New to the Forum and to Biodesiel Production

[Mark2256]

Hi All

I have just completed the 5th water wash now waiting for it to clear. I will then start reclaiming any biodiesel from the soap content.

So far the 3.5 Litre batch has produced about 2 litres of white soap can this be used for anything or is it just waste.

Kind Regards

Mark

[dgs]

Mark, add a small amount of acetic acid (vinegar) to the soap emulsion and mix it, if there is any bio tied up it will split into 2 layers with the bio at the top.

[Mark2256]

Thank You Dave for the tip with vinegar just managed to recover about 1 litre of biodiesel for washing. Does the white stuff have any use?

Kind Regards
Mark

[dgs]

The white stuff should be basically just soap and water.

[Mark2256]

Final wash completed.

Now for drying to remove water. I know some pf you prefer to bubble dry. But I do knot have a pump and air stone so any suggestions on how to dry please?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

[dgs]

Warm to about 60degs and occasionally stir. Try it for a couple of hours. Using the 'clear and bright' test if indeed it is like that when cool then it is ok.

[Mark2256]

I seem to have reached the maximum number of pictures I can put up for this post. So before drying the oil was dull and cloudy after about 2 hours stirring every 10 minuets and allowing to cool it turned out clear and Bright. However on a 50/50 shake test using distilled water  the water turned out slightly cloudy and the biodiesel was also dull and cloudy.

Have you heard of the 3/27 test, whereby using 27mils of Methanol you then dissolve 3mils biodiesel and the result should clear, it is ment to be a test for unreacted oil.

Regards

Mark

[Mark2256]

HI All

Here's an update the 50/50 shake test cleared after about 4 hours now crystal clear, I also carried out a 3/27 test after about 2 hours the test has I light yellowish tinge to it but no drop out.

Any advise please

Kind Regards

Mark

[dgs]

Hi Mark, I think thats 3x goods. One for the conversion (3/27) One for the 50/50 and one for the clear and bright bio.

The 3/27 conversion test is the same as the 10/90 (same proportions) but as the 10/90 uses more sample it is more accurate. I posted a link for the pictures of the 10/90 tube earlier in this thread.

Your 3/27 will have picked up some colour from the bio so that is normal.

[dgs]

Hi Mark, I've just seen your calculations on the 'American Channel'. there is something wrong with your working out (although I appreciate you have ended up with good biodiesel)

I don't really have time now to comment in full (going out) but you say your potassium is 99% pure. I think you will find it is 90% pure. When you add the titration amount it is per litre, not per the whole batch. Also when adjusting the amount of potassium for purity you should end up with a greater weight, not less.

Will reply later tonight, Cheers.

[Mark2256]

Hi Dave,

Thank You for pointing out my mistake on the other forum. I did check my calulations using the titration tool on here witch gave the same answer as my calculations 35grams of KOH, yes it is 98.99% pure I purchased it for another mod on my car witch works very well giving me fuel saving of around 20% around town and around 25% on a run. I hope we are not going to fall out over 0.01%.

Another 2 questions if I may

"how does one test for water content?"

"do I need to let a new batch stand or can it be used straight away?"

[dgs]

Hi Mark, I realise that analytical grade KOH can be more than 90% pure. It is just that for our use it is never used. The 90% works well enough (even though the missing 10% is water)

Just remember the titration amount of 2.1 is added as gms per litre, so in your case the actual amount was 7 + 2.1 x 3.5
 ie 31.85gms

Your bio does not need to stand and can be used immediately.

Water is not easy to test for. The cheapest way is to build a manometer. Other methods , sandy brae and karl fisher are more accurate but very expensive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf-aoDHmKkc

[Mark2256]

Hi Dave

Thank You for the reply will make sure next I get cals right .

I see what you mean about the other web site.

Have you seen this and have any break throughs been made.

http://www.burnveg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=832

Kind Regards

Mark

[dgs]

Hi Mark,
julian (this forum) and myself have spent many a happy hour messing about with these sensors and we got nowhere, have a look here.

http://www.biopowered.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2494.0.html

Mark, after you mentioned your HHO unit in infopop it may be an idea to start a new thread on here, I'm sure quite a few would be interested.

[Mark2256]

Hi Dave

Thank You for the reply

After the responce I got from Tilly on Infopop I would need to give it some thought. I went to pick my wash and drying tank today needs a good clean and the outlet valve is blocked with mud. I will also have to check the heater and install an inlet port to circulate the biodiesel as well as a spray nozzle and plumbing.

I have not used my biodiesel yet due to my long run today so will put some in the tank tomorrow to see how my car runs on it around town. Not sure how a 2006 Citroen C5 1.6 HDI VTX+ fitted with the DV6 9HZ engine will take it. But It will be mixed with Diesel left in the tank from todays jurney.

Kind Regards

Mark