A quick way to increase processing capacity

[dgs]

My processor is a max capacity of 220 litres. This means if I add my usual 24.5 litres of methoxide for S1 to my pre glyc treated oil I can only process about 190 litres of oil. During Winter, when I use KOH only methoxide the 190 litres of oil will leave me with about 185 litres of finished bio.

To give me more like 205 litres of finished bio I prepare a Dr Pepper type process in a cubie, using the same chemical proportions as the processor.

After S1 glycerol has settled for a few hours I remove it (leaving spare capacity in the processor) and pour in the entire contents of the Dr Pepper cubie. I then leave to settle until the next day and then remove all the settled glycerol again.

As long as this leaves me about 5 litres capacity in the processor for S2 methoxide then this gives me well over 200 litres of finished bio.

It is an easy thing to do and means that each process is done around 3 days less often.

[Jamesrl]

Why not use an IBC as your reactor and do really big batches?

[photoman290]

Why not use an IBC as your reactor and do really big batches?

y

you trying to off load some dodgy eductors?

[dgs]

Why not use an IBC as your reactor and do really big batches?

y

you trying to off load some dodgy eductors?

Ha, a bit too big for me, an IBC. The idea was to just increase the production in what I already had.

[DavidShinn]

Hi Dave,

Just read this post and what a good idea. Increasing the batch size after the S1 process by topping up with a mini batch processed in a cubie. Definitely going to try that next time..

By the way. Just completed a process at 20C with no problems at all. One big advantage of doing ambient  reactions is that the methanol stays in the mix rather than flashing off and condensing on the underside of the processor lid.

Cheers

David

[julianf]

My method is -

Brim processor with veg and glyc
Glyc wash
Drain glyc, and a bit of veg (which is saved), so there's enough room for my s1 methoxide.

Drain glyc, put back in initial veg
90/10
S2

Not quite the same as you, but another way to max out things.  The percentage of veg that i re-add is small enough that it does not mess with the calculations too much - i generally OD s2 by 10% anyhow, to push for complete conversion (S2 chems are cheap, as youre not using much of them anyhow)

I use the meth-limiting process - 10% of the veg volume on each stage.  Seems to work out ok.

[dgs]

Yes, this way works really well, yours too Julian.

Writing this from my hospital bed, just had the 1st of my knee.  Joints replaced, whereas most of you have a cartilage between your bones, I have a chrome cobalt/nylon sandwich,

[Jamesrl]

When ever I wanted to increase batch volume I just built a bigger reactor, problem solved.

[Julian]

When ever I wanted to increase batch volume I just built a bigger reactor, problem solved.

That was my plan about three years ago ... still haven't got round to it!

[DavidShinn]

Hi Dave

I hope it's all gone well and you make a quick recovery. Will you be in long? Are you up for a biochat if I visit you? Please take care.
 David

[Julian]

Hi Dave

I hope it's all gone well and you make a quick recovery. Will you be in long? Are you up for a biochat if I visit you? Please take care.
 David

Dave, I missed that bit in your post ... a very swift and complete recovery.

[dgs]

Thanks for the replys. I don't quite know whats happening here, I posted yesterday from the hospital but the post has now gone. Anyway I'm back home now, complete with my new chrome cobalt reconstructed knee.

Ah, I see the post , maybe all the anesthetic still hasn't worn off yet! David, Phone me anytime.

[Tony]

Very nice, did they say how long the replacement will last?  Sounds like a neat bit of engineering at any rate, I guess it is shaped to your bones?

[dgs]

Very nice, did they say how long the replacement will last?  Sounds like a neat bit of engineering at any rate, I guess it is shaped to your bones?

Hi Tony, I think it is a minimum of 10 years depending on how I look after it (for instance no jogging or really active sports)  As far as I know the consultant has a variety of shapes to choose from. As the joint has laid down new bone to replace the cartilage, this has been removed and trimmed to suit the metal cap. the cap has a spike to locate it down the bone which is hammered into place.

I had the op under a Spinal, the anaesthetist said I could have a small sedative just to make me half asleep. He must have thought I looked a little nervous so I was totally asleep.

[RichardP]

I can't imagine having a spinal for major surgery like that. I've had several orthopedic ops all under general anaesthetic, would never have them otherwise as orthopedic op are basically all saws, hammers, chisels and drills, a bit like my garage.

Hope you have a quick recovery.