Demething Bio
#1
Demething Bio
Anyone on here use the dry washing method and demeth the bd first? Im in the process of switching from water washing to dry wash and need to build a setup to safely demeth the bd. Im slightly nervous about building my own and having an accidental explosion, so I'm looking for some tried and tested designs.
#2
Good to see someone "new" posting. I used a "GL EcoProcessor" design (basically a modified Appleseed design). It does work good for recovering Methanol. I need to build a more efficient condenser this summer. I've made about 1200 gallons so far and have managed not to blow myself up yet...
#3
#4
That is the big explosion hazard, exposed elements in a methanol atmosphere. Always make sure the elements are submerged. As far as heating it up, the "tit" on the thermostat only alows for heating to 140 if I remember right. By removing it, you can turn the thermostat higher. I run ours around 180-185 with the venturi open. Once you get past about 175, it really starts to boil off fast. Ours is wired 220, which helps it heat up faster too.
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We insulated a 250 gallon galvanized aluminum (or something rather) tank and welding two heating elements in the bottom. Thats being used as our oil heater now, might just re-plumb the setup so it can be used for both. Or even try to do "whole batch demething" while everything is in there.
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#8
I think that was Fabman's idea too, welding the element to the bottom of the tank, eliminating the direct contact with the bio. As far as whole batch demething, will that have some reverse reaction?
I drain off the Glycerol, then distill the methanol off the bio. The Glycerol is then used to pretreat the next batch of oil, lowering the titration and the ammount of methanol needed for the next batch.
I drain off the Glycerol, then distill the methanol off the bio. The Glycerol is then used to pretreat the next batch of oil, lowering the titration and the ammount of methanol needed for the next batch.
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#10
I changed my process years ago to "stove top" elements UNDER the heating tank. I use a flat bottom tank with stove top elements bolted to the bottom of the tank, and insulated to the bottom. 0 chance of fire or explosion.
I use the same system for Methanol recovery. Much safer, and if an element burns out I don't have to remove the contents from the tank to change the element!
I'm in the process of building a whole new processor and will post pics when it's finished, but it may be a while because I'm still finishing up my new shop. I don't need to make any bio in the winter because I stockpiled bio from last summer.
What convinced me was a test I did with a 10 gallon glass container. When I saw bubbles forming around the red hot element I decided that maybe this wasn't such a good idea.......
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