Glycerol from ASM reactions

[Jamesrl]

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!

See, that's what happens when y'gotta lid, I don't got one.

[bertle]

It's worse than that I have the capability to isolate the tank and drain down the pipes and pumps, this I also failed to do so all that lot is solid too! Double bugger!

[theraw]

I now have 20 litres of solid glyc under 180 litres wvo.

That's my biggest fear! Anyway, my process is glyc wash, 2 stage no titration and then bubble demeth all on the same day one stage straight after the other so the only time I have the risk of glyc setting solid in the reactor is the bubble demeth as that usually runs overnight whilst there's still heat in the processor. That said the majority of the glyc that drops out from that stage usually drops out within the first couple of hours so I'll just have to make sure that it's drained sooner rather than later.

Thanks so much for all the replies, really appreciate it, it's given me the confidence to give ASM a go!

[1958steveflying]

It's worse than that I have the capability to isolate the tank and drain down the pipes and pumps, this I also failed to do so all that lot is solid too! Double bugger!

A heat gun (safest) or blow torch gently teased around the pipework will get it flowing, the same with the bottom drain.

[julianf]

I think my reactor would have been past the point of recovery many times without compressed air...

On the next rebuild, im planning on actually adding some injection points.

[bertle]

It's worse than that I have the capability to isolate the tank and drain down the pipes and pumps, this I also failed to do so all that lot is solid too! Double bugger!

A heat gun (safest) or blow torch gently teased around the pipework will get it flowing, the same with the bottom drain.

I was thinking gas axe would warm it up, didn't want to blue my nice stainless pipework though!

[nigelb]

Andrew....that is a real schoolboy error. Best of luck getting that liquid again.

Nige

[nigelb]

From experience I would never let raw glyc settle inside the reactor. I leave glyc in there if there is a 7% water wash in with it. That takes several days to set up but only in the coldest weather.

ASM has it's own set of rules. You just need to know what they are.

Nige

[Julian]

I now, frequently leave demethed glycerine in the processor overnight, by shutting a valve right at the tank outlet and draining all the pipe work.  Haven't yet had a problem.

[Jamesrl]

It's worse than that I have the capability to isolate the tank and drain down the pipes and pumps, this I also failed to do so all that lot is solid too! Double bugger!

If you couldn't drain down your pipework and pumps whilst the reactor is full loaded you ain't built it right.

I can strip off and work on, if needed, ALL or any part of the pipework and pumps.

In anyway there's a VERY simple answer to setting glyc and clear pipes/reactor if you need to leave it over night, I'll give you a little time to work it out before I tell you.

Remember KISS

[Julian]

Sir, Sir, I know Sir .... leave the pump running.

[Jamesrl]

Sir, Sir, I know Sir .... leave the pump running.

Not even warm, it's simpler than that and NOTHING is turned on or left running.

[Julian]

Doh, I was sure leaving the pump running while the glycerine was SETTLING would work.

[bertle]

It's worse than that I have the capability to isolate the tank and drain down the pipes and pumps, this I also failed to do so all that lot is solid too! Double bugger!

If you couldn't drain down your pipework and pumps whilst the reactor is full loaded you ain't built it right.

I can strip off and work on, if needed, ALL or any part of the pipework and pumps.

I can isolate everything, I can even take a pump off and keep processing with the other one, I just didn't do it as I was in an unexpected rush. Some things are more important than bio, not many mind you.....

[Tony]

In anyway there's a VERY simple answer to setting glyc and clear pipes/reactor if you need to leave it over night, I'll give you a little time to work it out before I tell you.

Got me curious too.

Use KOH?
Drain the Glyc first?

C'mon pops don't leave us in suspense.