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Biodiesel => Chemistry and process => Topic started by: db on July 10, 2013, 09:12:23 PM

Title: My latest dabble with water washing
Post by: db on July 10, 2013, 09:12:23 PM
My usual method :80L oil, 2 stage no titration using ASM, 27/3 pass, then 7% pre wash.

Now on my last 2 batches, after the prewash has been drained I've added approx 10L of water, then pumped for only a couple of minutes.
Drained water after 1/2 hour.
Repeat again with 10L water.
Drained water, added another 10L, pumped for 5 mins.
Drained water again, added another 10L and pumped for 10 mins.
Repeat above, then drain and add 10 more, pumped for 15mins.
Repeat above.

This seems to be working without creating emulsions.

Anyone else tried this?

Dawson
Title: Re: My latest dabble with water washing
Post by: nigelb on July 10, 2013, 10:07:20 PM
Hi Dawson...this is probably due to you having really dry oil to begin with and generating minimum soaps during your reaction.

It's great when it goes well....but don't get cocky. It'll come and bite you on the arse when you're not looking. ;D

What size pump are you useing?
Title: Re: My latest dabble with water washing
Post by: db on July 10, 2013, 10:23:04 PM
It's a tam105, and yes I've been bitten several times with water washing, but it keeps drawing me in!!

The reason I keep dabbling is because I've noticed that the trace of soap settlement I get disappears when I try a water wash - even though I don't feel I get it completely right.

I've made the extra payment by the way - for Sunday.

Dawson
Title: Re: My latest dabble with water washing
Post by: nathanrobo on July 13, 2013, 10:51:16 PM
Mate... you've got the right instincts :-)