Recovering Methanol
Sorry, I have no doubt this has been covered before. What is the best temp to heat Glycerin or BD to recover methanol through the condensor? I had mine at 170F but the vapors were coming out faster than the condensor could process them. There was vapor coming out the pipe that leaves the condensor.
I'm still messing with the condensor and will probably eventually dump it and build a "plumbers delight" I know Phydeaux was trying to help me with this at the beginning of summer but I was out of town and didn't follow through with him. I will go back and pick up where we left off and hopefully he can help me. Fabman, still no luck with your latest suggestion. (please refer to my email) I may "toss in the towel." Thanks Tom D |
Some vapor comes out mine too, and is pulled back into the venturi. Ours is a GL Eco-processor. Anyway this time I heated up to 200, turned off the heat, and put the pump on a six hour timer to allow it to cool slowly. So far have about 2-2.5 gallons out of about 6 that was put in.
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Originally Posted by Rushmore X
(Post 7887325)
Some vapor comes out mine too, and is pulled back into the venturi. Ours is a GL Eco-processor. Anyway this time I heated up to 200, turned off the heat, and put the pump on a six hour timer to allow it to cool slowly. So far have about 2-2.5 gallons out of about 6 that was put in.
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yes, the venturi draws the methanol vapor through the condensor. there is a tee at the end of the condensor that goes to the distilate container and back to the venturi.
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Originally Posted by Rushmore X
(Post 7887669)
yes, the venturi draws the methanol vapor through the condensor. there is a tee at the end of the condensor that goes to the distilate container and back to the venturi.
Tom |
think I need to update my gallery.
Looked at my pic's and I need to update them. :-banghead Will go over this afternoon an take new pics and hopefully get them posted... You are recovering from the glycerine at the same time or seperately? The GL setup doesn't work when filled with glycerol, too thick. Might experiment with distilation before draining off the glycerine, but worry about reverse reaction... :-X16
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Originally Posted by Rushmore X
(Post 7890361)
Looked at my pic's and I need to update them. :-banghead Will go over this afternoon an take new pics and hopefully get them posted... You are recovering from the glycerine at the same time or seperately? The GL setup doesn't work when filled with glycerol, too thick. Might experiment with distilation before draining off the glycerine, but worry about reverse reaction... :-X16
I have been attempting to remove methanol after separation by using Fabman's method which I am not at liberty to discuss until he gives me permission. I know it works because he has used it for years with good results. I, on the other hand am having a hell of a time perfecting it. I wasn't sure whether it was his process that wasn't working or the condensor. The other day, I heated the glycerol to 170F and noticed the methanol was flashing or evaporating whichever is correct. It was coming out the vent pipe with pretty good force which I "pinched down" with the valve. I managed to collect approx 1/2 gal before the glycerol (25 gal) cooled. This, I presume tells me the condensor maybe working somewhat? or good? Phydeaux was working with me on this. My problem is I am trying to identify the problem. Is it the condensor or Fabman's apparatus. Sorry for the lengthy post but I am getting frustrated. If I wasn't getting such great quality BD, I would junk the whole thing. I'll listen to ALL suggestions at this point. :-banghead Thanks to all Tom |
I'm back Tom! I think your problem is with the condensor. You said you got some methanol from just heating the glycerol, but you were also getting some vapor from the output of the condensor. This suggests that the condensor is not cooling the vapor enough to condense it all........Check and see if the coils are touching each other, or the inside of the condensor wall. If I remember right you are not using a constant cold water source. Your water temp may not be cold enough. My water temp runs about 52 deg, have you checked your input and output temps of your cooling water? I haven't seen Phy on here for quite a while. I hope he's alright. I'll try and send him a PM and get his take on your problem. Don't give up hope yet, we'll figure out what your problem is.
Don. |
Originally Posted by fabmandelux
(Post 7891624)
I'm back Tom! I think your problem is with the condensor. You said you got some methanol from just heating the glycerol, but you were also getting some vapor from the output of the condensor. This suggests that the condensor is not cooling the vapor enough to condense it all........Check and see if the coils are touching each other, or the inside of the condensor wall. If I remember right you are not using a constant cold water source. Your water temp may not be cold enough. My water temp runs about 52 deg, have you checked your input and output temps of your cooling water? I haven't seen Phy on here for quite a while. I hope he's alright. I'll try and send him a PM and get his take on your problem. Don't give up hope yet, we'll figure out what your problem is.
Don. Regards Tom |
Tee to Distillate tank & Venturi
1 Attachment(s)
I know my Condensor works better when the water is colder too. With the water temp a little cooler now that temps are falling, I got about 1/2 gallon more methanol this last batch then the prior one...
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Originally Posted by fabmandelux
(Post 7891624)
I'm back Tom!
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It's good to be back. This has been one of the busyest summers I can remember. I had an "issue" at my gold mine and had to visit the local police. Everything is back to normal now and the idiot is in jail. Still moving all my "stuff" to my new place ( been moving for almost a year now LOL), only have about 10 tons left............Only 14 months left till I retire!
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