Graham Laming’s design for a “waterless-washing” biodiesel processor which recaptures a large amount of methanol, saving money and the environment
Since my last post on the merits of biodiesel, I’ve been able to gather more information and I wanted to pass it on to you. What continues to intrigue me about home brewing biodiesel is that it is emblematic of the type of lifestyle changes we all need to take on in the 21st century. Taking waste frier oil and converting it, at home into a cleaner burning, less toxic and more biodegradable fuel is something akin to modern day alchemy.
Nabih Tahan, an architect in Berkley, California has built a “passive house” that captures and recycles heat produced in the home, thus eliminating the need for a furnace altogether. Essentially the house is very well sealed, making forced air ventilation a necessity. The heart of the system is a heat exchanger that strips the old, stale air of its heat and uses it to heat the incoming fresh air. Tahan explains that this concept is best applied to new construction or to major remodels, due to the extensive sealing and insulation required.
“By doing smaller insulating renovations, you can improve energy consumption and you’ll definitely make a difference,” he said. “But to get to Passive House standards, you really have to either rip out the outside or the inside of the house.”
Graham Laming’s design for a “waterless-washing” biodiesel processor which recaptures a large amount of methanol, saving money and the environment 
