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bio diesel boiler

Comments

  • big willy
    big willy Member Posts: 92
    bio diesel boiler

    One of the things about working in northern California is questions like this. A coustomer wants to run the curent furnace with bio diesel. Also they want to change to raidiant heating with a oil fired boiler in the next year. I told them I would get back to them. The boiler manufacturer said it would void the warrenty and that they don't suggest it, But is would probably work. I have reserched bio diesel and it seems that if you use 100% as aposed to a blend you have to make sure you keep it warm. now I think that would be fairly easy using a filter or some other small vessel in the boiler room that would stay as warm as the room. I have to say I am tempted to just say I think it will work but no warrenty from me or the manufacturer. Just because I love a challenge. Somthing unique like this is fun. So the question is has anyone seen this. I know he cant be the first to think of it.
  • Weezbo
    Weezbo Member Posts: 6,231
    looking at a Buderus ?

    check out INOV8 International.com i think they have a burner bolted up to a small Buderus that might be the ticket... Vegetable oil burner :)

    Dude, i am computer flutzicated however i will try something a? it may or may not work out though...

    Google INOV8 INTERNATIONAL ,INC

    there is a definite site i just do not know how to turn the writing blue:(
  • Steve Ebels_3
    Steve Ebels_3 Member Posts: 1,291
    It has to be kept warm

    A school system downstate recently had to cancel all classes because 37 buses fueled with Bio Diesel would not start because they gelled up at -5* a few days ago.
  • big willy
    big willy Member Posts: 92
    weezbo

    I cant find that link Iwould like to check it out is there a site it originated from ? thanks
  • ttekushan_3
    ttekushan_3 Member Posts: 964
    true biodiesel

    doesn't have to be warmed. [edit: how does fuel oil do at -5 degrees? Really. I don't work with oil heat and don't know.] "Straight Vegetable Oil" (SVO) is merely filtered and as such should be kept at about 180 degrees F to flow properly. Biodiesel is transestherized (with methanol and lye) to separate out what amounts to oil soap. Biodiesel shouldn't require heating.

    The only concern to me would be the compatibility of the burner's rubber parts with vegetable based fuels.

    There's a wealth of info out there on biodiesel, its blends, and SVO.

    I regularly fill up with B20 (20% bio) in 25 year old diesel auto with no ill effect on seals, etc.

    I'm curious myself on how it could supplement/replace fuel oil.

    I have to admit, I would only try this on my own boiler if I used oil, since a) set up with an analyzer is essential, b) random switching of fuels could cause a problem, c) a voided warranty is a voided warranty and having anything to do with that on a client's boiler just wouldn't be right.

    -Terry

    Terry T

    steam; proportioned minitube; trapless; jet pump return; vac vent. New Yorker CGS30C

  • ttekushan_3
    ttekushan_3 Member Posts: 964

    Terry T

    steam; proportioned minitube; trapless; jet pump return; vac vent. New Yorker CGS30C

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