Introduction: Making Biodiesel
I made biodiesel. I used methanol, lye, some sort of vegetable oil, 2 bottles, a glass jar, a funnel, a spoon and a blender/plastic bottle. I worked with my dad at home and my plans didn't change throughout the project. If I were to do this again, I would use all types of oils and use a blender. This was a fun and easy science project over the weekend. It is also a cheap and simple way to save money.
Step 1: Step: Materials
You need:
methanol 200mL (ex: heet),
lye (3-5 grams),
type of used vegetable oil (ex: waste vegetable oil or peanut oil),
funnel,
2 1.5-2 liter bottle,
plastic spoon,
glass jar,
and an old blender or bottle (do not use after methanol and lye are blended inside blender.)
Step 2: New Step
Step 3: Step 2
Mix the lye and methanol until the lye is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Step 3
Add the methanol and lye to the vegetable oil into the blender/bottle to mix for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Step 4
Let the mixed liquids sit in the bottle for 24 hours. When done, glycerin will be in the bottom of bottle.
Step 6: Step 5
Use the funnel to separate the biodiesel into the other bottle and leave the glycerin in the first bottle.
Step 7: Step 6: Finished Product
If you did the steps correctly, you should have a glass jar full of glycerin and a bottle of biodiesel.
Participated in the
Make-to-Learn Youth Contest