Upcoming Homebrewing Biodiesel Classes I'm teaching at the BioFuel Oasis and the
Solar Living Institute:

Homebrewing Biodiesel
BioFuel Oasis, 1441 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, CA
Sunday, August 16th, 9 a.m- 4 p.m. Cost: $90
Jennifer Radtke will teach this active Homebrewing class-- you’ll make a small
batch of fuel during the class. You’ll learn the
whole process from testing the veggie oil, brewing the biodiesel, washing it,
filtering it, and putting it in your vehicle.
To enroll: http://www.biofueloasis.com/?page_id=7#urban_farm_class

Biodiesel 101:  How to Make & Use Biodiesel
Solar Living Institute, Hopland, CA
Saturday, September 12, 2009, 9am-5pm
Is it really possible to transform everyday cooking oil into safe and reliable
fuel?
Yes—and in this popular class you’ll learn everything you need to run your
vehicle on 100% biodiesel: testing the fuel, brewing the biodiesel,
washing it, filtering it, and putting it in your vehicle.
Register at http://www.solarliving.org/store/product.asp?catid=13&pid=1990

Biodiesel 201:  Build Your Own Biodiesel Processor
Solar Living Institute, Hopland, CASunday, September 13, 2009, 9am-5pm
Manufactured biodiesel processors can cost anywhere from $1500 to $7000. In this
workshop, you’ll learn how to build your own, small-scale (~40 gallon)
biodiesel processor from start to finish using materials that cost less
than $700!
The first five students who sign up will have the option to bring their
materials to build a processor in class (contact us for more details).
Or, if you prefer, learn by assisting someone else.
For more info. and to register, see:
http://www.solarliving.org/store/product.asp?catid=13&pid=1991

I am teaching an Advanced Topics class in Concord, CA (SF Bay Area
suburbs) on Sat-Sun April 18-19, with a one-day optional Introduction To
Biodiesel Production class the day before on Friday, Apr 17th:

Advanced Topics requires prior experience or attendance at Introduction
class or similar class taught by myself or Jennifer Radtke, Andrew Morris,
or other instructors, please see website for more info.

Registration info is at www.girlmark.com/tour

there's an early-bird discount- $95 for the weekend class if registering
before Feb 15, and $108 if registering before April 1.
Regular registration is $140 for the weekend Advanced class and $75 for
the one-day Introduction class.


*********************
Topics covered in Advanced Topics class:


working with high-free-fatty-acid oil

working with high-water feedstocks

acidulating glycerine and wash water for easier disposal and cost savings

testing biodiesel, glycerine, and wash water for soap

producing biodiesel from oils recovered from glycerine

acid-catalyzed esterification options

methanol recovery from biodiesel (GL-1 process) and glycerine.

using glycerine as a solvent in various stages of the process

There will be an extensive hands-on section of the class devoted to
techniques for making biodiesel using ethanol instead of methanol, and we
will discuss small-scale fuel ethanol production.

We will also discuss water-free soap removal such as the use of the GL-1
process and ion exchange resins.

Introduction class: there is a hands-on, introductory class for those with
no prior experience, on the Friday before the Advanced Class.

Registration info is posted at www.girlmark.com/tour

There are still spaces left in my upcoming classes, including the class this
Sunday.   Best, Jennifer

Upcoming Biodiesel/Veggie Oil Classes at the BioFuel Oasis and the Solar Living
Institute:

Homebrewing Biodiesel
Jennifer Radtke will teach this active Homebrewing class-- you’ll make a batch
of fuel during the class.  You’ll learn the
whole process from testing the veggie oil, brewing the biodiesel,
washing it, filtering it, and putting it in your vehicle.
BioFuel Oasis, 2465 4th St, Berkeley, California
Sunday, February 15th 9 a.m- 4 p.m. Cost: $90
To enroll please email: Biodevas@... the subject heading: Feb
15th class.

