Property and Quality Test for Completed FuelUse a pHLip quality test to check for soap, free glycerin, acid, catalyst, and oxidation in finished biodiesel. Use the clarity water test to check for the presence of suspended water. Finally, find the cloud and gel point easily by sticking a sample of your biodiesel in the freezer. This test will let you know if your homebrewed biodiesel passes for soap, glycerins, catalyst, acid, and oxidation amounts. It was developed by Randall von Wedel, Ph.D. It was designed to be used on finished fuel at room temp. You will not be able to do this test with stuff found around the house, you’ll have to order it for about $5 a test. This test is easily performed and you only have to wait 10 minutes to read the results.
This water test will alert you to too much suspended water in your fuel. It is used on finished fuel that is slightly cooler in temperature than its operating temperature in the vehicle. Put a sample of your finished fuel in a smooth, clear, glass jar and put a newspaper behind it. If you can read the paper, it passes this test.
Use this test on finished fuel. Put a sample in the freezer and keep an eye on it. When it starts to cloud, use a thermometer to check the temp – this is the cloud point. This is valuable information when entering the cooler months. If the temperature outside is lower than that of your cloud point, you will want to mix some petrol diesel in with it, or have a fuel heater.
This test is for use on finished fuel, and done the same way as the cloud point test only take the temperature of the fuel when it starts to gel. Definitely don't go driving when the outdoor temps are at or below this temp... unless you mix in petrol diesel!
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