How to Prepare a
Biodiesel Titration Solution
Search this site!
You will need to prepare a biodiesel titration solution before you can begin to titrate. It is simply a solution of water and the dissolved catalyst.
You Will Need:
• 1 gram of
KOH or NaOH
• a sealable container that holds at least 1 liter, made from glass or plastic
• a liquid measuring cup (to measure 1 liter), don't worry you'll just put water in it (you won't need this if your storage container has markings for 1 liter.)
• Distilled water (1 liter)
•
Scale
accurate to .01 gram or better (or follow alternate directions at bottom of page)
• safety goggles
• safety gloves
How to Prepare It:
Mark your 1 liter sealable container with 'Titration Solution' and write the date on it. You may want to include a warning so no one will be tempted to drink it (I used a skull and crossbones).
* The titration solution will oxidize a little more each time you open the container, so it should be replaced every few months.
Use the measuring cup to measure 1 liter of distilled water and pour this into the container marked as the 'Titration Solution'.
Measure 1 gram of the catalyst of your choice out on the scale.
Add the 1 gram of catalyst to the water in the container (be sure to wear gloves and goggles); shake or swirl to help it dissolve (KOH will take much less time to dissolve than lye).
Seal it up until you are ready to Titrate!
Additional Info:
*Check your catalyst for clumping - a sign of oxidization which causes neutralization. If this is the case you should get new catalyst. Catalysts should be stored in a sealed container and when used the container should be promptly sealed back up.
Alternate Directions for a Less Accurate Scale:
It is SO important to have your biodiesel titration solution at an exact concentration of 1/1000. If your scale is accurate to only 0.1 gram, or 0.5 gram you will need to follow this separate set of directions.
*for scales accurate to 0.1 gram:
Measure 1000 mL distilled water into an clean, sealable, plastic or glass container. Add 10 grams of the catalyst, and shake until dissolved. Measure out 100 mL of this solution and dispose of the rest. Pour the 100 mL solution back into the sealable container and add 900 mL distilled water. You're done!
*for scales accurate to 0.05 gram:
Measure 500 mL distilled water into an clean, sealable, plastic or glass container. Add 5 grams of the catalyst, and shake until dissolved. Measure out 100 mL of this solution and dispose of the rest. Pour the 100 mL solution back into the sealable container and add 900 mL distilled water. You're done!
ON TO THE ACTUAL BIODIESEL TITRATION>>
Return from 'Biodiesel Titration' to 'Titration Introduction'
Biodiesel Homepage
