Distilling Glycerol

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 2, 2009 | 09:57 AM

Rushmore X

Thread Starter

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 3,678

Likes: 2

From: Rapid City SD

Distilling Glycerol

We have accumulated about 40+ gallons of 2nd run Glycerol now, and I have a question on distillation. Our idea is to load it into the processor, heat is up to 175, and distill the methanol out of it. The question is will the remaining glycerine be too thick to drain out of the processor when the distillation is completed?
If we can use the processor for this, it would sure be easier that to try and build another processor just for the purpose of distilling glycerol. I made a 5 gallon mini-processor out of a 5 gallon bucket, but am nervous about heating a plastic bucket to 175.

thanks again

Apr 2, 2009 | 11:04 AM

fabmandelux

Post Fiend

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 26,337

Likes: 12

From: Paradise Found!

When you recover the Methanol your glycerol will be the consistancy of STP/HONEY! And thats when it's HOT! Better to make a dedicated "still" that is easy to clean out. A 15 gallon grease barrel was my first "still", and it worked great.

HDPE plastic ( 5 gallon bucket) will melt above 150*

Here is a picture of my 2nd gen still. All Stainless Steel Tank, Insulated, 240VAC. Worked great...........