Bristol Bay Campus

Course Syllabus

Bristol Bay Campus

Term: / Fall 2008
Course Title: / Biodiesel and Vegetable Oil Fuel Systems
Dept. & Num: / SCIA F193
Credits: / 1
Prerequisites: / None
Dates/Days/Times: / Fri 6:00p-9:00p (3 hrs) – 10/10/08 – King Salmon
Sat 9:00a-5:00p (7 hrs) – 10/11/08 – King Salmon
Sun 1:00p-6:00p (5 hrs) – 10/12/08 – King Salmon
Fri 6:00p-9:00p (3 hrs) – 10/17/08 – Dillingham
Sat 9:00a-5:00p (7 hrs) – 10/18/08 – Dillingham
Sun 1:00p-6:00p (5 hrs) – 10/19/08 – Dillingham
Location: / UAF Bristol Bay Campus – Dillingham & King Salmon Center

Instructor:

Will Taygan

Position:

Adjunct Instructor

Phone:

907-688-5288

Fax:

UAF/BBC King Salmon Center 907-246-6216

Email:

Hours Available:

By appointment

Text: / “Biodiesel Homebrew Guide,” Maria “Mark” Alovert, self-published, no ISBN, $18, – biodiesel text
Supplemental Readings: / Friday: “Sliding Home” by Ray Holan pp.71-82 (Chapter 12) “Comparing Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) to Regular Diesel and Biodiesel.” self-published, ISBN 0977724700, $30
Saturday: “Sliding Home” by Ray Holan pp.224-254 (Chapter 21) “Strange Brew – Can You Use SVO Without a Heated Fuel System?” self-published, ISBN 0977724700, ($30+4.50 shipping)
Saturday: “Home Brew Biodiesel” by b100supply, (self-published $30+$5 shipping). - Appleseed Reactor design.
Supplies: / Notebook
Posterboard or powerpoint for presentations.

Course Description:

This course will provide students with the knowledge to design straight vegetable/fish oil (SVO) fuel systems and biodiesel processing techniques. Students will learn safe chemistry techniques and will make their own small batches of biodiesel. In addition, we will study the state of biodiesel in Alaska, look at which diesels work on vegetable/fish oil the best, explore the science behind biodiesel and SVO systems, compare emissions, learn how to collect oil responsibly, and discuss storage requirements. We will investigate the different types of processors and SVO systems available and will develop plans for local implementation of biodiesel/SVO systems.

Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, analyze local biodiesel/SVO opportunities, complete reading assignments, follow safe chemistry techniques, keep a journal, and develop a public presentation with visual aids.

Instructional Methods:

Lecture, chemistrydemonstration, small group discussion and presentations, case studies, audio conferencing.

Goals & Objectives:

The Class will design a straight vegetable/fish oil fuel system.

Students will test oil for biodiesel suitability.

Students will brew mini-batches of biodiesel.

Students will develop a plan to implement a biodiesel and/or biodiesel system.

Course Policies:

UAF requires students to conduct themselves honestly and responsibly, and to respect the rights of others.
Attendance is mandatory.
Late assignments are not accepted without prior approval of instructor.
The instructor reserves the right to amend this course outline as needed.
No food or drink allowed in the computer lab.

Course Calendar:

Day 1 / Introduction:
Interests
Discussion:
Engines and equipment used in Bristol Bay
Lecture:
Diesel engine theory
Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) as fuel history
State of Vegetable/Fish Oil fuel in Alaska
SVO systems, theory, parts, kits
Audio Conference:
Marine diesel injection systems
Day 2 / Discussion:
Review of reading assignment: SVO vs. biodiesel
Lecture:
Biodiesel health effects/emissions/performance.
Fish oil vs. vegetable oil.
Oil collection – storage – pretreatment
Biodiesel process and chemistry
Biodiesel Chemistry Demonstration:
Oil testing/titration, calculations, test batches, glycerin separation, washing, drying.
Troubleshooting: glop, emulsions, soap
Lecture:
Managing sidestreams: wash water/glycerine
Upsizing: the Appleseed reactor
Small Groups:
Implementation of local biodiesel/SVO systems
Day 3 / Discussion:
Review of reading assignment: unheated SVO blends
Class Presentations:
Implementation of local biodiesel/SVO systems
Lecture:
Legal: taxes, permitting, coops.
Advanced techniques: acid-base, methanol recovery, dry washing.
Discussion:
Next steps.

Final Exam:

No final exam.

Evaluation:

Grading will be by absolute scores:

Final presentation 30%

Biodiesel project60%

Attendance - lecture/discussion participation 10%

Grading Policy:

Letter Grades

A+97-100%

A93-96%

A-90-92%

B+87-89%

B 83-86%

B-80-82%

C+77-79%

C 73-76%

C-70-72%

D+67-69%

D 63-66%

D-60-62%

FBelow 60%

Support and Disability Services:

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Bristol Bay Campus – Student Services

PO Box 1070

Dillingham, Alaska 99576

907-842-5109

800-478-5109

Fax: 907-842-5692

Students can also go to the UAF website or to the College of Rural and Community Development website or to Bristol Bay Campus website

UAF Disability Services for Distance Students

UAF has a Disability Services office that operates in conjunction with the College of Rural and Community Development (CRCD) campuses and UAF’s Center for Distance Education (CDE). Disability Services, a part of UAF’s Center for Health and Counseling, provides academic accommodations to enrolled students who are identified as being eligible for these services. If you believe you are eligible, please visit on the web or contact a student affairs staff person at your nearest local campus. You can also contact Disability Services on the Fairbanks Campus at (907) 474-7043,