New Member

[lozzzzzz]

I'll give that a go, thanks for the tip.

[Jamesrl]

If you want to make small holes in copper, try a hardened steel spike used as a punch.  If you can grind one up very sharp and resharpen when necessary, it's very quick, accurate and no broken drills.

You can get much smaller holes than 1.5mm if you're careful.

You can drill as small as a number 80 which, if memory serves, is 0.015", just under 0.4mm.

[Julian]

If you want to make small holes in copper, try a hardened steel spike used as a punch.  If you can grind one up very sharp and resharpen when necessary, it's very quick, accurate and no broken drills.

You can get much smaller holes than 1.5mm if you're careful.

You can drill as small as a number 80 which, if memory serves, is 0.015", just under 0.4mm.

Undoubtedly, but it's much easier and cheaper to hit things with hammers.

[Jamesrl]

Undoubtedly, but it's much easier and cheaper to hit things with hammers.

If you sharpen the end of your punch like a hypodermic it'll pierce the tube with less load on the rather thin shaft.

[Dickjotec]

I think I have some 15 thou drills if you want to try drilling.

[lozzzzzz]

Thanks Dick, I've done the punching already though. 

Here is the result.  Very pleased with this now:


All done.  The "to do" list is nearly a thing of the past.  I've got to change the loading wok (although it is usable at the mo), collect the storage tanks (I've located two 205l barrels for £10), and drill the holes for the taps in the settling tank. 

Aside from drilling the holes, I'm ready to process    

Quite excited       

Thanks again for all your help in getting this far. 

[Jamesrl]

Oh no you ain't,  didn't you notice my holes are facing down, done to prevent crap blocking'm.

[lozzzzzz]

I did notice but thought it would be fine this way if I put it in bubbling and take it out bubbling there should be no opportunity for crap to get in.  Hopefully! 

[Jamesrl]

I did notice but thought it would be fine this way if I put it in bubbling and take it out bubbling there should be no opportunity for crap to get in.  Hopefully! 

You'll have enough crap on the floor without adding to it with a dripping bubble ring, I've had years of experience at making a mess so I know all about it.

[lozzzzzz]

I've done my first batch       

I got 20l of glyc out having only put 15l of meth oxide in at the first stage.  Perhaps I need to leave it longer to settle. 

I think I've got about B91 or B92 in the settling tank now, fine for the pug 106 but improvement needed for a PD engine I think

I took my first 45/5 test after 8 minutes, and the result was the same as after a further 5 minutes so I assume the reaction was over in under 10 minutes.  I started at 8am and was done by midday, then faffed on a lot putting things away and checking everything over.  I'll try and be a bit more efficient next time. 

I definately want one of those jazzy separating flasks with a test tube bottom end on though.  Is there someone on here selling them?

[Dickjotec]

Well done.
How much oil? How much NaOH. How long did you react the first stage for? What was the result (45/5)? How much did you put in for the second stage and again what was the result?
Do a 50/50 test when you can so that you have a reference after 24 48 hours etc.

[lozzzzzz]

Oooops forgot to do a 50/50 test straight away and I'm not there now.  Its been bubbling since 2ish is it worth getting the folks to take a sample now?

Well.. 

I drained some more off before starting as its had had 48 hours to settle, I ended up taking about 5l off leaving 145l to start.  I'm pretty sure that oil I drained off is quite dry (hot pan test) so I'll drain a lot less next time. 

I then did the calcs you gave me (based of 150l rather than 145, just realised ).  Anyway that meant 15l meth 750g NaOH. 

The reaction was complete in under 10 mins

Drained 20L of glyc

The 45/5 test then resulted in 1.25ml of veg oil so 75% conversion so far. 

Based on what you gave me, I then added 3.35l of Meth and 167g of NaOH,

I mixed for another 10 mins

Drained about 3L of glyc

The 45/5 then gave 0.45ml of veg oil unreacted meaning 91% conversion. 

I must have made a mistake somewhere though as I started with 145L, added a total of 18L of meth, and drained about 23L of glyc, yet ended up with 134L of bio before draining the tank.  I'll pay more attention next time. 

[Dickjotec]

A ten minute reaction is possible but I would leave it a bit longer and see if it goes any further. I tend to react for 45 - 60 mins. Jim may drop by and offer his best times.
A bit more meth on the second stage may have pushed it further 18L is on the limit.
A return of 93% is a good return.
I would not concern the folks with doing a 50/50, it is more to see the difference as the days pass.
If you wanted it for the PD there is nothing stopping you doing a 3 stage, with your reaction times it is done in ten mins.
How long are you letting the glyc settle for?

[lozzzzzz]

I gave it about an hour before draining. 

I was going to ask about that.  I seems both steps was not enough to get it to B100 so I was thinking I would have to add more than the calc suggest for a 3rd stage to push it all the way to 100%.  Is it more of both chemicals of just the Meth?

Am I right in thinking the 50/50 is to test for.....  no I can't remember.  Forgive me, I feel like I've learned so much from you especially now I've tried loads of it for myself, but the 50/50 has escaped my memory.  I remember doing it but not what it shows??

[Dickjotec]

Third stage is calculated just like the second stage but I think if you had just added a bit more meth it may have completed.
Next time you process use the same calcs but after stage one add a bit of meth and see if you get it further, you can also try the same after second stage if needed ( no need to drain glyc). You will then know if the reaction has stopped for the lack of meth or catalyst. (If the additional meth makes no difference then all the catalyst has been used up.)
50/50 is another name for the water test for soap. (Half bio half water). If you want to be more accurate Nigelb does a soap testing kit.