Oilseeds for Fuel, Feed and the Future
Innovations Grant Report
(adapted from the PowerPoint Presentation ~ The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly: Self Production & Use of Biodiesel & RSVO Irrigation System)
By Zach Wirth, Rocking Z Ranch, Wolf Creek Montana
Presented in Polson, Montana
October 2007
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Figure 1
The Rocking Z Ranch |
For convenience the original PDF is also available [PDF/1MB] |
Reasons:
- Make the operation sustainable, self sufficient, sustainable
- Control fuel costs
Fuel Quality
- RSVO and UFO are not biodiesel because they can
- Might produce engine deposits
- Might foul fuel filters
- Need a secondary prep/purge-system
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Figure 2
Examples of Fuel Corrosion |
Feedstock & Fuel
The Good
- Purchased RSVO–
- UFO in green tank
- Dyed (later bio) diesel in silver tank to start/stop engine
- Pump house, day tank & heat exchanger, John Deere 80-hp diesel pump; it worked
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Figure 3
Fan/blower on outside RSVO to help preheat |
Figure 4 |
The Bad
- Too rapid cooling of RSVO fuel, injectors, pump
- Fuel filter replacement
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| Figure 5 |
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Figure 6
Rocking Z Biodiesel Schematic |
Reactor
The Good
- Same vessel for reaction and separation
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Figure 7
Rocking Z Reactor Schematic |
Water Washing
The Good
- Removes contaminants (soap, methanol, free glycerin, and catalyst).
- Use "gentle" agitation to avoid emulsions
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Figure 8
Rocking Z Water Washing Schematic |
The Bad
- High free fatty acid content in UFO requires more methanol, catalyst and washing
- Titration helps estimate reactants
- This is a chemical process and needs watching; you cannot walk away and assume things go right
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Figure 9
Rocking Z Biodiesel Setup |
For More Information
- Zach & Patty Wirth, Rocking Z Ranch
2020 Chavalier Rd, Wolf Creek, 406-458-3890
- EZ Biodiesel
- Others
- National Biodiesel Education Program
www.biodieseleducation.org
Jon Van Gerpen
406-885-7626
- Montana DEQ Bioenergy Program
406-841-5200
deq.mt.gov
hhaines@mt.gov
CoProducts as Resources
- Glycerin will be mixed with straw compost. Other options to explore:
- Road dust suppressant
- Sewage treatment accelerant (Helena)
- Home-made old-time soap
- Wash water, Grey water use as surfactant
Thanks to:
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