This is a reminder about the biodiesel production classes I"m doing in
the next 10 days in Berkeley, CA- the beginner class this weekend still
has some spaces, though the advanced class next weekend is nearly full.
To register for either class, see www.girlmark.com/tour - I'll post a
note if we fill up.

Hands-on Biodiesel Production Course

Beginner Biodiesel Homebrew Class
Feb 17-18, 10-4, $120
No experience necessary

Advanced Biodiesel Homebrew Class
Feb 24-25, 9-5, $120
Must have prior experience homebrewing, or have attended a previous
biodiesel homebrew class, or have made some test batches at home prior
to the class

See www.girlmark.com/tour to register

These two classes are offered either separately or as a two-weekend
course. Information given will not overlap between the two weekends.

Beginner class covers:
-biodiesel/SVO/solvent thinning options and history, biodiesel
chemistry, testing oil (titration and water testing), making test
batches, an overview of equipment, hands-on reactor build for a few
students at the end of Sunday's class, quality control factors, quality
testing, mistwashing and other water washing options, breaking emulsion,
two-stage base biodiesel, waste water and glycerine disposal, reuse,
common pitfalls, hands-on experience recovering from failed batches and
emulsion, safety

Advanced class covers:
quality control in great detail, analysis of real-world problems with
offspec biodiesel, acid-base biodiesel process, advanced topics in
dewatering, testing for soap,methanol recovery and equipment design,
testing recovered methanol for purity, waterless washing with Amberlite
and Magnesol, larger-scale equipment design (for co-ops or small farms),
treating wash water and glycerine for disposal, testing wash water and
glycerine, real-world test results related to biodegradability, in-depth
disposal/sidestreams discussion, burning glycerine safely for energy,
hydronic applications for biodiesel and wash water heating, more
advanced discussion of safety and disaster prevention scenarios for
larger-scale processor systems, discussion of regulatory topics for
non-commercial producers larger than homebrew, solar heating options,
very through discussion/demonstration of several different options in
washing, including drawbacks and advantages, greywater systems for wash
water recycling, and discussion of the scientific process, how to set up
experiments properly, and common pitfalls in experiments

To register:
www.girlmark.com/tour