After approx 1800 gal under my belt, I was surprised when I saw what the BD looked like after I let it settle. I used the same formula and the oil is from the same source. Temp same, etc.
I took a sample and titrated it using the additional 8 gallons as the amount (methanol added plus the original 40) I was surprised to see that it titrated the same as the usual raw oil I start with. It was as if I didn't process it at all. I will take Fab's advice and process a small amount to see what happened. I am puzzled. The BD demons were watching me. Or maybe it was Beachkid.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my biodiesel friends. (You too Beachkid)
Tom D

 

I don't know what this means. Titration has nothing to do with volume of your batch except when it comes to how much caustic and methanol to use.

 

Once I had a batch that didn't seperate right and I got away with heating it up again with the pump running and letting it settle out again. Just a thought?

 

he had to be missing something- either heat,time, mixing, proper amount of methanol or caustic.

I put a batch together yesterday and it wasn't even up to full temp so we just let it mix a little longer and it turned out fine. It was around 135F when I started mixing in the methoxide- couldn't wait any longer for it to heat up. Titrated at 3.2 with 21% MBV.

 

well Merry X-max to you too. It is not just bringing the product to temperature, but the rate of rise affects the final product as well.

 

135 is plenty warm. I usually turn of the heat at 125. Reaction is exothermic, so it self sustains...

 

Merry Christmas to all as well. Hope everyone has a happy new year in 2012.