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Biodiesel => Chemistry and process => Topic started by: Dickjotec on April 14, 2013, 06:11:29 PM

Title: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Dickjotec on April 14, 2013, 06:11:29 PM
I have just done a very simple mod that has improved condensing.

I have a squirrel and a quad condenser but I get vapour after the condenser. The condensate drum is sealed.

I just added a length of tube so that instead of dripping into the drum the liquid and vapour is introduced under the cool condensate. Result - no vapour drawn back into the processor.

Now tell me "we all do that, didn't you know"!

Dick
 
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Tony on April 14, 2013, 08:34:01 PM
I guess that only works if you have a decently sucky venturi, it sounds good to me though :)
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Jamesrl on April 14, 2013, 09:28:49 PM
I have just done a very simple mod that has improved condensing.

I have a squirrel and a quad condenser but I get vapour after the condenser. The condensate drum is sealed.

I just added a length of tube so that instead of dripping into the drum the liquid and vapour is introduced under the cool condensate. Result - no vapour drawn back into the processor.

Now tell me "we all do that, didn't you know"!


Dick

Be warned, there are drawbacks doing it just that.

It's possible to collapse the reactor due to a vacuum forming on cooling once you've emptied it.

You MUST make sure the reactor has as many valves open to atmosphere as possible once drained.

Oh ye' did it years ago as have a few others.

Nothing new in the bio world.
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Tony on April 14, 2013, 11:06:33 PM
I guess you were pumping the vessel out and pipework restrictions caused the problem?  I would have thought worst case would be sucking the condensate back into the processor.
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Head Womble on April 14, 2013, 11:11:46 PM
This is worth reading.

http://www.biopowered.co.uk/wiki/Importance_of_venting_a_processor
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Jamesrl on April 14, 2013, 11:13:36 PM
I guess you were pumping the vessel out and pipework restrictions caused the problem?  I would have thought worst case would be sucking the condensate back into the processor.

Weren't me Tony RGT on VOD did it, imploded the tank during to cooling period, I thought it would just suck the condensate back  but no.

Leaving the meth in the vessel whilst sucking in the methoxide on a new batch will stall the venturi as well, Orange Vito found that out.

You MUST keep the condensate  pipes clear at ALL times. 
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Dickjotec on April 15, 2013, 07:57:03 AM
The processor is vented through a manometer at demeth times. A water u tube enables air to enter the processor or vapour to get out at low pressure. I have pumped out the processor many times with the manometer bypass valve closed  with no problem other than the water bubbling.
Dick
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Tony on April 15, 2013, 08:05:30 AM
The processor is vented through a manometer at demeth times. A water u tube enables air to enter the processor or vapour to get out at low pressure. I have pumped out the processor many times with the manometer bypass valve closed  with no problem other than the water bubbling.
Dick

Your submerged meth pipe - that's just another, bigger manometer, surely?
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Dickjotec on April 15, 2013, 08:14:19 AM
Not really as a large amount of meth has to be pulled into the processor before air can get in. With the manometer only a small amount of water has to move for air to bubble in. Additionally the manometer is large bore so allows a lot of air in if required. I have always had the manometer, it was on GLs site and seemed a good idea to keep vapours in the processor, in effect the processor is sealed from the atmosphere when brewing. You do have to have antifreeze in it though don't want it freezing!
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Jamesrl on April 15, 2013, 09:59:12 AM
I have always had the manometer, it was on GLs site and seemed a good idea to keep vapours in the processor,

And he didn't use the idea, I bought all the parts to make one but he told me not to bother, yes I used to talk to God directly.
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: photoman290 on April 15, 2013, 12:06:23 PM
I have always had the manometer, it was on GLs site and seemed a good idea to keep vapours in the processor,

And he didn't use the idea, I bought all the parts to make one but he told me not to bother, yes I used to talk to God directly.

bet Gabriel was a bit peed off when he saw your trumpet.
Title: Re: Speeded up condensing ------ easy
Post by: Jamesrl on April 15, 2013, 04:49:54 PM
I have always had the manometer, it was on GLs site and seemed a good idea to keep vapours in the processor,

And he didn't use the idea, I bought all the parts to make one but he told me not to bother, yes I used to talk to God directly.

bet Gabriel was a bit peed off when he saw your trumpet.

Coo! he sure was, I sold it to 'im and made meself a bigger one, I think you might have heard it.