Acetone to aid reaction !

[nathanrobo]

I'd be surprised if the glyc is simply in solution with the bio.  The acetone co-solvent process was pioneered by an academic institution and the final product was tested to ASTM standards.

Some brewers tested here have been doing it in conjunction with water washing, which ought to flush any glycerin out. But you are right having glycerin present in the final product isn't a good idea:

http://www.biopowered.co.uk/wiki/Effect_of_biodiesel_on_fuel_injection_systems

[1958steveflying]

Hi,

I am very new to this board and very new to biodiesel production.  I just want to thank you all for the work that you are doing.

Right now I am doing a lot of research and reading because I have a bit of time on my hands. 

I'm reading the Biodiesel Handbook by Gerhard Knothe and Jon Van Gerpen.  In the chapter concerning transesterification it talks about glycerin removal.  It also lists that alcohols can be used to keep glycerin soluble in biodiesel.  I believe I read earlier that less glycerin is being removed from the reactor with acetone assisted reactions.  Could the glycerin be dissolved in the biodiesel?  Wouldn't this adversely effect the amount of free glycerol and total glycerol in the end product?  I only ask because measuring glycerol content in the biodiesel is an ASTM and EN quality standard. 

For the homebrewer this might not be a major concern but, having those long chain hydrocarbons passing through your engine cannot be a good thing.

Sorry to interupt but I thought this would be a great place to ask my questions.

Thanks

Hi JV3, welcome to the forum.

Always good to have another persons input, clearly you are doing lots of reading, keep it up and keep asking questions. In the midst of it sometimes we can see things with clouded vision.

[photoman290]

Hi,

I am very new to this board and very new to biodiesel production.  I just want to thank you all for the work that you are doing.

Right now I am doing a lot of research and reading because I have a bit of time on my hands. 

I'm reading the Biodiesel Handbook by Gerhard Knothe and Jon Van Gerpen.  In the chapter concerning transesterification it talks about glycerin removal.  It also lists that alcohols can be used to keep glycerin soluble in biodiesel.  I believe I read earlier that less glycerin is being removed from the reactor with acetone assisted reactions.  Could the glycerin be dissolved in the biodiesel?  Wouldn't this adversely effect the amount of free glycerol and total glycerol in the end product?  I only ask because measuring glycerol content in the biodiesel is an ASTM and EN quality standard. 

For the homebrewer this might not be a major concern but, having those long chain hydrocarbons passing through your engine cannot be a good thing.

Sorry to interupt but I thought this would be a great place to ask my questions.

Thanks

Hi JV3, welcome to the forum.

Always good to have another persons input, clearly you are doing lots of reading, keep it up and keep asking questions. In the midst of it sometimes we can see things with clouded vision.
[/quothi jv3 and welcome to the forum,

i think what is happening is that more oil is being converted to bio than in the other methods. this will result in less bio being trapped in the glyserol so the yeald will go up at the expense of glyserol. comparing the 2 this would show as less glyserol. this is only a theory as i have not done any tests yet.

[Carrington]

If someone who is doing a acetone reaction wants me to do some tests on their Glyc to see if it is a case of more oils and FFA's are reacted and not left behind in the Glyc.

Paul

[Jamesrl]

having those long chain hydrocarbons passing through your engine cannot be a good thing.

I was under the impression that those long chain hydrocarbons are the fuel, 

[Tony]

having those long chain hydrocarbons passing through your engine cannot be a good thing.

I was under the impression that those long chain hydrocarbons are the fuel,

Yar, indeed they are, be that fatty acids, FAME, monoglycerides... I think JV3 means the Glycerol molecule ripped from the middle of the triglyceride.  Don't want that in the fuel, that's for sure   But as said above water washing takes care of it because it's soluble in water whereas FAME is not.

At least the 50:50 water test will still show it so there is an indication of quality even with fuel that is just gravity settled.

[Dickjotec]

If someone who is doing a acetone reaction wants me to do some tests on their Glyc to see if it is a case of more oils and FFA's are reacted and not left behind in the Glyc.

Paul

I have the glyc from the last acetone batch. It was WBD. How much do you need for testing?
Pm me your address and I will send it over.

Regarding that batch I have a very small amount of foam on this one and a sample from the bottom takeoff on the settling tank is already clear. Have not 50/50 tested it yet as it was only made on Sunday evening.
Will post results and pics later in week.

Dick

[Carrington]

Cheers dick
I'm getting some from Steve soon , if the test is a success then I will get you to send a sample down I will send you my home address as I don't always get mail at unit.

Paul

[photoman290]

Cheers dick
I'm getting some from Steve soon , if the test is a success then I will get you to send a sample down I will send you my home address as I don't always get mail at unit.

Paul

Paul did you get my email about the acid.?

[Carrington]

Hi bob
Yes got your email
I will try and get some out to everone over the next few days.

Paul

[photoman290]

thanks paul, sorry to highjack the thread. keep calm and drink tea, and dunk biscuits.