Veggie Oil 101
BioFuel Oasis, 2465 4th St, Berkeley, California
Sunday March 1st 11 a.m- 3p.m. Cost: $40
An overview of concepts, issues and descriptions of converting a diesel car to
run on Straight Vegetable Oil.
This class will include guest speakers who specialize in a diversity of
Veggie Oil conversions.  Taking this class is a great way to educate
yourself if you are entertaining the idea of getting a veggie oil
conversion.
BioFuel Oasis, 2465 4th St, Berkeley, California
Sunday March 1st 11 a.m- 3p.m. Cost: $40
To enroll please email: Biodevas@... the subject heading: March
1st class.

Biodiesel 101: How To Make & Use Biodiesel
The Green Building Exchange, South San Francisco
Saturday, Feb 28, 2009, 9am-5pm
Is it really possible to transform everyday cooking oil into safe and reliable
fuel?
Yes—and
in this popular class you’ll learn everything you need to run your
vehicle on 100% biodiesel: testing the fuel, brewing the biodiesel,
washing it, filtering it, and putting it in your vehicle.
Register at http://www.solarliving.org/store/product.asp?catid=13&pid=1986

Biodiesel 201: Build Your Own Biodiesel Processor
The Green Building Exchange, South San Francisco
Sunday, March 1, 2009, 9am-5pm
Manufactured
biodiesel processors can cost anywhere from $1500 to $7000. In this
workshop, you’ll learn how to build your own, small-scale (~40 gallon)
biodiesel processor from start to finish using materials that cost less
than $700!
The
first five students who sign up will have the option to bring their
materials to build a processor in class (contact us for more details).
Or, if you prefer, learn by assisting someone else.
For more info. and to register, see:
http://www.solarliving.org/store/product.asp?catid=13&pid=1983

I am teaching an Advanced Topics class in Concord, CA (SF Bay Area
suburbs) on Sat-Sun April 18-19, with a one-day optional Introduction To
Biodiesel Production class the day before on Friday, Apr 17th:
Advanced Topics requires prior experience or attendance at Introduction
class or similar class taught by myself or Jennifer Radtke, Andrew Morris,
or other instructors, please see website for more info.

Registration info is at www.girlmark.com/tour
*********************
Topics covered in Advanced Topics class:


working with high-free-fatty-acid oil

working with high-water feedstocks

acidulating glycerine and wash water for easier disposal and cost savings

testing biodiesel, glycerine, and wash water for soap

producing biodiesel from oils recovered from glycerine

acid-catalyzed esterification options

methanol recovery from biodiesel (GL-1 process) and glycerine.

using glycerine as a solvent in various stages of the process

There will be an extensive hands-on section of the class devoted to
techniques for making biodiesel using ethanol instead of methanol, and we
will discuss small-scale fuel ethanol production.

We will also discuss water-free soap removal such as the use of the GL-1
process and ion exchange resins.

Introduction class: there is a hands-on, introductory class for those with
no prior experience, on the Friday before the Advanced Class.

Registration info will be posted at www.girlmark.com/tour shortly

Upcoming Classes at the BioFuel Oasis and the Solar Living Institute:

Homebrewing Biodiesel
Jennifer Radtke will teach this active Homebrewing class-- you’ll make a batch
of fuel during the class.  You’ll learn the
whole process from testing the veggie oil, brewing the biodiesel,
washing it, filtering it, and putting it in your vehicle.
BioFuel Oasis, 2465 4th St, Berkeley, California
Sunday, February 15th 9 a.m- 4 p.m. Cost: $90
To enroll please email: Biodevas@... the subject heading: Feb
15th class.

Veggie Oil 101
BioFuel Oasis, 2465 4th St, Berkeley, California
Sunday March 1st 11 a.m- 3p.m. Cost: $40
An overview of concepts, issues and descriptions of converting a diesel car to
run on Straight Vegetable Oil.
This class will include guest speakers who specialize in a diversity of
Veggie Oil conversions.  Taking this class is a great way to educate
yourself if you are entertaining the idea of getting a veggie oil
conversion.
BioFuel Oasis, 2465 4th St, Berkeley, California
Sunday March 1st 11 a.m- 3p.m. Cost: $40
To enroll please email: Biodevas@... the subject heading: March
1st class.

