CAN YOU MAKE YOUR
OWN BIODIESEL?
There are a number of people making their own
biodiesel. In addition, a number of Web sites offer guidance
as well as a proliferation of online forums. Former RVer Larry
Crutcher decided to make his own fuel. He says, "I have
not produced any yet and definitely will not be selling it.
I am building a batch processor and will make fuel for my
own use, but to sell it requires much state and federal involvement
at a very high cost. My interest is more about the science
involved and also to see how economically I can produce my
own fuel."
Crutcher does not recommend that traveling RVers
make their own fuel. They would need a "fixed location
to collect and process biodiesel. It would be possible to
make a mobile processor plant that is very small scale, but
probably not worth the effort and mess."
Larry's comments about not wanting to sell are
echoed by other individuals. There are too many rules and
regulations involved with the business of selling the fuel,
and most people prefer to leave that to the larger businesses.
Even when you produce biodiesel only for personal use, there
are critical safety guidelines and city ordinances that must
be followed. If you have any interest in this, do your homework
first.
Here is Larry's list of online resources:
Finally, although biodiesel fuel production is
in its infancy, the industry is growing rapidly and should
have a greater impact in the next few years -- not just for
RVers but for anyone who has a diesel-powered engine. In this
world of rapidly rising oil prices and continued strife in
the oil-producing countries, America must look to renewable
resources that can be produced at home and will be good for
the environment.
Alice
Zyetz
4/9/06
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