Ok guys I just finished this post for another site and figured I would throw it over here so you could enjoy it as well.......

This is my Bio processor that was built from scratch. I pulled bits and pieces of ideas from others on many sites to put it all together.

This system will process 40 gallons per day with a capacity of 120 gallons in progress at any one time.

Here is a shot of the entire setup. The closest barrel is the cone bottom processor. The middle barrel is a continuous mist wash and the far barrel is the dry tank.



The processor tank itself is a 55 gallon drum that had the solid bottom cut out and a cone base added. This processor is heated by a 4500 watt water heater element that is controlled by a water heater t-stat.







The methoxide is mixed in 5 gallon jugs and then introduced into the processor through a quick connect fitting.



The wash tank is set up for a continuous wash. Usually I will turn on the wash on my way to work in the morning and then I have a washed batch when I get home.



Here is a shot of the mist head in action......



The dry tank is set up for heating similar to the processor. I pump the fuel across a 4500 watt element and then it is sprayed out through the top PVC pipe with the fan blowing across it. I usually run the temp up to about 160F. Humidity plays a big roll in how fast I can dry a batch. I have dried 40 gallons in as little as 45 min and I have had batches take up to 3 or 4 hrs.





Here are a couple pics of the drying process. Notice the color change from the wet to dry shots.

Wet...



Dry....



Here is a shot of our lab table with the titration supplies on it....




My finished fuel is stored in metal 55 gallon drums under a vacuum seal. I have found that if I run the fuel into the drum right when it finishes the dry process and it is still hot it will draw a nice vacuum on the drum as it cools.


Kevin

 

You should add a MeOH recovery station.

 

That is in the plans but we haven't gotten that far yet.

 

What type of building are you in?

I noticed the open wood beams. You might want to add sheetrock to the ceiling.

 

how did you make the cone base, and can u use lard to make biodeisel?

 

YEAH RIGHT!

Like my wife would ever allow something THAT FUN TO RUN near our home!

You should offer detailed pictures of every section with arrows pointing out everything with part numbers included (only for non stock items like that blue pump and the square silver thing (heater?) on the drum side, not the simple things like pipe fittings) and a full set of assembly and operation instructions!

Most pictures on line do not seem as nice, detailed or as clear as yours, and it look like there is a minimum of high dollar (got to buy it only from me) parts.

With just a little extra effort you could rake in some extra $$$ for something you have already done!

If you do decide to, let me know.

 

The pumps are from Northern Tool. DO NOT GET the pumps from Harbor Freight. They look the same but are not as powerful. The silver boxes are simply an electrical box that is spot welded to the drum. It houses a water heater thermostat that controls the water heater element. If you follow the wire from the electrical box you can see where it attaches to the bottom of the 1" "T" that is the bottom of the water heater element. I am working on some better pictures that are labeled and will post up when I get them done.

Kevin

 

Sounds like a nice system, I want to copy it, if you don't mind. Waiting impatiently for more info.

 

I would also like to make this system. Please pm or post some more info. Thanks

Kyle

 

Looks like a great system Would love to know more as I am going to build a BD system in the next few weeks. Thanks

 

how much did it cost to make this?

 

That's a sweet set up!

 

Wow, you put the time in your set up. good job, looks like you could move some fuel!

 

How much did it cost?

 

Still would like more info.