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Biodiesel => Chemistry and process => Topic started by: rumple on June 20, 2024, 01:44:27 PM

Title: A query for the chemists.
Post by: rumple on June 20, 2024, 01:44:27 PM

Hi guys.
 Until recently I've lucky with rodents even though I'm in a rural part of Staffordshire. I've been able to stockpile excess oil in cubies near my bio hut, but it looks as though the local mice have started taking an interest in them and I've lost several cubies to them.
I have a few 20l heavy duty industrial oil containers and they've left these alone (up to now).
I've found a source of empty 20l containers that would fit the bill and also stack quite nicely. They originally held 15% Sodium Hypochlorite and although I've washed them out several times, they still have a bleachy odour. Could this be a problem if they were used for WVO storage prior to processing?
Thanks.

Title: Re: A query for the chemists.
Post by: dgs on June 21, 2024, 06:17:19 PM

https://biopowered.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3376.0

Title: Re: A query for the chemists.
Post by: rumple on June 21, 2024, 07:13:03 PM

Thanks for the link Dave. Unfortunately the link that countrypaul supplied is no longer valid. WesleyB seemed to suggest it's probably not a good idea due to the possible presence of chlorine in the finished product. A lso I've found out it's possible to neutralise sodium hypochlorite with sodium metabisulfite so I may end up down that route.

Title: Re: A query for the chemists.
Post by: countrypaul on June 22, 2024, 09:51:14 PM

Bear in mind that he human sense of smell can normally detect sodium hypochlorite at concentrations of around 2 ppb (2 parts per billion) so just because a container gives a smell of hypochroide does not mean it will cause you any problems. Youo can also wash out the container with a variety of compound to neutralise the hypochlorite, such as Ascorbic acird, Hydrogen Peroxide or baking soda.

Title: Re: A query for the chemists.
Post by: rumple on June 24, 2024, 08:17:22 AM

Thanks for this countrypaul. It's the advice I was looking for. As it's so cheap and easily obtainable I'll go with the baking soda.

Title: Re: A query for the chemists.
Post by: neisel on June 26, 2024, 03:43:40 PM

I get once used 25L hard plastic containers for free which have held 36% Hydrochloric acid. I rinse them out 3 or 4 times with water before using them to store my freshly made BD. Sometimes the BD sits in them for nearly a year before it gets used as I don't make any BD from around Sept thru June.

Been doing the same for about 10 years now without issue.

They are not bullet proof as far as rodents go, but a great deal better than cubies & with a little rat poison I have vanquished the local rodentry.

Title: Re: A query for the chemists.
Post by: rumple on June 27, 2024, 07:57:26 AM

That's good to know neisel. I'm probably overthinking this as a problem, but that's where this great forum is such a help.