process guide

[Chug]

I think we need to look at/edit the part 4 in the drain glycerol section, I know a few still do it but it's the safety aspect we have to watch out for. I haven't got time to do anything at the mo.
http://www.biopowered.co.uk/wiki/Biodiesel_Process_Guide

[Julian]

Do you mean in terms of Meth fumes whilst draining?  Or demeth in a well ventilated area?

In time, when we have more pages, we could link to a page on the likes of settling drum with airstone lid and vent.

[Chug]

I don't think we should be publicly condoning just bubbling off a highly flammable vapour, even if it says in a well ventilated area.

I've edited it now.

[Julian]

Yes, I tend to agree.  I did add a section to the site guidelines saying that anything considered dangerous would be removed. But then to a lesser extent you have the same problem when draining glycerol.  Perhaps we should advocate a vented glycerol container, tricky one!

[Tony]

I've never used a vented container but I'm careful not to breath any fumes (the processor is by a big open window).  Besides, with WBD the Glycerol seems to be pretty much Meth free - after all, if the condenser isn't pulling much out then slightly cooler dropped Glyc isn't going to put much, if any, vapour into the air.

But I do agree there should be some mention on the guide about Glycerol vapour when doing it old-school style

[Julian]

I meant if you don't WBD.  I've stopped WBD whilst cold and I'm trying to keep the temp and time at temp down to see if it has any effect on HMPEs. Going to missout distilling and only bubble to remove meths, then chill (interesting to see how low I can get the bio temp in this weather). Certainly reduces energy costs this way, nearly finished second stage reaction and only used 6KWhrs, about £1.40 at our rate and that was with the glyc prewash cooling to 25°C over night.

Anyhow just drained first stage glycerol from drain point via funnel into 20 litre barrel.  Could smell Meths but not strongly ... so I think it should defiantly be mentioned.

[Chug]

Draining off glyc that contains methanol and smelling it a little is a different kettle o fish to deliberately driving off methanol to atmosphere and creating a methanol laden air situation that only needs a spark.