Author Topic: Tony's post on removing soap from a settling tank. (Read 2173 times)

Julian · « **on:** August 23, 2013, 02:49:56 PM »

Can't find the original post, so starting a fresh ...

Since I last cleaned my settling tank I've been titrated acid washing every batch. Had some time spare whilst dewatering today, so I thought I'd give it another clean out.

Surprise ... no soap, just a shallow sludgy type of layer (similar to the intermediate layer I posted on this page recently ... http://www.biopowered.co.uk/wiki/Water_washing_titrated_acid_method) which, if the tank was cone bottomed, would have drained very easily through a valve.

So acid washing could save you a great deal of digging.

nigelb · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2013, 05:23:36 PM »

Are you using the conc acid or the battery acid? How much on average are you using?

Julian · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2013, 06:04:22 PM »

Quote from: nigelb on August 23, 2013, 05:23:36 PM

Are you using the conc acid or the battery acid? How much on average are you using?

Still using up my old supply of conc. It varies a little bath to batch but on the last few batches I've used 15 - 20 ml. So what I picked up at the BBB is a lifetimes supply!

Julian · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2013, 06:11:27 PM »

Thinking about this, I've just removed the "never overflowing drain" pipe from the tank. Think I'll use the hole to install a 15mm drain valve similar to this ... http://www.biopowered.co.uk/wiki/Draining_a_plastic_barrel

Suppose I should be praticing what I preach!

Julian · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2013, 12:22:24 PM »

I've added a little text to the titrated acid wash page to reflect the above.

Tony · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2013, 04:07:18 PM »

Ah you can keep it, my process is going to remain dry

Biopowered - vegetable oil and biodiesel forum

Biodiesel

Biodiesel equipment

Tony's post on removing soap from a settling tank.