Biodiesel Reactors

The process of making biodiesel generally utilizes two tanks and a reactor. Reactors are easily identified as they are typically the biggest component of the processor. There are certain requirements that biodiesel reactors must meet in order to produce biofuel in a safe way. What the reactors are made out of, the shape, design and supporting structure all varies from model to model. You may procure a biodiesel reactor on its own or it may be found in the many kits offered by manufacturers. Whatever your biofuel production needs may be there is sure to be a reactor to meet them.

A reaction between a fat and a chemical compound is a very basic description of what biodiesel actually is. The processor houses the oil or fat in one tank and the chemical compound in another while it is being prepared to be released into the reactor. Once the two converge, the oil disintegrates into the chemical being used and it is then that what is known as transesterification occurs. Biodiesel reactors feed the resulting crude glycerin into a storage tank. A suggested method of disposal of crude glycerin is composting it to keep biodiesel production truly green. The biofuel is pumped into a separate tank where it is washed and readied for use.

Most biodiesel reactors feature vents for heat relief or any pressure overflow during the reaction process. Centrifuges are sometimes featured in the more expensive models which help to accelerate chemical reactions. However, this is not a common component in the everyday run-of-the-mill home processor.

Related Information

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