Ep 14. Bio-Diesel Man

In this episode of Dirty Jobs, titled Bio-Diesel Man, host Mike Rowe explores the world of alternative energy as he meets a man who makes his own bio-diesel fuel. The episode begins with Rowe driving to meet his latest Dirty Job candidate, a man named Jerry who has been making his own bio-diesel for over 20 years.

Jerry begins by showing Rowe the process he uses to make bio-diesel, which involves using discarded vegetable oil from local restaurants. Jerry collects the oil in large drums and then filters out any solids before running it through a series of chemical reactions to turn it into fuel. Rowe is impressed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Jerry's operation, but soon realizes that there is a lot of manual labor involved in making bio-diesel.

As the episode progresses, Rowe helps Jerry with various tasks around his bio-diesel production facility. He helps load the drums of used vegetable oil onto a truck, which is a messy and smelly task. Rowe also helps Jerry filter the oil, which involves pouring it through a series of screens and then through a centrifuge. Rowe is amazed at the amount of waste that is generated during this process, including a large amount of sludge that is produced by the centrifuge.

Next, Rowe helps Jerry mix the oil with the various chemicals needed to turn it into bio-diesel. This involves measuring out precise amounts of each chemical and then pouring them into a large tank along with the oil. Rowe learns that even small errors in the mixing process can result in a batch of bio-diesel that is unusable.

Throughout the episode, Rowe discusses the pros and cons of using bio-diesel as a fuel source. He notes that while it is a renewable energy source that produces far less pollution than traditional fuels, it is also more expensive to produce and can be more difficult to use in vehicles that are not designed for it. Rowe also talks to some local residents who use bio-diesel in their vehicles and finds that many of them are passionate about the environmental benefits of the fuel.

As the episode comes to a close, Rowe helps Jerry test the bio-diesel that he has produced to make sure that it meets the necessary standards. They pour a sample into a device that measures the viscosity and other properties of the fuel, and Rowe is pleased to see that it performs well. He concludes the episode by reflecting on the hard work and dedication required to produce bio-diesel, and by reminding viewers that there are many different ways to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Overall, this episode of Dirty Jobs offers a fascinating look at the world of bio-diesel production and the people who are working to create a more sustainable future. Viewers will come away with a greater appreciation for the challenges and rewards of alternative energy production, and a renewed sense of hope for a brighter tomorrow.