I was wondering if anyone has looiked into using ethanol instead of methanol in the Bio-pros, 190, 380.

was wondering what adjustments would need to be made if it was possible.

the university i work for would like to know if there is another option to methanol, and seeing as how i am not a scientist just a Dairy Farmer i don't have a clue about the chemistry involved.

thanks in advance

I am trying to make BioDiesel with éthanol as well. I'd try with Méthanol... easygoing, but the solution with éthanol didn't separate at all... (using refurbished oil)
I found some process on the net and so far none succed.
If you get something, I'll take it to.
Here the quantity I used:
- 250g oil
- 2,5g NaOH
- 72g ethanol

We have all the ingredients to try but have not had a chance to try it yet. Our BP380 has not stopped working since we got it 1.5 months ago. I will post here once we get the time to try and share our experience. Past tries (without a BP) have shown to us it is very difficult to separate the Eth-Glycerol with the Ethyl Esters. We like the idea to use Ethanol vs Methanol since Ethanol is less toxic, more environmental friendly and can come from plants. Most methanol industrially produced comes from petroleum products.

i am looking at the ethanol also because of the lighter restrictions as far as my universities risk management people.

i have been wondering if it is actually worth the trouble. how much extra room do you have for methanol in your 380's methanol/base mixing tank for a normal batch?

i appreciate the help supposedly i have a couple of engineering students that are going to look into the chemistry for me. i've heard that before though.

Rudolph how much have you run through your 380 and what is the fuel like?