Renewable Fuels
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PRAISE FOR FROM THE FRYER TO THE FUEL TANK: “Even if you have no understanding of chemistry, [From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank] is written in such a way as to make it all seem far less daunting – indeed, almost fun...After reading this book, I really felt like going out and making some biodiesel!” Lance Turner, ReNew Magazine “This informative guide is much more than a book of instructions on how to run a car on vegetable oil...it offers not only clear explanations of the nuts and bolts of its subject matter, but also incisive social and political commentary, information about the environmental issues associated with our transportation choices, a strong ecological ethic, and some great stories.” Chris Roth, Talking Leaves Journal “In the United States alone over three billion gallons of used vegetable oil is produced every year. This free fuel source can be easily modified to burn in Diesel engines by following the simple instructions in this book.” Real Goods Catalog “The bottom line is that you and I can make our own bio-diesel fuel. We the people can run our diesel cars, tractors, generators, boats, and all with recycled cooking oil...It’s a slick way to a less polluted world and a little more self-reliance. I would recommend this book for the slightly skilled alternative energy enthusiast. It’s good reading.” Tim Reed, Earth Quarterly Magazine “Joshua Tickell’s ‘Gretta, the Greasy Jetta’ and ‘Veggie Van’ run on user-‘refined’ worn-out fryer grease, leaving the aroma of fish & chips in their wakes...From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank details the how-to aspects.” J. Baldwin, Whole Earth Magazine “With a minimal investment and a willingness to get your hands greasy, make diesel fuel from waste vegetable oil. From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank tells you how, in a clear and entertaining fashion!” Jade Mountain Catalog “I’m sold on biodiesel as a result of reading this book.” Kelly Larson, Alternative Energy Engineering, Redway, California “I just read From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank. I’m selling all my vehicles, converting them to diesel, and buying a diesel generator to back up the power in my Earthship!” Keith Lindauer, Rico, Colorado “I bought From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank...and now am driving around on my homemade fuel. The fuel is clear amber, the exhaust smells like a BBQ, the truck runs fine, over 500 miles so far...The only downside I can see is that I’m always craving a burger, and I don’t even eat beef!” Tim Gerrits, Kelseyville, California “From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank is a serious book on making your own waste vegetable oil biodiesel. Good theory and practice in one book – a must read.” Dr. Thomas B. Reed, Director, Biomass Energy Foundation, Golden, Colorado “Joshua Tickell has given a whole new meaning to the expression ‘Now you’re cooking with gas!’...From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank makes this fascinating concept fun and easy to understand!” Reed Berry and Kenny Morse, Co-Hosts “Traffic Jam,” KRLA Radio, Los Angeles, California “This is the way the world changes...Josh Tickell...is a truly great human and I’m proud to be on the same planet with him.” Richard Perez, editor of Home Power Magazine “Joshua Tickell...has inspired thousands world-wide to look into a fossil fuel-free future.” The Scotsman, Edinburgh, Scotland “Joshua Tickell...educates millions by spreading the word about cost-effective renewable energies kept in kitchen cabinets and restaurant alleys...he encourages people to enhance their environment by looking in places they would never imagine.” Prism Magazine “From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank is incredibly informative and very inspiring.” Ricky Baruc and Deb Habib, Seeds of Solidarity Farm and Education Center, Orange, Massachusetts “If you have any interest in biodiesel at all, run, do not walk, and buy this book. It not only explains the how, but the why.” Steve Spence, New York City, New York “If you are serious about learning all the ins and outs of biodiesel, From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank is worth every penny and very well written for details. I would highly recommend it.” Steve Ferguson, Louisville, Kentucky “I got From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank Friday, and couldn’t put it down until I read the whole thing. I am 47 years old and still remember the fuel shortages of the early 70s. As soon as the shortage was over, everyone seemed to forget about it. I haven’t forgotten.” George Yeagley, Uniontown, Pennsylvania “I have read and re-read