Backyard Biodiesel

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In this activity, learners make a small batch of biodiesel that will work in any diesel engine. Learners use an old juice bottle as a "reactor" vessel to chemically process vegetable oil into fuel. Learners will discover that making biodiesel is much like cooking, since both are forgiving of improvisation and both require careful technique. This step by step instruction guide includes safety recommendations because the home-brewing process involves flammable, poisonous, and caustic chemicals, alcohols, and lye. Follow all directions carefully and ensure a responsible adult is present.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 2-liter bottles
  • candy thermometer
  • electric burner or hotplate (no gas stoves or flames)
  • funnel
  • 3 or more glass jars (small Mason or baby-food sized)
  • gloves, household cleaning
  • marker
  • 2 Mason jars, 1 pint, with lids
  • measuring cup or beaker
  • metric gram scale
  • pot
  • rags
  • safety goggles
  • spoon, plastic
  • 2 syringes or eyedroppers or pipettes
  • at least one liter vegetable oil (used or new)
  • 1 bottle of methanol gasoline treatment
  • cheesecloth
  • 1 bottle of isopropyl alcohol gasoline treatment
  • 5-10 grams lye
  • litmus strips or electric pH meter (optional)
  • phenolphthalein solution
  • masking tape or labels
  • 1-2 gallons distilled water
  • vinegar

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Acids and Bases
      • Solutions
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Elam, Rob

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Make Projects, 2011