Biodiesel 101: How To Make & Use Biodiesel
The Green Building Exchange, South San Francisco
Saturday, Feb 28, 2009, 9am-5pm
Is it really possible to transform everyday cooking oil into safe and reliable
fuel?
Yes—and
in this popular class you’ll learn everything you need to run your
vehicle on 100% biodiesel: testing the fuel, brewing the biodiesel,
washing it, filtering it, and putting it in your vehicle.
Register at http://www.solarliving.org/store/product.asp?catid=13&pid=1986

Biodiesel 201: Build Your Own Biodiesel Processor
The Green Building Exchange, South San Francisco
Sunday, March 1, 2009, 9am-5pm
Manufactured biodiesel processors can cost anywhere from $1500 to $7000. In this
workshop, you’ll learn how to build your own, small-scale (~40 gallon)
biodiesel processor from start to finish using materials that cost less than
$700!
The first five students who sign up will have the option to bring their
materials to build a processor in class (contact us for more details).
Or, if you prefer, learn by assisting someone else.
For more info. and to register, see:
http://www.solarliving.org/store/product.asp?catid=13&pid=1983

Hands-on Biodiesel Equipment Build & Lab Class
with Andrew Morris & John Shean
In Fremont, Saturday, Dec. 7 9:30-5:30
$95 Or $175 for the both days - (Homebrewing on Sat.)
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the the opportunity to build your own appleseed
processor or customized appleseed.  There will be continued hands on
lab work from the the Saturday Class.

During this class each participant will have ample time to build a
processor or help the other participants with putting a processor
together.  We will also continue with lab exercises and hands on
practice with washing and drying biodiesel from Saturday's Class.

This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Fremont, Saturday, Dec. 6 9:30-5:30
$95 Or $175 for the both days - (Lab/Equipment Build On Sunday)
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol/By-Product Layer and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc

What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, July 26 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol/By-Product Layer and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc

What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, July 19 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol/By-Product Layer and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc

What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Sunday, June 22 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol/By-Product Layer and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc

PS. Saturday Class is Full.


What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher


Andrew

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, June 21 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol/By-Product Layer and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc


What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Come celebrate sustainable biodiesel and our new
station:

Biodiesel Film Festival
Wednesday, April 30, 7 pm
$10 - $20 sliding scale
La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave,
Berkeley; 510-849-2589

For more details, please see our Website:
www.biofueloasis.com

See you there! -Jennifer, BioFuel Oasis


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
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know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now. 
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Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, May 10 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol/By-Product Layer and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc


What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Brew Your Own Biodiesel!
April 26-27, 9am - 5pm
Commonweal Garden, Bolinas, CA

Learn how to homebrew your own biodiesel from recycled
vegetable oil collected from restaurant deep fryers!

Jennifer Radtke, of BioFuel Oasis in Berkeley, will
inspire and educate you in the production of
biodiesel. In this class, you will learn how to
collect oil, test it, make it into biodiesel, and
build the equipment to do it. You'll get hands-on
experience testing oil and making a small batch of
fuel. On the second day, we will build biodiesel
processors and make a full batch of fuel in Commonweal
Garden's processor.

If you would like to build your own processor as part
of the class, please register 2-3 weeks in advance so
you have time to order and receive all the parts (they
cost about $600 total).

Course Fee:
$250 Full Tuition
Registration and payment must be received by April 18

$225 - Early Bird Special, if payment received by
March 28

Register at:
http://www.regenerativedesign.org/courses-events/biodiesel


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page.
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Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, April 12 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol/By-Product Layer and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc


What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

I realized just now that it may look like I spammed our NorCal list with
out-of-state workshops. If you can scroll down through my very long post,
you'll see there are a few Oakland workshops listed right before Memorial
Day. Sorry about the length of that announcement.

