A biodiesel processor is just a tank in which oil, methanol and Lye can be mixed together. As such it is a simple machine with few moving parts.

The mixing may be done with a motor and mixer. In smaller systems mixing is done with a pump which circulates the fluids thus mixing them.

The chemicals that are used in biodiesel production are methanol and caustic soda (lye). Both of these are hazardous and need to be properly contained. The reaction vessel must be sealed and vented to the outside atmosphere: this is very important.

The best material to use for a biodiesel processor is grade 304 stainless steel. For small-scale intermittent-production processors mild steel and cast iron are often used. This is a compromise which is usually done for cost reasons; the processor is usually inherently safe with steel construction.

On really cheap systems plastics are used. This is a poor choice which is made due to convenience and cost. Plastics are chemically compatible with methanol and caustic chemicals and they do work as a reaction vessels. But, problems will come about if ever there is a fire in the area. As most people know plastics burn very well and the thought of hundreds of liters of methanol laden biodiesel catching fire is the stuff of nightmares.

This really is the reason that I am against the use of plastic in biodiesel processors. If you have a fire in an area and you have a properly designed steel or stainless steel vessel, you will have time to fight the fire; not so with a plastic vessel.

As was said earlier, making biodiesel is a simple process. I know of people who make biodiesel quite happily in a bucket, but it is not really safe practice to do so.

I always advise people to not compromise with safety, after all saving a few dollars on iodiesel is not worth the risk to life and limb of an unsafe system.

For more common sense information on Biodiesel related issues visit http://www.home-made-biodiesel.com

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