Author Topic: It was the coldest reaction I have ever done.  (Read 1041 times)

Offline dgs

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It was the coldest reaction I have ever done.
« on: May 04, 2023, 12:30:25 PM »
During our cold snap this last January I did a reaction and charged up the processor with oil from one of my outside IBC's. The night time temperature had been <-9C.

The oil temperature after the processor was charged was +2.5degs.

After addition of methoxide and pumping for 5 mins the temp was 5degs. The mix was rested for 1 hour. (a slight variation of Julians' intermittent mixing process)

Temperature was now 9degs. Pumped again for 5 mins and temp was 10degs. left to rest for 1 hour. 10/90 showed normal dropout. (relative to the chemicals used)

It was left overnight and the glycerol removed. S2 was done the next day using the pump for 5 mins.  This batch was bubbled and settled at ambient. It was used for the heating without filtering through woodchips.

the only electricity used was the tam 120 pump for 15 mins. Eq to about 15 pence. Batch volume was 150 litres.
« Last Edit: May 04, 2023, 12:32:49 PM by dgs »
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Offline Tony

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Re: It was the coldest reaction I have ever done.
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2023, 03:27:06 PM »
I wonder if it would scale using an eductor in an IBC?

Offline dgs

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Re: It was the coldest reaction I have ever done.
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2023, 07:25:01 PM »
I wonder if it would scale using an eductor in an IBC?

Probably, however a better way if you are processing outside is to use compressed air to mix. It seems to be more efficient than a pump. I've done this in an outside IBC and even used the intermittent mixing  method using the broom wade compressor (like yours Tony)

I've done 500 litres like this in mid winter, it worked well.
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