As always, please send your biodiesel or SVO events announcements to us at
norcal-biodiesel-events-owner@yahoogroups.com , and one of the several
moderators will put it up for you.


Mark

Biodiesel Production Classes with Maria 'girl Mark' Alovert
Spring-summer 2008
www.girlmark.com/tour

Detailed class descriptions at bottom of this post:


Wilmington, NC:
Biodiesel Production Crash Course

April 4: Introduction To Biodiesel Homebrewing
April 5-6 Biodiesel Production System Tricks (must have prior experience
or attend Friday class first)

These are two separate classes, you may take both or just one depending on
your level of experience and interest.
Sponsored by Cape Fear Biofuels
**************************************

Brooksville, FL
April 26-27
Advanced Topics biodiesel class
(must have prior experience or have attended an introductory class- some
of my recent students are offering a class in Tampa on March 30, see
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/FloridaBiodiesel):

**************************************
Marietta, OH
May 17-18
Biodiesel Essentials class
no experience required

**************************************
Oklahoma City, OK area
June 21-22
Biodiesel Essentials class
no experience required

**************************************
Grayslake, IL
May 30-June 1:
Introduction To Biodiesel Homebrewing: May 30
Outgrowing The Appleseed: Larger Batch System Considerations (must have
prior experience or attend introductory class), May 31-June 1

The May 31-June 1 class is similar to Advanced Topics, but with a special
focus on larger batches and farm/fleet/co-op production falling below true
commercial scale.
Sponsored by The Biodiesel Co-op at Prairie Crossing

**************************************

Biodiesel Production Series
Pittsboro, NC:
various dates. You may attend one of all of the classes depending on your
experience and interest.

May 3-4 Biodiesel Essentials (no experience required)
June 14-15 Equipment Building Intensive (no experience required)
June 28-29 Biodiesel Production System Tricks (must have prior experience
or Essentials/Introduction class)
July 26-27 Advanced Topics (must have prior experience or
Essentials/Introduction class)
All proceeds from Pittsboro classes benefit Piedmont Biofuels biodiesel
internship program

**************************************
San Pedro, New Mexico
August 9-10

Biodiesel Essentials
no experience required
**************************************



*********************************
Class Descriptions:
*********************************

I regularly teach four different classes:

-Biodiesel Essentials (2 days including 'Appleseed' reactor build and more
lab time) or Introduction to Homebrewing (one day, more rushed)
-System Tricks- hands-on reactor operations and tricks class for those
with some experience or those who've taken any prior class
-Equipment Building Intensive (two days, includes building GL1 EcoSystem
equipment, methanol recovery, advanced wash tanks, Turk Burners, pumps,
and more). No experience necessary.
-Advanced Topics (two days, discussion-based advanced topics class for
those with experience or those who've taken a prior class)

This spring I'm also offering a special class similar to Advanced Topics:
Outgrowing The Appleseed (similar to Advanced Topics, this is a class on
larger processors such as farm-scale systems that do not necessarily use
standard commercial technology. Prerequisite: must have prior experience
with making small batches of biodiesel or attend the Introduction class on
Friday first)
********************************************************************************\
***************************

Descriptions of classes:

One-day Introduction To Biodiesel Homebrewing

April 4, Wilmington, NC
May 22, Oakland, CA
or
May 30, Grayslake, Il
No Experience necessary
$75, 9-5
Introduction class:
This is a one-day, sped-up version of my usual weekend Biodiesel
Essentials class. We run through all the information much faster than a
two-day class, skip a few topics, and we don't build any equipment.

Biodiesel Essentials:
Pittsboro, NC May 3-4
Marietta, OH, May 17-18
Oklahoma City, OK area June 21-22
San Pedro, New Mexico,  August 9-10
$120, class is 10-5 each day Sat and Sunday

Biodiesel Essentials is a two-day class for either beginners or those who
want a refresher on quality control.
This is similar to Introduction To Homebrewing, but includes much more
time to cover more information, more hands-on time, and a three-hour
equipment building sesssion or 'lab' session to explore topics you're
interested in in more depth.

