Biopowered - vegetable oil and biodiesel forum

Biodiesel => Chemistry and process => Topic started by: Tony on May 27, 2013, 10:58:56 AM

Title: Methoxide addition to oil over 65C disaster!
Post by: Tony on May 27, 2013, 10:58:56 AM
I know Jim has done this a few times and just gets a little methanol from the condenser, and indeed I've done it a few times with the oil about 70C and no problems, little dribble from the condenser but otherwise OK.

So early this morning having dewatered last night, the oil was still 80C, so I though I'd give it a go - worst case is getting a lot of methanol back from the condenser, right?

Not quite - started off with getting a little methanol back, then there was a gurgling spewing sound - lots of foamed up oil through the condenser.  I'd only got about 7 litres of methoxide in.

Collected it all, waited a few hours to cool, and back in and processing, so fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Methoxide addition to oil over 65C disaster!
Post by: Julian on May 27, 2013, 12:00:59 PM
Glad it wasn't more serious and well done for catching the over spill.

If I need to bring the temperature of a batch down I run the pump with the venturi open and water running in the condenser, not quick but every little helps.
Title: Re: Methoxide addition to oil over 65C disaster!
Post by: therecklessengineer on May 27, 2013, 12:05:41 PM
I've made the same mistake in the past. Recovered it quite easily though.
Title: Re: Methoxide addition to oil over 65C disaster!
Post by: Tony on May 27, 2013, 06:34:34 PM
Processed OK, bit of drop out but not enough to worry the Delica in summer, so all good.  Bubbling away happily now.