Watch the color of the reaction. If it doesn't turn black the reaction has not progressed far enough. When mixing, mine turns kinda golden brown, then as the Glycerol comes out of suspension it turns black. If it is a complete reaction you should see it turn a dark black. I've had a similar problem before and just added KOH in 1/2 lb increment's till it "turned". The problem seems to be suspended water. It removes some of the KOH from the methoxide and stops the reaction.

 

Hey Phil, since you have it running right now anyway, how about if you pull a 1 cup or so sample, and see if any glycerin settles out of it. It should take less than 10-15 minutes for that to happen. If you get any separation that's a good sign. You can just dump it back into the processor one way or the other. Just a thought if you have the chance.

 

ahhh were on to something guys. long story short my old mans sick so i decided to set this up at home (im 21yr ol) to be with him more on the weekends. right now i have the kitchen counter covered with 3/27 tests and cups full of water trying to get everyting the same temp LOL.

black as black can be. and it seperates QUICK. within 5 min a "ball" gar is septerated. i think im good to go. let glycerin settle and drain?

 

Sounds like the extra KOH did the trick! Just let it settle overnight, drain the glycerol and you should be good to go.

 

Its in the dry wash, got about another 10 min of mixing. Is it ok if this stuff sits still tuesday in there?

 

Won't hurt it a bit Phil.

 

I thought I was the youngster of the group. Nice to see...

 

Thanks Don !

and trent i guess we all look older through the computer screen LOL!

 

Got the pump in the mail today. went out to the garage to check and get ready to pump into my tank. the bio washed with magnesol has huge white flakes floating in it. not on the bottom but suspended in the bio. did i make soap...if so what can i do to fix this.

 

alright well i could wait any longer and put 10gal of hot water in to wash it down to see if that could make a difference. i took an educated guess and figured it was high glycern (soap) floating in there. i have no idea why. i did everything step by step. i took a sample and heated it up and the bio was super clear...however its not that cold here..40's

heres my step by step process one again. if anyone sees a problem in this can they please let me know

1. transfer cheese cloth-ed oil into processor tank
2. heat to 140
3. add koh and methanol
4. mix for 1.5 hours.
5. 3/27 test to check completion of process
6. once passes or dark glycern quickly settles to sample container let glycern settle and drain
7. move to wash container
8. add app. magnesol and mix for 30 min
9. let settle over night.

there are the EXACT steps i am doing. no other this and that added in here and there. is this ok?

 

never had flakes. Have had foam before, but just added a little more Maganesol and it went away.

 

ugg idk im about to give up. i put magnesol in there again today and mixed. waited about 2 or 3 hours and then did a shake test. it seperated in 10 min, but the oil was murkey

 

Adding the water might have made an emulsion? I had one once and reprocessed it to get the water out. Might need to wait and see what Others have to say... hope it works out...

 

OK Don. Now you have me confused after about 1500 gallons processed. I use 2.88 lbs of Magnesol for 40 gal bio. What gives?
Tom