See the KTUU piece: "From the Fryer to the Fast Lane" on YouTube

Looking to connect with Alaska Biofuel Folks?

Join the Alaska Biodiesel email discussion list at groups.yahoo.com/groups/alaskabiodiesel

Want the latest information and opinions on the Alaska biofuel scene? Try the Arctic Vegwerks Blog

1. BIODIESEL - mix the oil with alcohol and a hydroxide to remove the sticky glycerin, it can then be used directly in a diesel engine.
2. STRAIGHT VEGETABLE OIL (SVO) - typically a 2-tank system. One tank uses coolant and/or electricity to heat the oil, and then the other is used to purge the lines with diesel or biodiesel for shutdown.
3. VEGETABLE OIL (VO) BLENDS - Use up to 20% vegetable oil mixed in diesel in warmer weather and go. Some companies sell products to improve blending, and some claim that they can blend over 20% vegetable oil without varnishing the cylinders.

There are many companies that will sell you information, processors, kits and chemicals to use vegetable oil as fuel. Some are good, some sound too good to be true, feel free to ask questions at the forum. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch, even 'free' fuel takes time and energy!

Parts for a typical Straight Veggie Oil (SVO) 2-tank conversion or a backyard biodiesel processor start around $1500, although there are shortcuts and deluxe systems. Biodiesel gels around freezing, although can be used in blends at lower temperatures. A gallon of backyard biodiesel typically costs about $2 to make. Because of cost and cold-weather issues, those with mid-90s diesels and earlier may want to consider a 2-tank SVO system. A gallon of SVO runs around a dollar. SVO, however, will definitely void your warranty and is probably not as good of a choice as biodiesel for newer engines. Biodiesel is an approved fuel, Straight Veggie Oil (SVO) and Veggie Oil (VO) blends are not.

Biodiesel is the pour and go solution. No modification to your vehicle is required. SVO involves heating your tank and fuel lines, and possibly adding a second fuel tank.