Author Topic: My New Plant... (Read 8766 times)

Bio-boy · « **on:** August 07, 2015, 09:34:41 PM »

Step 1. Build a purpose built shed with roof top ventilation.
Step 2. Build a new reactor based on a 200L HDPE conical tank.
Step 3. Clad the reactor with Celotex board to provide sufficient insulation.
Step 4. Install 245m3/Hr extractor system.
Step 5. Use a centrifugal pump to pump the fluids.

Bio-boy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2015, 09:35:42 PM »

Last one...

Bio-boy · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2015, 09:36:54 PM »

I appreciate that this design of my processor is not to everyones taste but my safety measures are 2nd to none.

neisel · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2015, 09:55:47 PM »

Is that, OH THE HORROR, plastic?!?!?!?

Bio-boy · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:08:48 PM »

It certainly is my friend. I fully understand the risks and I never leave the processor unattended, it only takes me 18hours split over 2 days to process 180L of WVO. I manage a paint shop, with NEBOSH accreditation and fully understand and respect all VOC's and explosive environments. Yes plastics aren't ideal but provided that they are respected and all risks are reduced there shouldn't be an issue. We have all seen the pictures of the melted reactor but what safety measures were in place and was the plant left unattended?
I know a few home brewers producing on a similar scale and have been for some time without issue. There will always be the exceptions granted.

GedsJeep · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:25:46 PM »

if i look out of the kitchen window i could see the mushroom cloud.....

Bio-boy · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:36:01 PM »

I appreciate all the cynics but every step is taken in the name of safety whilst processing my fuel.

I have adequate roof top ventilation.
Door is always open whilst processing.
I wear a mask at all times (who else does that?)
I have a chemical suit and gauntlets (again who has this?)
All electrics are fed from garage and not contained within the processing shed.
I have an ATEX air powered venturi extractor for use whilst processing.
Heating element automatically cuts with level sensor.
Methanol is stored 40 yrds away from plant.
There are no neighbours or sources of ignition within 30yrds.
I am always present when reactor is in use.

oakwoodtv · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:44:24 PM »

You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.

Bio-boy · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:48:24 PM »

Quote from: oakwoodtv on August 07, 2015, 10:44:24 PM

You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.

Point being?

oakwoodtv · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2015, 11:17:01 PM »

Most right minded people will agree that HDPE is not the ideal material for a processor
some are happy to use one but if a 900ltr plastic tank lets go that's a large spill.

You stated it will not be left unattended 18 hours over two days thats 9 hours a day
you are going to baby sit it.

You are starting from scratch get your self a steel tank and be safe or as safe as
bio production can be.

Steel tanks are out there if you look hard enough I got a 420ltr tank off ebay for
less than £35.00 and it will out last a plastic tank.

Bio-boy · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2015, 11:28:38 PM »

Quote from: oakwoodtv on August 07, 2015, 11:17:01 PM

Most right minded people will agree that HDPE is not the ideal material for a processor
some are happy to use one but if a 900ltr plastic tank lets go that's a large spill.

You stated it will not be left unattended 18 hours over two days thats 9 hours a day
you are going to baby sit it.

You are starting from scratch get your self a steel tank and be safe or as safe as
bio production can be.

Steel tanks are out there if you look hard enough I got a 420ltr tank off ebay for
less than £35.00 and it will out last a plastic tank.

Lol quite frankly I do baby sit it. I make 4 batches a year. I have a 1000L bund. I'm not doubting there are cheap steel tanks available. You can preach but I have been making bio for 6years and fully understand all the risks and take all the necessary precautions. Lets just agree to disagree. Not everyone will jump on the GL bandwagon and those that do will not necessarily produce the quality of fuel I manage to produce.

oakwoodtv · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2015, 11:47:02 PM »

Fair play to you we probably will never agree on this but you replied with good grace and
with out temper.
And most on the forum will say that they make quality bio I do not know how good
mine is but it not ruined an engine yet.

All the best Richard.

Bio-boy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2015, 11:59:06 PM »

I always treat people with respect as why would I feel the need not too.

Latest batch:

Soap 10ppm
Water content 225ppm

Pretty good fuel. (as tested by dgs on this forum with Karl Fischer lab equipment and a Sandy Brae)

see here:

http://www.biopowered.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2639.0.html

GedsJeep · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2015, 12:05:37 AM »

so am i not getting my mushroom cloud then? $:-\$

Tony · « **Reply #14 on:** August 08, 2015, 08:41:03 AM »

Tidy build. I have mixed feelings on the plastic, but you are experienced and it's your choice of risk.

Quote

Heating element automatically cuts with level sensor.

Big thumbs up for this!

Is there also a secondary over-temperature cut out? You can buy little thermal fuses that go open circuit over a specific temperature, if you don't already have these it would be worth purchasing some, they're dead cheap.

Looks great though

Try and keep it clean!

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