Bio-Diesel Production Demonstration

24th September 2008

Amidst the chaos of collapsing financial markets and rising fuel costs, members of the Lancashire & Cumbria Group attended a master class in alternative fuels given by Chris Elvey of EcotecResources at Ecotec’s purpose built training unit at Bamber Bridge in Preston.

Chris delivered a highly entertaining lesson in making alternative fuels and how simple and easy it is to make bio-diesel from waste cooking oil. During the presentation Chris made a batch of diesel of some 80 litres whilst highlighting the absurdities contained in the disposal of a large number of products which could be used to create diesel but are currently poured into landfill. Chris is of the opinion if there was sufficient joined-up thinking, both our waste problem (landfill) and our reliance on mineral diesel could easily be solved. But of course the Exchequer may be less than happy with the result! Interestingly the cost to produce a litre of bio-diesel excluding the feedstock is now around the 20 pence per litre mark, whilst at retail mineral-diesel is back to £1.20 a litre.

Chris highlighted the ability to make bio-diesel from virtually any waste material and stressed that the production of bio-diesel has not affected the rise in the cost of food, much the reverse. There followed a lively question and answer session where a number of alternative energy concepts were explored. And finally a small competition, can anyone guess what Chris is demonstrating in the following picture?

The winner will be drawn from a hat at our next meeting where the theme of future fuels will be followed up at the next Lancashire & Cumbria meeting on the 23rd of October at UCLAN in Preston. Email: Laurie Boyle MILT Chairman Lancashire & Cumbria Group at laurie-and-alison@hotmail.co.uk

Ecotec Resources UK LTD, Biodiesel technology & supplies, Unit 1 The Old Mill, School Lane, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire PR5 6SY UK enquiries@etruk.com or sales@etruk.com

Tel - +44 -(0)1772-627745
Fax - +44 -(0)1772-628135