From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank and have enjoyed it both for style and certainly for content.” Leon Hale, Commonwealth of Dominica “From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank has my head swimming with ideas. Thank you for the information in your book and the inspiration you have handed me.” Ron Cascio, Ocean City, Maryland “I just got From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank yesterday and am now trying to scrounge components. Great book, thanks for writing it!” Jerry Simons, Austin, Texas “I have read From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank and am very impressed...I thank you deeply for writing such a wonderful book.” Michael Menzies, Estacada, Oregon “I would like to say many thanks to you for your good book. Very interesting, very literary.” Dr. Guanyi Chen, Hong Kong “You have a real talent for presenting technical information in informative and entertaining ways. Additionally, your social and political comments are right on. I look to individuals of your caliber to lead us well into the 21st century.” Forrest Hadfield, Seattle, Washington “I firmly believe that it is through grassroots efforts like yours that renewable energy will become a reality. Your efforts demonstrate for people first-hand that renewable energy is not just a dream for the future.” Dr. John J. Sheehan, Biotechnology Center for Fuels and Chemicals, National Renewable Energy Laboratory From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel Third Edition Joshua Tickell Edited by: Kaia Roman JOSHUA TICKELL PUBLICATIONS NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA JOSHUATICKELL.COM Cover design by Joshua Tickell with artwork by Mark Hall and Sonic Cinema. The “Veggie Car” pictured on front is Joshua Tickell’s 1971 Nissan/Datsun 240z. The Veggie Car has been custom painted and retrofitted with a turbocharged, in-line 6-cylinder LD28 Nissan Diesel engine that gets over 30 miles per gallon with a top speed of over 120mph. Information about the Veggie Car is online at www.VeggieCar.com. Copyright © 2003 Joshua Tickell. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by information storage and retrieval system without prior written permission of the author. Published by Joshua Tickell Publications, 1000 Bourbon St. #354, New Orleans LA 70116 www.JoshuaTickell.com Printed in the United States of America ISBN 0-9707227-0-2 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 99-73501 Copies of From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank may be ordered directly from BookMasters. Discounts are available for bulk orders. For ordering information see www.FromTheFryer.com or contact: BookMasters P.O. Box 388 Ashland, OH 44805 800-266-5564 or 419-281-1802 Fax 419-281-6883 Email [email protected] ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to the many people who contributed their valuable time and input to this book. Special thanks to Kaia Roman, Thomas Reed, Bill Holmberg, Dan Cartier, Greg Piraino, Phillip Lusk, Georg Lohmann, Tim Gerrits, Rico Cruz, Joseph Padula, John Wiles, Carl Bielenberg, Hugh Brown, Duane Moore, Theodore Wendler, Lee Connah, Agua Das, Randall von Wedel, Jeff Beller, John Klein, Steve Spence, Howard Haines, Doug Littlefield, Harry Rakfeldt, Marc Cardoso, James Tasma, Tobias Jachmann, Zbigniew Pagowski, Reinhard Lonsing, Bengt Jonsson, Charles MacArthur, Jim Hightower, as well as Paul Scudder, Karsten Henckell, and all of the faculty and staff at New College, Joseph Jobe, Sam McCahon, Steve Howell, Roy Truesdale, and everyone at the National Biodiesel Board, K. Shaine Tyson, John Sheehan, and all of the researchers at NREL, Richard and Karen Perez, and everyone at Home Power Magazine. I wish to express special gratitude to Mary Devereux and Brooks Trotter, Brian Tickell, Gene and Deborah Dupre Wheeler, and Grant and Judy Dupre who through their constant support and encouragement, made this book possible. TABLE OF CONTENTS DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................ 1 PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................... 3 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 5 SECTION ONE WHY V EGETABLE OIL? ................................................................................................. 7 CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM: FOSSIL FUELS .................................................................................................. 9 Fossil Fuel ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Problem #1: Fossil Fuel is Running Out ...................................................................................................... 11 Problem #2: Fossil Fuels Shrink Our Economy ........................................................................................