Thoughts on a processor that can do it "All in one"

[K.H]

This is prompted by a question from Canveysteve on the VOD.
If you are limited for space i would go for the titrated water wash or Vinces "in tank" method for finishing,allowing everything to be done in one drum,as the method is new those of us doing it seem to have adapted our existing set ups but if you had to start from scratch what would the processor need?,how would you design it? and what methods would you use?
Things i can think of that may differ from the normal,feel free to disagree

Heater = in tank
Drum = clip top to allow dewatering (not everyones cup of tea i know)
Extra means of aerating maybe? airstones/bubble ring/diffuser?
Filters
One of = inlet before pump or venturi
Eductor = not necessary but useful

[nigelb]

I think that just about covers it Keith. It would not need to be over complicated. A clip on diffuser may be of use when the lid is off to aid the drying of the oil and the finished bio. I use my air pump and diffuser for drying...normally letting it run through the night.

Nige

[Julian]

A GL is pretty much an all in one processor ... dewater with the condenser, process, demeth with the condenser and, using Paul's titrated acid wash, you could pump wash.

I still don't think you can do away with a settling tank.  It's surprising how much crap drops of of bio, no matter how well made.  Last batch I tried Paul's acid and Methanol process, (scared the hell out of me, but then I'm a bit of a wooss!) and the one before that the titrated acid wash and I certainly wouldn't want the gunge that's collected just from those two batches anywhere near either car.

If carefully organised you can process in quite a small space.  My shed is 6' square and I've got a sink, work surface, two oil settling barrels, the processor, two bio settling barrels, the centrifuge, storage for about a dozen 20litre drums along with all the usuall bits and pieces on shelves.  Methanol is kept separately, however.

[Carrington]

When I brewed at home I just had a plastic conical that did everything.
Nice and simple no Venturi or condenser , I could open the top to see what was happening and to dry then when finished just pumped through a 5 mic filter.
It worked well for me but it means you can't prep oil while doing a batch.

This is why I tried to speed up water washing

Paul

[K.H]

I can see the GL is a compact unit,i suppose i should of added simple as well to the criteria,i cant see the point of a condenser and associated plumbing and the heating costs unless you intend reclaiming the meth,i would go for a clip top then glyc wash at the beginning and remove the lid to dry after the methanol has been removed,it goes without saying it would need to seal well

[Julian]

Shhh, if you make it too easy everyone will be doing it and there'll be no oil left.

The importance of getting removing Methanol was again highlighted to me tonight.  But why waste it?  It's been demonstrated time and again that it's cost effective? 

[K.H]

Cost effective yes but what about the time and effort?
Not having reclaimed i dont really know the timescale,it would be interesting to hear Jules views as someone who finds it "better" to wash now than reclaim

[Head Womble]

I don't like the idea of a removable lid, I just wouldn't trust it to seal properly.
So for me it would be a GL with condenser,
two pumps, one for reaction and a self primping one to get the oil into the reactor, although it would need some filters in line.

Process would be,
dry the oil by heat and settle, then condense off the suspended water,
gly wash using undemethed gly,
two stage non titration reaction,
drain gly,
acid titration water wash,
condense off remaining water,
ready to go fuel.

I know this isn't a quick and simple way to do it, but it should work and give good fuel.

[Head Womble]

Last batch I tried Paul's acid and Methanol process, (scared the hell out of me, but then I'm a bit of a wooss!)

What is this method, I've not read about it.

[Julian]

It's a secret!

[Head Womble]

 

[Keef]

The importance of getting removing Methanol was again highlighted to me tonight.  But why waste it?  It's been demonstrated time and again that it's cost effective?

I can see that WBD is cost effective compared to just loosing the meth to the atmosphere but surely the most cost effective has to be glyc pre-treat with un-demethed glyc and just loose the meth in the bio to the atmosphere?

Zero input and the vast majority of your meth is in the next batch.

[Greenchef]

I've been using a fenland processor now for 4 years, (bought it second hand of eBay for 300 quid) every new processing idea I've been able to accommodate!

I have watched with envy all the new mods and upgrades on VOD over the years and often though about upgrading, jolly glad now that I didn't bother!
With no titration and pump washing the fenland dose everything in one unit, also square so it fits in corners! I personally love it and now would not change for a GL even if it where free!

[Chug]

I like my gl style processor made from a clip top, I washed for 4-5 years but now find my two stage cold start reaction wbd and settle works best for me, quicker, easier, cheaper.

I think there may be some merit to glycwash for reclaiming meth as opposed to demething(mainly due to energy cost) but until it's been tested to measure how much of the meth is actually reclaimed we wont know for sure.

[Keef]

I think there may be some merit to glycwash for reclaiming meth as opposed to demething(mainly due to energy cost) but until it's been tested to measure how much of the meth is actually reclaimed we wont know for sure.

Sounds like a project for K.H. if ever I heard one.