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Titration
A chemical procedure to determine the amount of catalyst required to neutralize the excess fatty acids in the WVO.
Catalyst
Most commonly used catalysts are Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) commonly known as Lye, and Potassium Hydroxide commonly (KOH) known as Potash.
Methanol
Also called Methyl Alcohol (MeOH or CH3OH).
Methoxide
A solution of alcohol and catalyst (Sodium Methoxide or Potassium Methoxide). EXCESSIVELY CAUSTIC AND FLAMMABLE!
Glycerin
The by product of the transesterification
process.
Transesterification
Transesterification is the chemical conversion of vegetable oils or animal fats involving a base catalyzed process.
Reactor
The tank used to process WVO. This includes preheating oil, transesterification process, washing fuel, and drying.
Methoxide tank
The tank used to mix alcohol and the base usually Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide to form the catalyst used in Transesterification.
Water Wash
A process using water that removes any remaining free glycerin, methanol, catalyst from the fuel remaining from the Transesterfication process.
Dry Wash
A waterless method used to remove impurities from biodiesel using Magnesium Silicate, Ion-Exchange resins, or an absorbent.
Drying
The removal of residual water from the fuel after water washing using heat or desiccant.
Emulsion
An oil-in-water emulsion consists of small droplets of oil that are surrounded by soap molecules. May look like 2% milk or custard. There are many forms of emulsion.
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