Creating a DIY waste oil burner can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to generate heat for various applications, from heating a workshop to warming a greenhouse. This guide provides a simplified approach to building your own waste oil burner, focusing on the core principles and avoiding complex technicalities. This design is incredibly versatile, capable of burning a wide range of oils, including engine oil, vegetable oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic oil, and even animal fats like lard.
The Core Principle: Air and Oil Mixture
The key to a successful waste oil burner lies in the efficient mixing of air and oil. This design achieves this through a simple yet effective air/oil feed tube. This tube, typically made from a piece of exhaust pipe with a 90-degree bend and a plate at the end, directs the air sideways, creating a turbulent flow that helps atomize the oil for better combustion. While the diffusion plate isn’t strictly necessary, it significantly improves startup and allows for finer control over the oil feed and heat output.
Construction and Operation
The oil is gravity-fed from an elevated container equipped with a gate valve to regulate the flow. The oil drips into the air inlet pipe and is carried into the burner by the forced air from a blower. This eliminates the need for complex nozzles or pumps, simplifying the design and maintenance. The size of the air inlet pipe, while not critical, influences the airflow and consequently, the heat output. A larger pipe allows for greater airflow and more complete combustion, leading to higher heat production.
Starting the burner involves introducing a small amount of starting fluid or using a burning rag or sticks. The blower is initially set to low speed with restricted airflow. As oil is added, the burn chamber heats up, vaporizing the oil and sustaining the combustion. Once the chamber reaches a sufficient temperature, the oil and airflow can be increased for maximum heat output. Remember, the burner chamber needs to reach a temperature of at least 300°C (572°F) for the oil to vaporize and burn efficiently.
Achieving Clean Combustion
This design, when operated correctly, produces a clean burn with minimal smoke. The air feed being above the oil pool ensures efficient combustion even if excess oil accumulates in the bottom of the chamber. This results in a cleaner and more efficient burning process. Even with a significant amount of oil in the burn chamber, the positioning of the air feed above the oil level promotes clean combustion.
Versatility and Applications
The simplicity and adaptability of this waste oil burner design make it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can be used for heating sheds, greenhouses, melting metal, and even as a replacement for gas burners in boilers, pool heaters, and furnaces. The core principle of this design can be adapted and scaled to meet specific needs, making it a versatile solution for various heating requirements.
Conclusion
Building a DIY waste oil burner offers a practical and economical way to utilize waste oil for heat generation. By understanding the fundamental principles of air and oil mixture, and following the simple construction guidelines outlined in this guide, you can create a functional and efficient burner for various heating needs. Remember to prioritize safety and proper ventilation when operating your waste oil burner.