Some topics covered in both Introduction to Homebrewing and the Biodiesel
Essentials classes:
biodiesel/SVO/solvent thinning options and history, biodiesel chemistry,
testing oil (titration and water testing), (hands-on), making test batches
(hands-on), an overview of equipment, a tour of the full Appleseed-type
for the Wilmington, Grayslake, and Pittsboro classes, long discussion of
quality control factors, quality testing (hands-on), mistwashing and other
water washing options, breaking emulsion (hands-on), two-stage base
biodiesel, waste water and glycerine disposal, water reuse and uses for
glycerine, common pitfalls, hands-on experience recovering from failed
batches and emulsion, safety


**********************************************************
Two-day Reactor Mechanics and System Tricks Class
10-4 each day
Wilmington, NC, April 5-6
or
Pittsboro, NC, June 28-29
Must have prior exprience or attend the Introduction class on Friday April
4 or any Biodiesel Essentials class I offer
$120, 9-5

One-day Reactor Mechanics and System Tricks class
Oakland, CA
Two separate sessions offered: May 23, or 24
Must have prior experience or attend Introduction class offered on May 22,
or any other prior hands-on biodiesel workshop.
$75, 9-5

This class is geared to people who already know how to make biodiesel,
either in a lab-scale or one-liter setting, or to who already homebrew but
would like to compare notes with me on how I manage my system. You may
also take this class if you are new to biodiesel but have attended a
regular homebrewing class taught by someone else. We dont go into a lot of
detail on titration and chemistry here so that’s the info you should have
‘down’ already on your own prior to taking this 'system tricks' class. If
you feel like you've researched biodiesel production heavily but have
little practical experience this is probably the best of my classes for
you, if you can already titrate oil and make test batches, and understand
the basic steps involved.

In the System Tricks class we make a full-size batches of biodiesel in the
Appleseed processor, wash the batch in a heavily modified drum-based wash
tank, discuss Graham Laming EcoSystem vapor recovery piping for safety,
and discuss methanol recovery (and POSSIBLY run the still in the
Wilmington class, depending on our site's electrical availability, which
currently has me limited to insufficient power to run all the equipment at
once). We will cover a lot of the finer details that make the process
efficient, safer, produce higher quality fuel, cheaper, and produce fewer
messes. We will run a multifuel Turk Burner and discuss ways to safely
heat using waste oil burners and glycerine-burning methods.

The one-day class in Oakland uses my own unique system: an unconventional
modified large Appleseed processor and special wash tanks installed
indoors inside a welding shop, which means we had to take special
precautions to make the system safer in that environment (we don't weld
and make biodiesel at the same time, of course). We will also discuss
methanol recovery, waterless wash using Amberlite and Purolite, and flash
evaporators. This is a one-day class, you can attend either on Friday, or
Saturday, the week before Memorial Day. There is an Introduction class for
those with no prior experience on Thursday May 22.

***************************************************************
Biodiesel Equipment Building Intensive:
Pittsboro, NC June 14-15

the Biodiesel Equipment Building Intensive class builds equipment and
includes a heavy emphasis on system design and equipment theory.
This two-day class will build a reactor, including a possible Apple
Turnover system, a methanol recovery condensor, inexpensive homebuilt
pumps, wash tanks, other washing equipment, methanol/lye mixing equipment,
and a Graham Laming-style EcoSystem vapor recovery system. Contact me if
you'd like to purchase parts to build any of this for yourself. In
addition, the Pittsboro class will include a tour of the Piedmont
Biodiesel Co-op and we will discuss their equipment and it's advantages
and shortcomings. We will discuss experimental continuous process
equipment as well.

