Biodiesel Proposal Version 2.0 (Outline) Funding: from Janet Hering? How will funds be managed (i.e. by Prof.

Hering, by the club) Club organization: do we want to be an official club? How much should people pay for dues? Should people who are using the biodiesel pay more? Reactor: description of reactor design Description of process for making biodiesel: (From MHF proposal): Caltech dining facilities currently generate about 40 gallons of waste fryer oil per week. This oil, using a process know as transesterification, can be converted into a useable form of diesel fuel, known as biodiesel. A brief overview of the process would be: 1. Obtain waster fryer oil. 2. Test oil for free fatty acids and water (titration and boiling). 3. Heat oil to 130F. 4. Make catalyst, sodium methoxide by mixing methanol and lye. 5. Mix catalyst and oil and agitate for 1-2 hours. 6. Allow mixture to settle 8-36 hours. Settling will separate the byproducts of glycerol, soap, water, and some methanol from the biodiesel. 7. Drain off glycerol/soap layer 8. Water wash, using a mist or bubble method, biodiesel layer to remove remaining soap 9. Let fuel sit until water haze clears and fuel is dry 10. Filter to 5 microns and use or store up to 1 year Safety concerns (from MHF proposal): The lye and the methanol are the two most hazardous elements. Everything after the reaction with the oil is pretty safe. Normal safety precautions would have to be observed. Long sleeves (shops coats would be best), safety glasses (goggle type again would be best). The byproducts are soap and glycerol, which are both biodegradable. The flashpoint of biodiesel is lower than petroleum diesel, and far lower than gasoline, so storage and spillage are not a major concern. The methanol and lye would be kept in locked storage cabinets. The finished biodiesel can be stored in 55-gallon drums for up to a year. There are many pumps available that can pump directly from a 55-gallon drum to a car. See the McMaster-Carr catalog PN 6753K31 for an example. Organizational and Logistical issues and contacts (from MHF proposal): ) John van Deusen has contacted: - Deborah Walker, of Caltech Dining Services - Joe Parker, Superintendent of Shops

- Casimir Scislowicz, Director of Environment, Health and Safety Services - Reza Ohadi, Associate Director of Campus Operations to discuss logistical and safety issues surrounding this proposal. This contact was by telephone and so we have no written record of this. Joe Parker was contacted to find out where we could set up the processor. He is the one that has procured the space for us in the satellite area. Reza Ohadi was contacted to keep him abreast of what our plans were. John van Deusen has been in constant contact with Casimir Scislowicz. He sent them all an email to invite them to see the Fuel Meister system that was demonstrated at Earth Day. Good communication, coordination, and cooperation with Caltech staff will obviously be essential to the success of this endeavor. Storage of chemicals:
Component Chemical Eye Protection (Specify Methanol: see also Methanol health and safety at end Type) Chemical safety goggles Face Shield (Optional/Required ) Optional Respiratory Protection (Specify Type) Adequate ventilation, supplied-air or self contained breathing apparatus operated in positive pressure Caustic (Sodium hydroxide) Safety Goggles Required mode APR P-100 if respirable dust measuremen t exceeds (0.5 mg/m3) during mixing Rubber or Vinyl Rubber or Vinyl Apron Required Steel-Toed Boots Hand Protection (Specify Type) Rubber gloves Body Protection (Specify Type) Aprons and suits imperviou s to methyl alcohol Foot Protection (Specify Type) Steel-Toed Boot

also: Biodiesel Glycerine (storage and disposal) Provide MSDS for each chemical Overall process for bringing biodiesel to Caltech: Make the reactor Make a test batch of biodiesel

Determine how much biodiesel per week we want to make (John to talk to Dining Services about flexibility of oil collection) Use club dues to fund purchases of methanol and lye Biodiesel will be used initially in 2 cars owned by club members. These individuals will sign waivers Note: someone should write up a waiver In future, others within the Caltech community can join the club and use biodiesel. Once we have our reactor working, we intend to pursue further research goals: Decreasing byproducts of the manufacturing process Increasing capacity to handle more raw material (i.e. automation Increasing efficiency of the fuel burning Feasibility of running an electric generator on biodiesel Methanol Health and Safety Instructions: Has to be stored separately from sodium hydroxide (a form of lye) Handling and Storage Protect against physical damage. Store in a cool, dry well-ventilated location, away from any area where the fire hazard may be acute. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Separate from incompatibles. Containers should be bonded and grounded for transfers to avoid static sparks. Storage and use areas should be No Smoking areas. Use nonsparking type tools and equipment, including explosion proof ventilation. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (vapors, liquid); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product (in the MSDS sheet). Do not attempt to clean empty containers since residue is difficult to remove. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind or expose such containers to heat, sparks, flame, static electricity or other sources of ignition: they may explode and cause injury or death. Ventilation System: A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Use explosion-proof equipment. (Storing outside but in a cool place may be an alternative) Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved): If the exposure limit is exceeded and engineering controls are not feasible, wear a supplied air, full-facepiece respirator, airlined hood, or full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus. Breathing air quality must meet the requirements of the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29CFR1910.134). This substance has poor warning properties. Skin Protection: Rubber or neoprene gloves and additional protection including impervious boots, apron, or coveralls, as needed in areas of unusual exposure. Eye Protection: Use chemical safety goggles. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.