Biodiesel Workshop at State Line Farm
With the high cost of energy these days, there are those who are looking to reduce some of the risk of further cost increases by producing their own fuel. For John Williamson at Stateline Farm in Shaftsbury, VT, this fuels production starts in the field with the planting of oilseed crops such as sunflowers and canola, and ends in the barn housing his biodiesel processing equipment.
On June 3rd, producers, extension faculty and staff, community members, and more gathered at Stateline Farm for an On Farm Biodiesel Workshop. In the morning session, Matt Rudolf and Tim Angert from Peidmont Biofuels, a North Carolina biodiesel education organization, taught a hands-on biodiesel making class. This was followed in the afternoon by a tour of the biodiesel facility and process happening right there at Stateline Farm. Here are some snapshots from the day:
Here's where it all begins...
Extension Assistant Professor Heather Darby discusses the different oilseed crops that they are growing at Stateline Farm.
Check out the research that UVM has been doing for more info on crop types, costs, etc.: Alternatives for On-Farm Energy Enhancement in Vermont:Oilseed for Feed and Fuel
Harvested Seed
Getting out that oil!!
We got to look at two of the oilseed press options: Chinese and European. Both have pros and cons. The Chinese model is more affordable but may require some modifications and supervision. The European model is more expensive and a bit slower, but doesn't require as much fiddling with after purchase. I will try to get a link up here soon to more information. For now you could try contacting:
Vermont Biofuels Association
P.O. Box 307
Middlebury, VT 05753
Phone: 802 388-1328
Fax: 802 388-0210
info@vermontbiofuels.org
Once the oil is pressed, the fun has just begun...
Getting ready to do a titration to find out how much Lye we will need to complete out biodiesel reaction.
Aha! The pink indicates we have hit the right amount of lye.
So we measure out the amount of lye we just figured....
Mix it with some methanol...
Then add the oil...
And shake it!!
Next, we poured it into this contraption in order to let the glycerine and biodiesel separate. We would then be able to remove the glycerine and be left with biodiesel!!
It is usually a good idea to wash your biodiesel after processing. Piedmont Biofuels has a nifty piece of equipment in their travelling biodiesel processor that mists water into the biodiesel. That water then settles out, taking soaps and other impurities with it.
Stateline Farm Biodiesel Facility
John Williamson of Stateline Farm explains how they got started making their own fuel, how their facility works, and plans for the future.