***************************************************************
Advanced Topics Class
9-5 each day
April 26-27
Brooksville, FL

July 26-27
Pittsboro, NC

Must have prior experience or attend a beginners' class. Florida folks,
see www.groups.yahoo.com/group/FloridaBiodiesel for info on a March 30
class taught by three of my recent students. Pittsboro attendees without
experience should attend any of my other Introduction or Essentials
classes in the area first.

Topics covered in the Advanced Topics class:

Strong focus on quality control, 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,
Magnesol, and Graham Laming's process, larger-scale equipment design,
ethanol-based and E-85-based biodiesel, 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.

The Pittsboro Advanced Topics Class will include a tour of the Piedmont
Biofuels Co-op site, a discussion of a continuous process used by the
co-op, and a tour of the biodiesel analytical laboratory at Central
Carolina Community College. The Brooksville Fl Advanced Topics Class will
include attendees with a lot of experience with the BioPro processor and
the GL1 (Eco-System) methanol recovery/waterless washing process.

***************************************************************

Outgrowing The Appleseed:
currently only offered in Grayslake, IL May 31-June 1 (with an optional
Introduction class on May 30)

This class falls somewhere between System Tricks and Advanced Topics (with
some information from both as well as new information), and focuses on
what is often called 'farm-scale' and 'fleet-scale'. This class covers
production considerations for systems in the 250-gallon to 600-gallon
range, with some information on continuous process alternatives to the
batch system.

The concern with this scale of processing is about applying homebrew or
hobby-scale techniques to larger production, which often brings about
greater safety concerns and more complicated quality control
considerations.

While homebrewing is a great way to become familiar with biodiesel
production and a great way to go through 'the learning curve' with
unparalleled support from the online homebrew community, the process
becomes more complicated on a larger scale.

Some homebrew-scale techniques and equipment scale up to larger batch
sizes, while many do not. For those making biodiesel for
fleet/business/farm use, serious concern has to be paid to efficiency and
safety to make this scale of production make financial sense. Scaling up
from hobby-scale to this size of production sometimes brings on regulatory
issues that homebrew scale producers do not deal with, yet production on
this scale is still typically a do-it-yourself effort where producers
don't tend to seek out engineering assistance and sometimes risk bigger
messes and accidents than either homebrewers or commercial producers tend
to experience. This class will cover some of the issues that have come up
for fleets, co-ops, and farm production, from an equipment, safety, and
quality control perspective.

This class is for people with past biodiesel experience, or those who
attend the one-day Introduction class on Friday May 30, or a similar
introductory hands-on biodiesel production class.

***************************************************************



Registration info and other classes info is at www.girlmark.com/tour
for information email me at classregistration@...

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, April 5 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Glycerol Pre-Wash
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://bayareabiodieselsupply.com
http://www.b100supply.com

What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, March 1 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://bayareabiodieselsupply.com
http://www.b100supply.com

What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Potluck, White Elephant Gift Exchange, Share Resources & Build Community

This event is on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 4pm in Oakland, CA. Potluck food
and drink.

Did you recently get a gift that really should be for someone else?

Wrap it and bring it, (or something else that might be fun or useful)
to the gift exchange. No purchases please!

Let's get together, share resources, learn from each other's
experience and have fun.

Beginners welcome. Experts too. Everyone in between.

Bring pictures of your setups, questions and fuel samples to test if
you like.

Email Andrew: morris1524@... for directions.

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, Feb. 23 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Processor Design, Build & Operation
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc

What People Say About the Class:

"I want to thank you for a great class. Overall a 9.8!"
Manager for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA)

"Your class was a wonderful gift to those of us that want to make our
own fuel. I applaud your energy, expertise, and ethics in pursuing
this endeavor. I'm grateful that you're willing to share your
hard-earned expertise."
Retired Teacher

Potluck, White Elephant Gift Exchange, Share Resources & Build Community

This event is on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 4pm in Oakland, CA. Potluck food
and drink.

Did you recently get a gift that really should be for someone else?

