Appendix D
Making Biodiesel Laboratory
(Modified from Loyola University of Chicago: Biodiesel Labs)
Materials (per pair)
1 Mason jar with lid
250-mL graduated cylinder
25-mL graduated cylinder
1 balance or scale
1 weigh boat
1 spatula
100 mL vegetable oil
20 mL methanol
1.0 grams NaOH pellets
Safety:
1. Methanol is highly flammable and sodium hydroxide is highly caustic.
2. Wear safety goggles, aprons, and gloves.
Procedure:
Day 1: Making Sodium methoxide
1. Using a 25-mL graduated cylinder, measure out the methanol in the fume hood and pour it into the Mason jar. Seal the lid.
2. Using a balance, weigh out the NaOH pellets. This step must be done quickly as NaOH pellets absorb water from the atmosphere and this will change the mass.
3. Place the NaOH into the Mason jar, seal the lid, and shake until all the pellets have dissolved.
4. Periodically open the Mason jar under the fume hood to release the pressure. Note any observations.
Day 1: Making crude biodiesel
1. Using a 250-mL graduated cylinder, measure out the vegetable oil.
2. Pour the vegetable oil into the Mason jar and secure the lid.
3. Carefully but vigorously shake the mixture for about 10 minutes.
4. Label your group's jar and place it in the designated area over night.
Day 2: Isolating biodiesel
1. Obtain your group's Mason jar and record any changes.
2. The biodiesel is at the top and the glycerin (waste product) will be at the bottom.
3. Remove as much of the biodiesel as possible and record its volume.
4. Find the designated area of the laboratory with a slanted glass stand with "start" and "end" markings.
5. Place two drops of vegetable oil at the "start" position and time how long it takes for the oil to move to the "end" position.
6. Repeat Step 5 with the newly made biodiesel. Record the times.
Day 2: Clean Up
1. Clean all glassware and bench space with soap and water.
2. Place the Mason jar in the designated area under the fume hood.
Student Questions:
1. What did you observe as you mixed the vegetable oil and the sodium methoxide? Why do you think this happened?
2. In the final product, why was the glycerin at the bottom and biodiesel at the top of the jar?
3. Using 100. mL of vegetable oil, how much biodiesel was made?
4. Calculate the percent yield using volumes of vegetable oil and biodiesel.
5. If you wanted to fill a 10.0-gallon tank with biodiesel, how much vegetable oil would be needed?
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