Using Waste Oil to run Central Heating

hand_m

I am looking for some information on waste oil boilers for running home central heating. I have read several articles about this on U.S. sites but I can't find anything in the U.K.
I would appreciate any information or advice.

Cardew

CH oil is more like paraffin(kerosene/28sec oil) than 'oil' used in cars or deep fat fryers.

Some really old industrial CH boilers used 'normal' oil, but I doubt you would find one in a house.

Are you sure you are not thinking of diesel cars running on waste oil from deep fat fryers?

hand_m

Cardew wrote: »

CH oil is more like paraffin(kerosene/28sec oil) than 'oil' used in cars or deep fat fryers.

Some really old industrial CH boilers used 'normal' oil, but I doubt you would find one in a house.

Are you sure you are not thinking of diesel cars running on waste oil from deep fat fryers?

My interest is in a home heating waste oil system - but I'm not sure if they are available for the home.
I saw this info on the web http://www.econoheat.com/boilers.html
I was hoping there would be something similar available in Europe for the home. I have a source of waste oil so it would be free fuel.

itsnever2lateisit?

IIRC Rayburn do a conversion to burn 35sec oil (derv). In France most oil-fired boilers use derv, so it maybe worth searching french websites. However I think you would need different glow plugs as well in order to ignite veg oil which has a much higher flash point (which is why you can cook your chips without burning the house down!)

TankMaster

As someone with 10 years experience in the oil heating industry... I've never seen this at a domestic heating installation; albeit there are commercial waste oil burners available.

If you are going down this route, you need to be sure that you can guarantee the quality of the feedstock you'll be burning. Some waste oil for instance can contain high levels of water.

Additionally, due to energy efficiency requirements - the Building Regulations specify that all domestic boilers must be 'high efficiency' models. See the home of the Seasonal Efficiency Directive for Boilers in the United Kingdom SEDBUK website for more information.

My gut feeling is that at a domestic installation, this is a non-starter, but worth contacting OFTEC - an oil equivalent of CORGI, albeit with slightly fewer teeth and a little less bite

Regards

TM

hand_m

Thank you for the info. I had a feeling it would not be easy. Although the US sites seem to suggest they are doing it there.

TankMaster

hand_m wrote: »

Thank you for the info. I had a feeling it would not be easy. Although the US sites seem to suggest they are doing it there.

Yup, they are definitely very popular in the US and if you've any technical enquiries - the best place to post is probably at http://www.oiltechtalk.com - a great bunch of guys However, boiler efficiency and building regulations in the USA are decades behind where they are here in the UK, albeit they are beginning to catch up.

I mentioned your query today to a friend who works for another boiler manufacturer who shall remain nameless. He suggested that your try Thermobile - http://www.thermobile.co.uk who do offer a range of boilers with vapourising burners fitted to them them and specifically designed for waste oil. He also mentioned the EU Directive on the Incineration of Waste - and more on this can be found at http://www.cen.eu/CENORM/sectors/sectors/chemistry/200076ec.pdf

I've no practical experience whatsoever of Thermobile boilers, but their commercial warm air heaters are certainly a fantastic job. On the few occasions when I've sought technical advice, they've also been fantastic at providing it.

Hope this helps

Regards

TM

mike_sherwin

hi hand_m im working on the same ideas as yourself ,waste oil boiler for central heating and hot water trying to stay one step in front of the rest of them .where are you located im in nottm area. just built a centrifuge to clean waste oil - no particulate no water etc, looking for a company that makes a decent burner at the right money. mike sherwin.

selvidge

I'm not an expert, I just came across these researching an article for http://www.surefish.co.uk/ethical_living/index.htm.

http://www.krolluk.com/waste-oil-heater.htm

http://www.krolluk.com/multifuel_burners.htm

http://www.krolluk.com/waste_oil.htm

Hope they help.

Suz

combwork

Hi. Is anyone making a waste oil heater that will heat enough water to warm a 4 bed house? I live in Scotland; daily gas bill is around £9 for domestic hot water plus radiators. It's a Victorian house with a basement that I use as my workshop (antique musical box repair). The workshop has a fireplace with a blocked flue that could be re-opened. I don't think I have the skills for this type of DIY; would a ready made unit (if available) be cost effective?

amtrakuk

It does look good I have seen a couple of "Home Brew" ones on Youtube using the atomisor technique - It produces a big flame with some impressive figures, 2 hours burning per litre of oil.