Biodiesel Vs Waste Vegetable Oil

You may be wondering which one is better. That all depends I suppose, biodiesel is thinner in viscosity so I would say it is compatible with more cars. It is also easier to run in the winter. Veggie oil is much easier to use, just collect, strain, mix, and put it in your car. The problem with biodiesel, is that the average Joe probably does not have the time or skill to make it. It also takes some practice to get it right. While it is based on vegetable oil, there is a process involved to turn it into actual biodiesel. There is also specialized equipment necessary to speed up the process. Essentially what they do is seperate the glycerine from the vegetable oil. The reason why this is desirable is because glycerine absorbs water from the atmosphere, the other is that it forms into a gummy substance when cold, two things you do not want hapenning with your fuel. The moisture, for the most part is a non issue as once it is in the car, the fuel is burned fairly quickly. It only becomes an issue when you have large quantities to store or don't drive for a while. Luckily, Diesel Secret has a solution to that as well. Now I haven't tried them but they have a moisture removal product in case you will be storing large quantities of oil. So the main issue then becomes the gummy part. Though not a problem during summer, during winter time, your veggie oil will get thicker and chances are your car will not start. Now if you have the time and patience to make your own biodiesel then go for it, but if you are like me and don't have the time, the veggie oil is the best option. It is possible to run your veggie oil car during winter time even if you are using Diesel Secret the key is to simply mix more Diesel/Kerosene into your oil. This of course will raise your costs but will still be well below the current price of diesel or gas. I would guess that during winter time your costs would be as high as $2-2.50 per gallon of veggie oil. During summer it will be just below $1 depending on the price of diesel in your area of course. Now this doesn't mean biodiesel is cheaper. I have never made it so can't say much on costs but I do know that you need to buy lye and methanol for the process. Last time I looked into making some, some 3 years ago, the costs was around $1 per gallon, maybe a little less if you bought the ingridents in quantities. I imagine they are more expensive now. You also have to factor in the time it takes to make the stuff. So I would say they are comparable in price. So the bottom line is, if you have the time, patience and space make your own biodiesel, otherwise go with the veggie oil.