Wrap it and bring it, (or something else that might be fun or useful)
to the gift exchange.  No purchases please!

Let's get together, share resources, learn from each other's
experience and have fun.

Beginners welcome. Experts too. Everyone in between.

Bring pictures of your setups, questions and fuel samples to test if
you like.

Email Andrew: morris1524@... for directions.

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Saturday, January 12 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to start making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Understanding trade-offs
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
* Using Biodiesel in Your Diesel Vehicle
This class combines lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://www.b100supply.com

PS.  Both Nov. classes are currently wait list only.

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Sunday Nov. 11, 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to begin making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations and Trade-offs for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
This class will combine lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://www.b100supply.com

FYI:  Nov. 3 is waiting list only as of now.

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Nov. 3, 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class gives you the hands on experience you need to begin making
your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations and Trade-offs for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
This class will combine lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://www.b100supply.com

There are still a few spaces.  Let me know if you plan to attend.

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Sept. 29, 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class is designed to give you the hands on experience you need to
begin making your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
This class will combine lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://www.biodieselpictures.com

Offered again on November 3. Details same as above

East Bay Biodiesel Homebrewer's Club - Meeting Sept. 20 7:30pm
This meeting is in Oakland, CA. Potluck food and drink.
Let's get together, share resources, learn from each other's
experience and have fun.

Beginners welcome. Experts too. Everyone in between.

Bring pictures of your setups, questions and fuel samples to test if
you like.

Email Andrew: morris1524@... for directions.

East Bay Biodiesel Homebrewer's Club - Meeting Sept. 20 7:30pm
This meeting is in Oakland, CA. Potluck food and drink.
Let's get together, share resources, learn from each other's
experience and have fun.

Beginners wellcome. Experts too. Everyone in between.

Bring pictures of your setups, questions and fuel samples to test if
you like.

Email Andrew: morris1524@... for directions.

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing Workshop with Andrew Morris
In Oakland, Sept. 29, 9:30-5:30
$90 Including Lunch Limit 8 Participants
Second person from the same household 1/2 price
To register: email morris1524@...
This class is designed to give you the hands on experience you need to
begin making your own high quality fuel.
Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
* Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
* Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative
Water Test
* Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
* Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
* Washing Techniques
* Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water
* Processor Operation
* Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
* Processor Design & Building Tips
* Basic Safety Guidelines
This class will combine lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://www.biodieselpictures.com

Offered again on November 3.  Details same as above

"Reactor Mechanics and System Tricks" biodiesel homebrewing class for
advanced beginners
New session- August 4 or  5, 9-5, Oakland, CA, $70
one-day class, two sessions

to register: www.girlmark.com/tour
  *********************************
This class is geared to people who already know how to make biodiesel,
either in a lab-scale or one-liter setting, or for those who already
homebrew but would like to compare notes with me on how I manage my
system. This may become a two-day class at some point if I find that it
needs that much time to run through all of the proposed syllabus listed
below (two-day class would be a weekend activity)

In this class we run actual full-size batches,  in a real reactor at an
actual site, and try to run the class through every single step so as to
discuss 'tricks' and tips on reactor mechanics. Ive been obsessing about
how beginning biodieselers (and some advanced people) don't tend to use
secondary containment, tend to make more messes than they should, tend
to gas themselves with methanol by draining glycerine unsafely, etc. I'd
like to do this class as a way to help students overcome this aspect of
the learning curve- the common equipment-based mistakes having to do
with operating procedures.

This class is geared to people who already know how to make biodiesel,
either in a lab-scale or one-liter setting or who already homebrew but
would like to compare notes with me on how I manage my system. You may
take this class after attending a regular homebrewing class taught by
someone else as well as if you have learned how to make biodiesel on
your own. We dont go into a lot of detail on titration and chemistry
here so that's the info you should have 'down' already on your own prior
to taking this "system tricks" class.

