Simon’s guide to building a Bio-Diesel Mixer.

{short description of image} Parts list: 45 gallon drum
4x 4ft 11/2x11/2 angle
2x 2ft 1/12x11/2 angle approx.
Shaft approx. 1” 4ft long (maybe from lawn mower or a go-kart??) 2x Bearings to suit shaft with grub screws. (I used 1 pillow block and 1 flange type. Would have been 2 pillow blocks but I cracked the housing getting it off the shaft it was on.)
Pulleys to give 2:1 reduction Motor running at 1500rpm
Copper pipe
Various plumbing fittings
Drain tap(s)
For the blade I used a fan blade from an Austin A35.

The first test with water proved this to be to big – the water flew all over the place. I cut it down to about 5”. It’s welded to an old gear that fits the shaft. Start with a 45 gallon drum. Cut half the top out using a hammer and chisel. Cut the 2 2ft pieces so as they fit inside the drum. Make them the sam length and the bearings will line up. Markout and drill the angle to take the bearings. Weld 1 piece of angle under the top and onto the sided. Weld the other about 8” from the bottom.

{short description of image} Here is the mixer blade before it was cut down. A piece of steel approx. 5x1” could be welded into a slot cut in the end of the shaft.
{short description of image} Heating element made from cooper pipe. This is heated from a tank of hot water in the workshop. It could be connected to the central heating. I’ve no idea if this will be adequate but as I normally make biodiesel at room temperature it should work.

{short description of image} Motor and pulley fitted.

{short description of image} Pulley combination gives approx. 800rpm

{short description of image} The motor is fixed to a plate which hinges off one of the rear legs.
{short description of image} The cut down mixing blade. Approx 5"
{short description of image} Circulation pump scavenged from a central heating system.