Advise required please....

[Bio-boy]

In the process of building a bigger processor and would like some advice on what pump would be suitable.

Here is my tank:

http://www.tanks-direct.co.uk/900_litre_water_tanks/900_litre_biodiesel_tank

and this is the pump i've been thinking of purchasing but unsure of which model would be suitable:

http://www.oilybits.com/pumps-for-liquids-/ebara-cdx-fully-stainless-steel-centrifugal-pumps.html

I'm thinking the CDXHm 90/10 with a flow rate of 110LPM.

I will be using 1" piping and fittings with the intention of processing batches of 600L. Could someone with the knowledge please provide advice?

Many thanks.

[nigelb]

You've not linked the pump bio boy....you've linked the plastic tank twice.

If you can I would try and find a pump with a 1.5" inlet and outlet to match the cone outlet on the tank. If you cant do that then at least have the same OD pipe as the pump you select. I have 1 1/4" pipework as that's what my lowara is.

I'm sure you'll be careful but this is good advice that anybody will give you regarding plastic tanks. Don't overtighten the emersion when you fit it. The socket in that vessel is the weakest point.

[Bio-boy]

I have now altered the link. Please view.

I was going to reduce the outlet on the tank to 1" using one of these:

http://www.oilybits.com/fittings-threaded-/nipples-hex-reducing/316-stainless-reducing-hex-nipple.html

[nigelb]

I see you've amended your post. Just be aware of the "safe operating temperature" on that tank. Considering the batch size and the pump it may be worth buying a couple of eductors to help in the process.

[Bio-boy]

What is an eductor?

[nigelb]

This is a devise mounted inside the processor operating on the venturi principal and driven by the existing pump. It creates a turbulent circulation within the tank and significantly reduces processing times.

[Bio-boy]

Where can I get one from?

Are they submerged under the surface of the WVO???

[nigelb]

Where can I get one from?

You can get them from Uberveg on this forum of the VOD but they should be matched to the pump flow rate or you could ask Jamesrl on here if he'll make them for you. Jims are custom made whereas Uberveg's are bought in and are made from a bio compatable plastic.

This is Uberveg's website his stuff is on there somewhere:
www.oxfordwastecookingoil.co.uk

[nigelb]

Are they submerged under the surface of the WVO???

Ideally submerged a couple of inces below the surface of the WVO and methoxide mixing level

[Bio-boy]

You stated to fit 2 eductors. Would this be done via a tee on entry to the tank with then 2 feeds one to each eductor?

[nigelb]

Yeah...tee off from your main pipework. You'll need a valve to stop the flow from that and divert to your eductor matrix.

Jamesrl is probably the best guy to talk to regarding position and best fit for eductors. Apparantly he runs 3 eductors in his processor. Others just run one. I think HC used 10 but that was an industrial process.

[Twenty4Seven]

It is perhaps worth mentioning that, in a domestic environment,  you are only allowed to process a limited amount of oil at one time - I believe it is 250 litres.

Nick

[Julian]

Nick, I believe that restriction was rescinded a while back.  But all the same, Bio-boy, you're planning a massive processor if it's for domestic production.  Just 4 full batches will take you over your 2500 ltr per year allowance.

Also, although many folks use plastic processors, they are certainly not to be recommended ... see pictures on the wiki.

My plant, although far from perfect, uses a 80 ltr/min pump on an 80 ltr batch size (but with no eductor) and I recon the combination is about right for quick conversion.  If you scale that up, for a 600ltr batch you'd be looking at an enormous pump, probably needing a 3ph supply.

As for pipe work I use a 28mm suction and 22mm discharge, I recon 1" pipe work on a plant the size you propose will be woefully inadequate.

[Bio-boy]

Nick, I believe that restriction was rescinded a while back.  But all the same, Bio-boy, you're planning a massive processor if it's for domestic production.  Just 4 full batches will take you over your 2500 ltr per year allowance.

Also, although many folks use plastic processors, they are certainly not to be recommended ... see pictures on the wiki.

My plant, although far from perfect, uses a 80 ltr/min pump on an 80 ltr batch size (but with no eductor) and I recon the combination is about right for quick conversion.  If you scale that up, for a 600ltr batch you'd be looking at an enormous pump, probably needing a 3ph supply.

As for pipe work I use a 28mm suction and 22mm discharge, I recon 1" pipe work on a plant the size you propose will be woefully inadequate.

I am listening to what you are saying. I plan to up the pipework to 1.5". As for the pump I know someone who uses a 110LPM pump to good effect on similar batch sizes so will stick to a similar output. I don't plan to make more than 2500L I just plan to make batches less often freeing up time in what is a quite busy having a young family.

[julianf]

As for pipe work I use a 28mm suction and 22mm discharge, I recon 1" pipe work on a plant the size you propose will be woefully inadequate.

Eh?

1" is the ID, whilst 28mm is the OD.  (28 - 25.4) / 2 = 1.3mm which, surely, isnt too far the wall thickness?

Am i missing somthing?