Processor - basic design

This page is Work In Progress and therefore may not be complete.

A typical two drum processer and method

Wet veg circulating - source: K.H

Hot pan test - wet oil - source: K.H

Hot pan test - dry oil - source: K.H

50/50 shake up test - source: K.H

Fill processer to required level,turn on pump and heater and circulate with lid off and venturi open (if applicable) until required temperature is reached (70 – 90 C ) Replace lid and settle overnight then drain off any water,perform a hot pan test to verify the oil is dry Titrate and set level,turn on heater and pump until 64C is reached,turn off heater and introduce methoxide via pump or venturi Circulate for x amount of time (x will depend on pump size,typically ½ hour – 1 ½ hours ) Perform 27/3 or 5/45 test at 20C continue circulating until a pass is achieved Prewash – if required Slowly add 7% water and ciculate for 15 minutes Close bottom valve and settle for at least 1 hour then drain glycerol Transfer to wash tank Wash until water is clear,perform 50/50 soap test to confirm Allow to settle for 1 hour then drain water,turn on heater (optional) and airstones and bubble overnight to dry Pump through chosen filters to holding tank Instead of drying the wvo by heat and circulation you can perform a glycerol prewash which will also lower the titration value Fill processer to required level turn on heater and pump then heat to 60C Turn off heater and add 20% glycerol,circulate for ½ hour then settle for 1 hour before draining off glycerol Titrate as normal You can speed up your processing times by adding things like an eductor

From a safety point of view i would recommend fitting a float switch or an inline heater so that the heater cannot be turned on unless it is covered

See clip for an eductor in use

Eductor mixing - source: K.H