Homemade Oil Fired Waste Boilers

Boilers

• A homemade waste oil boiler can be a DIY project in two ways: The waste oil you use can be homemade, and you can piece together the boiler as well. Because waste oil is full of contaminants, your system will need at least one filter to process the oil before it reaches the boiler, and you will need to check and replace that filter frequently to keep your boiler from developing serious problems.

Homemade Oil

• No matter what waste oil you use, it will need processing. If you live near a refinery that specializes in this work, you can buy the oil, but if your location makes this step too expensive you can use cooking, motor or other types of waste oil and process them yourself. Running the oil through an extensive filtration system to purify it and remove any combustible or thickening particles helps keep your boiler operating properly.

Materials for Boiler

• If you decide to make the boiler itself, you will need to purchase the right components, including an air compressor, manual or automatic ignition controls, and tanks for both water and fuel. Screws, brackets and frames help hold the system together. In many cases, you can find the necessary materials at hardware, plumbing and home improvement stores. Waste oil burners are complex pieces of machinery, however, and should be purchased, not built, for maximum efficiency.

Basic Skills

• Making a waste oil boiler is not for everyone. Consider purchasing a kit or plans to make the process easier. To build the system, you will need skill in TIG or MIG welding and enough knowledge of electrical engineering to wire your ignition and burner. Without these skills, it is better to purchase a boiler and stick with making only the oil.