Biopowered - vegetable oil and biodiesel forum

Biodiesel => Chemistry and process => Topic started by: Oilybloke on March 21, 2014, 05:21:39 PM

Title: Foamy scum.
Post by: Oilybloke on March 21, 2014, 05:21:39 PM
A delivery today has got me a bit worried......he's running a 50/50 blend and his bulk storage tank has a scummy, foamy film floating on top of the mix. A sample shows the fuel underneath is perfectly clear, but it doesn't look too good. Any suggestions what this might be? (Apart from foamy scum, of course!)
Title: Re: Foamy scum.
Post by: Head Womble on March 21, 2014, 06:18:35 PM
Is this bio that you have produced or from another supplier ?
Title: Re: Foamy scum.
Post by: Bill on March 21, 2014, 07:09:37 PM
Ohh its a technical query.
I thought foamy scum was a new way of insulting someone!
Title: Re: Foamy scum.
Post by: Oilybloke on March 22, 2014, 05:04:57 AM
Is this bio that you have produced or from another supplier ?
It's my produce. I use KOH, never accept anything other than a perfect 10/90 test, mist wash until water is clear, bubble dry, then eco. I'm wondering if it's temperature related, although it's not particularly cold over here; we have had no frosts and it's presently 10c. I can't see any problems with other stock in my shed. Could it be 'diesel bug'?
Title: Re: Foamy scum.
Post by: Head Womble on March 22, 2014, 01:38:22 PM
Is this bio that you have produced or from another supplier ?
It's my produce. I use KOH, never accept anything other than a perfect 10/90 test, mist wash until water is clear, bubble dry, then eco. I'm wondering if it's temperature related, although it's not particularly cold over here; we have had no frosts and it's presently 10c. I can't see any problems with other stock in my shed. Could it be 'diesel bug'?

Froth/foam on top can sometimes be excess soap, but with your washing process this should not be the case.
Title: Re: Foamy scum.
Post by: Jamesrl on March 22, 2014, 02:15:12 PM
Could it be 'diesel bug'?

Highly unlikely,  diesel bug will block a fuel filter in very short time and replacing an element makes no difference unless the whole fuel system is completely cleaned at the same time, and I mean the WHOLE system.