

 

The problem with their dry wash system is with 50 pounds of media split between 2 tanks the flow rate is going to be about 0.15gpm. We make 250 gallons at a time and dry wash with 150 pounds of media in each of 2 tanks. Our flow through the media is 1 gpm. Keith

 

It was saying on the site that the usable life of the resin media was 14000 gallons and it needs to be washed? How much would that cost? I like the dry system just for the simple fact of production in the dead of winter. The R60 unit sure looks appealing to me!

 

I don't know what typeof resin they use. The Purolite PD206we use is good for about 80,000 gallons. It can be regenerated by being shipped back to the factory. you need to have 600 pounds for them to do that. Keith