*********************************************

Syllabus looks something like this:


Start a batch of fuel in a large Appleseed homebrew processor.
Discuss safe heating, tank fires, use of hydronic heating methods, and
heat exchangers. Demonstrate heat exchanger-based Appleseed.
Discuss some electrical safety interconnects proposed for heating
element control in 'regular' electric heaters.
Discuss tricks for measuring lye safely
Discuss tricks for measuring methanol safely
Discuss pumps for pumping methanol safely
Demonstrate air-powered pumps and discuss air compressor requirements
and electrical consumption if using air pumps for reactor mixing.
Discuss materials compatibility with various fuel processes and
chemicals used, and discuss where inappropriate plastics can still be
used with fewer consequences.
Discuss sight tubes and sight glass sources, ways of using them, ways of
installing them, what to look for in industrial parts catalogs
Demonstrate use of powered methanol/lye mixers that are not just passive
carboy method. Discuss pros and cons of both types of systems.
Discuss methanol vapor release to atmosphere.
Discuss fire safety issues.


drain a batch of glycerine in another Appleseed (my processor trailer)
and discuss how to avoid methanol vapor exposure during this process
discuss/demonstrate how to separate glycerine from biodiesel to minimize
emulsions. Most beginner mistakes having to do with emulsion are
actually a separation issue where the person inadvertently contaminates
their wash tank with extra soap because they haven't separated the
glycerine from the biodiesel completely. There are some tests to ensure
this is actually done.
Discuss standpipe separating tanks, and demonstrate several ways of
designing them.
Discuss ways to minimize contamination with unwanted material.
Discuss various kinds of quick-connects and other ways to deal with the
messes caused by hoses. Most spills and other hazards are probably due
to homebrewers relying on hose rather than pipe.
Demonstrate the use of hard plumbing and ways of managing multiple valves
Demonstrate different methods of labeling the process and the steps, and
demonstrate one system using a 'protocol checklist' to minimize
confusion when operating multiple valves.

Transfer finished fuel from processor trailer to wash tanks and discuss
washing equipment
Demonstrate several types of washing nozzles and important considerations
Discuss closed versus open wash tanks
Discuss venting and air displacement
Demonstrate use of non-siphoning overflow mistwash tank plumbing
Demonstrate use of sump pump to move water to a drain
Demonstrate soap test titration
Discuss emulsions (I will make one for us to play with)
Break emulsion with various ways
Discuss wash tank heating methods
Discuss water disposal and ways of separating oils and water and what
happens when it is done with various methods
Discuss/demonstrate water neutralizing

Drain wash water from first wash and discuss "how you know when you're
finished with washing"
Go into more detail on emulsions and water retention
Demonstrate separation of water and biodiesel using various kinds of tanks
Discuss "white stuff" that isn't emulsion
Discuss materials compatibility and water hardness issues with regards
to washing
Discuss three different drying methods for getting water out of washed
biodiesel
Discuss tests for dryness of finished biodiesel

Test some finished biodiesel for quality in various ways

When the batch that we're making is finished processing, we can perform
an 80%/20% two-stage base-base process and demonstrate various equipment
methods required to make it easier
We will follow it with a 5% water prewash for minimizing soap in wash.
There are many ways of handling this complex process (80/20 followed by
5%) and we'll demonstrate and discuss several possible solutions to the
unwanted complexity

We will burn some glycerine in a homemade glycerine burner and
demonstrate ways of moving the heat safely to heat a batch of oil for
another batch of biodiesel.

I'll briefly discuss filtration though this isn't terribly complex
We'll discuss different hosing material and tricks for
handling/wrangling lots of hose

We'll demonstrate a 'cubee handling' system for minimizing the hassle
involved in processing oil that comes in 5 gallon cubes
We'll demonstrate straining of oil
We'll discuss, possibly only theoretically as it cant be shown in a
one-day class, the 'heat and let settle' method of dewatering wet oil
We'll discuss fire safety if you choose to dewater oil using boiling
temperatures.


Mark