Glycerol from ASM reactions

[theraw]

Hi all, I'm hoping the ASM users can help me with this.

I've been reading much about the benefits that come from using ASM so I'm seriously considering giving it a go but I wanted to know if the glycerol it produces sets solid and if it does how quickly does it set. I'm guessing it's a possibility seeing as it's a Sodium based catalyst.

I've been making bio for close to 5 years now and my processor is set up so that the pipework and pump can be 100% drained. This coupled with the fact that I've always used KOH means that I've never had a problem with glycerol setting anywhere and I don't really want to start now!

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Rauri

[Julian]

Welcome to the wiki and forum.

I've only used ASM a few times and on a couple of occasions the entire batch set solid, but that's another story!

The batches that have worked have produced solid glycerine as would NaOH.

[therecklessengineer]

I've done two ASM batches now and the glyc has set into a sort of semi-solid gloopy mess. It'll still pour...just about!

Try it, you won't regret it!

[RichardP]

My glyc from ASM goes thick but not solid. If I put it in the house overnight it's easy enough to pour.

[Julian]

Interesting, when you two get semi solid glycerine, how much methanol has been removed from it?

[therecklessengineer]

Yes, should have mentioned that. The above is the fully methylated variety - none has been removed.

[Julian]

Ah, there's the difference, mine was quite heavily demethed.

Good to know that it's pumpable if not demethed ... I might now have a bash at glycerine washing.

[BassAddict]

My glyc from ASM goes solid even when kept indoors - not rock solid but it is now pumpable and I have to shovel it in the top of the reactor (safely as can be) or mix with hot oil. This is with meth in ready to use for a glyc wash.

[nigelb]

My ASM glyc always goes solid

I drain it into a steel clip complete with valved inlet and vents on the lid and a drain valve on the side

For the glyc wash I put it on the Turk Burner to melt it down..then pump it in.

Nige

[julesandtash]

Mine goes solid too.
I dont demeth at all, just glyc wash the oil then two stage process.
All glyc is drained before any water is added.

Glyc goes completely solid within 24 to 36hrs whatever the feedstock I use.

[Jamesrl]

I did a batch yesterday, the glyc for the wash was two weeks old and had sat in the shed all that time. The only part of the 20ltr that could'nt be used, due to viscosity, was the bottom 2".

After a glyc wash it sets like a brick.

BTW I've recently fitted a special glyc entry point, makes life a piece of pi$$. I can put 20ltr of glyc in as fast or faster than the methoxide.

[RichardP]

BTW I've recently fitted a special glyc entry point, makes life a piece of pi$$. I can put 20ltr of glyc in as fast or faster than the methoxide.

Is it called a 'lid'?

[K.H]

BTW I've recently fitted a special glyc entry point, makes life a piece of pi$$. I can put 20ltr of glyc in as fast or faster than the methoxide.

Is it called a 'lid'?

[Jamesrl]

BTW I've recently fitted a special glyc entry point, makes life a piece of pi$$. I can put 20ltr of glyc in as fast or faster than the methoxide.

Is it called a 'lid'?

Nah, I don't use a bucket, only a totally sealed GL, y'know, a proper reactor.

[bertle]

Yesterday I loaded my processor with oil, warmed it up and added the liquid glyc from the previous asm batch, using my special glyc inlet port (lid). Mixed it for a while and turned it off to settle. I then got called home early, (processor is at work), before I got time to drain off the glyc.
This morning I opened the drain valve and nothing came out! I now have 20 litres of solid glyc under 180 litres wvo. Bugger!