Best process result ever

[BioSteve]

Hi all.

Having spent some time trying to perfect my process, and now using ASM 30% instead of dry NaOH, I’ve finally got to the point where 200 litres have come out with zero drop out on the 10/90, ph7, a totally insignificant methanol and water boil off and a first wash with totally clear water 👍🏼

I have to use four stages to get to this point:

Sulphuric acid & methanol pre-treatment with ph test aiming to return to ph7 ish
Coarse methoxide reaction
Fine methoxide reaction
Final ‘tweaking’ reaction with ph test aiming for 7 again.

Glyc/ sediment is drained at each step and a 10/90 test is done along with a wash test to confirm clear wash water.
The bio is then dry washed to remove the tiny amount of methanol and water and filtered to 1 micron.

A good day in the workshop 🤩

Anyone else only using processing stages to remove the need for the faff of water washing etc?

[dgs]

Hi Steve, well done on your result. Its good when people post on here.

Not to be critical but I have some questions for you.

As you added sulphuric acid, are we to understand you did the acid esterification method. You mention pH, did you not titrate.

What is course and fine methoxide reactions. Do you mean 1st and 2nd stages.

You say clear a 1st wash and clear water but then conclude you haven't water washed?

I wouldn't say dry washing was a good way to remove water and methanol. How do you check that water has been removed.

Looking foreward to your comments, Dave.

[Tony]

I've never water washed in my 15 years of bio.

Multi-stage processing leaves minimum methanol and water in the bio, but I do heat mine to 90C when demething and then air bubble for at least 12h.

That said some batches don't settle anywhere near as well as others and take more time; I imagine water washing at least ensures that the bio is ready sooner than later.