Oh, also for those of you interested in girlmark's classes, they are on Sept. 13-14 (beginners) and 15-16 (advanced).

http://www.girlmark.com/tour/#pennsylvania

Has anyone received any info, or know where I can find times and specific locations for "Mark's" advanced BD class at Dickinson this coming weekend? I have registered, but received no confirmation (other than PayPal) or other information. Mark's website did not provide any additional info either. Thanks, Steve

Strike that last message, info just arrived this afternoon. Steve

Hi all... the guys at dieselstop.com referred me here. i'm not making biodiesel yet, but am very interested in it. I understand the basics, but am hopeing to build my own processor but don't really know where to start...

any suggestions?
Thanks!!

Hello All, Am still trying to organize my notes from Mark's advanced brewing class- great info. on quality control. Coincidentally, I ran into an analytical chemist the other day. He said heavy equipment dealers often have in-house fluid analysis (fuel, lubricating oil, coolant). If you can find a willing dealer, they'll analyize homebrewed BD for about $25.00. This chemist had worked in a lab such as this, and recommended BD be tested for % water, total acid/base values (he used a scientific term for this test, which I can't remember), and particulates. Although it would get expensive testing several batches, it'd be interesting to see how one's homwbrew measures against ASTM standards.

Local Folks!
There is a KOH oder being hastily put together by another brewer from Girl Mark's advanced class @ Dickenson last month. He asked me if I could help find any more interested buyers, so I turn to you.
The deal: 55lb bags at $45, picked up in Glen Rock, PA. If you live in Harrisburg or any where between Glen Rock & Perry county I may be able to arrange for our chemicals to carpool to a more convenient location for you. I plan to pick up on 10/18.
Ciao
Jon
Looks we are all sold, but feel free to post on this list if you are interested in another buy, we will get you the info. 10/17

Oh yes,
I am brewing some fuel at my shop tomorrow, 10/16, anyone who can turn on a dime is welcome to come see how we do this at Longacre. Please call first (about this or the KOH), 717.576.1909 and I will get you directions. I plan to start around 7:15. Dress warmly.
Jon

Greeting SouthCentral PA - I've been lurking for awhile but I'm finally on the cusp of production. Is this thread still active? I'm spoiled by the Mercedesshop forum I'm active in, I'm used to immdediate replies My production had been delayed because I've slowly been bringing my 1981 MB 240d to life to be my bio-daily driver. I'm currently living in Leola and will be processing in New Holland (Lancaster County).

Anyway, my brother-in-law is helping me get started (he's been making his own homebrew for over a year out in Utah and is active on here). I've got a modified 40 gal gas water heater tank with a welded cone bottem for my processor and 2 steel 55 gal drums for WVO settling tank and drying tank....and still looking for a poly drum for my wash tank. I'll try to post pics soon.

So anyway - are people still buying methanol from Allied Oil in York? I work in York so I'm hoping to pick up a drum there. Do they question your purchase of it....or can the transaction be made without hassle?

JonEJensen - are you organizing another KOH purchase? I'd be very interested.

Thanks all, Jordan

quote:

So anyway - are people still buying methanol from Allied Oil in York? I work in York so I'm hoping to pick up a drum there. Do they question your purchase of it....or can the transaction be made without hassle?

Jordan,
I purchased a drum of methanol from Allied about 2 months ago. No issues whatsoever. They'll load it onto your truck. Just make sure you've got a safe method to unload it. Can't remember exactly what I paid, but prices are on the rise. How's that for a speedy reply?

Awesome - thanks Al, for the prompt reply

That's a very good point though - I would imagine it's not easy to offload a 400# drum. I suppose I'll need to figure that out after my brother-in-law (and his muscle) goes back to Utah.

Are you buying your KOH or lye locally too? Or from the aformentioned Boyer Chemical?

Jordan,
I got in on the bulk buy mentioned by Jon Jensen. (He didn't organize the buy, but was posting for another guy who did it.) I bought 2 bags and am storing them in drums with gamma lids. I'm pretty sure this will keep them nice and dry so I won't need to buy KOH for a while. I'm certain it came from a local source. The guy bought 1000 lbs and picked it up himself. I'll check to see if I have something telling where he bought it.

Are you aware that during warmer months you can buy B100 at Rineer Fuels in Strasburg? I'm not yet producing enough myself to meet all my needs, so I get the rest at Rineer and blend it through the winter.

quote:

So anyway - are people still buying methanol from Allied Oil in York? I work in York so I'm hoping to pick up a drum there. Do they question your purchase of it....or can the transaction be made without hassle?

Jordan,
Welcome. Good to hear from you. Yes, I just pick a drum up from Allied, without any problem, a little pricie ($259.00). I have found the easiest way to unload the drum is to remove my tailgate, roll the drum onto its side and roll it down 4x4 posts resting on my step bumper. I have done it by myself, but it is better to have two people. Keep us posted of your progress, include photos if possible.

Great - thanks for the help guys. I look forward to getting to know you all and sharing ideas. I'll post pics soon.

Yep, I've bought from Rineer before and another local pump sells B20 too.

I hope to have my first batch made in the next two weeks, so I'm sure I'll be asking for more help

Mr Bill - did you also obtain KOH from the bulk/group buy? I emailed Jon Jensen this morning, hopefully I can track some down.

Mr. Bill,

Good to see you on the forum. Still processing here in New Oxford. Happy New Year!

DGF

Hi, New here and trying this "forum" thing for the first time. I have a friend who got me into this stuff and am working on my process now. I am really into new and inventive engineering and wondering if any home brewers have combined into a two tank complete process. I am working on a wash/dry polly tank and I think it has potential. Anyone else have one? I seem to see a processor, wash, and drying tank as the preferred setup.

One more thing. I am really having difficulty finding KOH in bulk form (50# bag). I don't want a truckload and I don't have any special licenses. Can you buy it locally? I found 2lb containers online but expensive.

garageman,

Where is "locally". If you want to use less tanks look at the GL process. It is what I have been using with great success.
Good luck,

DGF

sorry, I am in altoona PA. actually between altoona and bedford. I will have to look up the GL.

Hello All,

Been a while. I was really struggling to find decent used oil in my neighborhood- the stuff I had to try and use (from a well-known "big Box" supermarket) was titrating around 20ml. Anyway, I found s low-volume but steady supply now, and I'm back in business!

Group question- has anyone tried using a vacuum pump to dewater used oil right in the appleseed? I splurged and bought a used pump that draws about 600mm mercurg which brings boiling point of water down to about 145 degrees. I got about 8 oz. water out of 30 gallons of used oil.

Also, the price of my local methanol went from $3.00/gal to $4.20, all at once! Has anyone else seen a big price increase?

Steve