Biopowered - vegetable oil and biodiesel forum
Oil Feedstock => Oil coarse filtering, settling, drying and storage => Topic started by: Tony on November 26, 2018, 11:00:37 AM
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My decade old 60l clamp tops have slowly been losing their lids seals, either because they tear apart eventually or get lost when they fall out on-site.
I've experiments with silicon and various types of other seal (UPVC window seals, car door D seals) but finally found a suitable replacement - 10mm neoprene cord - this stuff:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/rubber-cord-o-ring-cord-neoprene-black-sponge-10mm-diameter-x-1M/221723146189
1m is enough for one drum. The first time fitting the lid requires a lot of compression to get it to close, but once that's done and it sits for a while the neoprene deforms into what looks exactly like the old seals it came with. So far it's done a great job at keeping WVO where it should be and no slopping out of the tops of drums in transit.
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Good work there Tony. A useful item to put in the tips and wrinkles.
I've only ever used the silicon sealant method.
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A useful item to put in the tips and wrinkles.
Would that we could!
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Yes I should try and do something about that.
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I've used several lengths of neoprene foam and it's been great for gaskets. But at £3 a hit (1m => 1 drum) I was wondering about cheaper alternatives. I've found this stuff:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323809499217
Everbuild JOINT BACKER ROD Sealant | Polyethylene Foam | Gap Filling | 10mmx10m for £3.95
That's enough for 10 drums, at a fraction of the price. So I've ordered some, see how it compares to the neoprene.
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I'll look forward to the results with interest as I've got about 30 drums that need new seals.
ps. found it a bit cheaper
10m roll @ 32ppm
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EVERBUILD-JOINT-BACKER-ROD-POLYETHYLENE-FOAM-FLEXIBLE-10M-ROLL-10-15-20-25-30MM/163810519748?hash=item2623de2ac4:m:mwheqSCUbon_FOzk6LPBq2Q (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EVERBUILD-JOINT-BACKER-ROD-POLYETHYLENE-FOAM-FLEXIBLE-10M-ROLL-10-15-20-25-30MM/163810519748?hash=item2623de2ac4:m:mwheqSCUbon_FOzk6LPBq2Q)
or in 100m rolls @ 25ppm
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealant-Backer-Rod-Foam-10-15-20-30mm-Polyethylene-Window-Frame-Joint-Fill/323271177330?hash=item4b4476b472:m:m1SnLHa4K6zuM1MYhIokTQw (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealant-Backer-Rod-Foam-10-15-20-30mm-Polyethylene-Window-Frame-Joint-Fill/323271177330?hash=item4b4476b472:m:m1SnLHa4K6zuM1MYhIokTQw)
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In theory polyethylene should be better than neoprene, as neoprene is better for permanent seals and polyethylene for seals that will keep being broken. It's definitely oil resistant. So the question is more about the mechanical properties (does it squish into the right shape OK when the clamp is put on?)
I've got several drums with 10mm neoprene in service and they are absolutely fine. Just have to see how the new stuff goes.