Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
Jan, yes it did pass your test. Keith, thanks for the advice. Sometimes I can get so focused on the trees I forget the forest. I have made another batch and I'm going to be much more particular with how I decant the biodiesel off the top. Thanks to all for your help. Ian -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110917/9d0938a7/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
I just reprocessed this last batch using 100ml of methanol and 5.5g KOH. It turned darker and there are little cooties floating around in it. Also, nothing settled out. Upon doing the wash test, it immediately formed an emulsion, although the methanol test yields a nice clear phase with no settle material. I am confused. I'm going to move on and make another batch, but I'd like to know what went wrong so I can at least learn something. Any ideas? On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 10:10 AM, Ian and Jubilee Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've let the BD separate for over 24 hours, which I thought should be enough time. My method for separating could be suspect. I'm decanting out of a settling bottle and tried to be careful, but it is possible that some glycerine sneaked past. I think getting a better set up going is going to make it a lot easier to be consistent. I just put my third batch through the methanol and wash tests and this time I've got some settling in the methanol so I think I'm going to reprocess it. The wash test turned out the same. Here's a link to a picture: https://picasaweb.google.com/ianandjubilee/Biodiesel?authuser=0authkey=Gv1sRgCNSD4sbwsfyjYAfeat=directlink I also was wondering it our water softener could have an effect. Could softened water create more of a problem? Thanks for the help, Ian On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 8:44 AM, Jan Warnqvist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello C Pinelli. Did you check the FFA and water contents on your raw material before processing ? FFA levels above 5 mg KOH/g (2,5%) will produce a lot of soaps, making the processing bad and the separation even worse. The water content will promote the soap production and will also compete with the methanol. The highest acceptable water content is around 1,5% and the lower the better. - Original Message - From: C Pinelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:26 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer I am having a similar problem, I have experience making ethanol successfully, but I'm new to biodiesel. I've been trying to get it right for some time with many many test batches, without too much success. I've followed the instructions as closely as possible, but still can't quite get it right. I use 90% KOH Flakes, a scale thats accurate to the hundreth of a gram, and am incredibly meticulous in my measurements. I've had mixed (but mostly good)results with the methanol test, but have never consistantly passed the wash test. Sometimes I get a very thick separation line between the two, sometimes I get clear water on the bottom with a yellowy mayo like substance on top. Sometimes it seems to have the reverse result, where it appears to be clear biodiesel on top, with very murky white water underneath. I've tried various amount of KOH and methanol, and varying my processing times, but I can't seem to get it down. As soon as my schedule permits, I'm going to try to get some new chemicals, because im worried that my lye might be water contaminated. Any help deciphering these results would be really appreciated. Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:51:30 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any suggestions on how to get that paper thin white layer instead of the thicker one I have now? I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and I'm being as meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm following your instructions to the letter. I thank you for your help
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
You've made only three test batches so far? At this stage, I think you'd do better to make more test batches than trying to rescue a failed batch by reprocessing it. Keep trying! You'll get there. Best Keith I just reprocessed this last batch using 100ml of methanol and 5.5g KOH. It turned darker and there are little cooties floating around in it. Also, nothing settled out. Upon doing the wash test, it immediately formed an emulsion, although the methanol test yields a nice clear phase with no settle material. I am confused. I'm going to move on and make another batch, but I'd like to know what went wrong so I can at least learn something. Any ideas? On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 10:10 AM, Ian and Jubilee Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've let the BD separate for over 24 hours, which I thought should be enough time. My method for separating could be suspect. I'm decanting out of a settling bottle and tried to be careful, but it is possible that some glycerine sneaked past. I think getting a better set up going is going to make it a lot easier to be consistent. I just put my third batch through the methanol and wash tests and this time I've got some settling in the methanol so I think I'm going to reprocess it. The wash test turned out the same. Here's a link to a picture: https://picasaweb.google.com/ianandjubilee/Biodiesel?authuser=0authkey=Gv1sRgCNSD4sbwsfyjYAfeat=directlink I also was wondering it our water softener could have an effect. Could softened water create more of a problem? Thanks for the help, Ian On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 8:44 AM, Jan Warnqvist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello C Pinelli. Did you check the FFA and water contents on your raw material before processing ? FFA levels above 5 mg KOH/g (2,5%) will produce a lot of soaps, making the processing bad and the separation even worse. The water content will promote the soap production and will also compete with the methanol. The highest acceptable water content is around 1,5% and the lower the better. - Original Message - From: C Pinelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:26 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer I am having a similar problem, I have experience making ethanol successfully, but I'm new to biodiesel. I've been trying to get it right for some time with many many test batches, without too much success. I've followed the instructions as closely as possible, but still can't quite get it right. I use 90% KOH Flakes, a scale thats accurate to the hundreth of a gram, and am incredibly meticulous in my measurements. I've had mixed (but mostly good)results with the methanol test, but have never consistantly passed the wash test. Sometimes I get a very thick separation line between the two, sometimes I get clear water on the bottom with a yellowy mayo like substance on top. Sometimes it seems to have the reverse result, where it appears to be clear biodiesel on top, with very murky white water underneath. I've tried various amount of KOH and methanol, and varying my processing times, but I can't seem to get it down. As soon as my schedule permits, I'm going to try to get some new chemicals, because im worried that my lye might be water contaminated. Any help deciphering these results would be really appreciated. Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:51:30 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
One suggestion is that if you have a lot of methanol in excess, the wash test will form an emulsion, since the methanol is soluble both in water and in biodiesel. But it will pass my test. And it did ? - Original Message - From: Ian and Jubilee Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 8:55 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer I just reprocessed this last batch using 100ml of methanol and 5.5g KOH. It turned darker and there are little cooties floating around in it. Also, nothing settled out. Upon doing the wash test, it immediately formed an emulsion, although the methanol test yields a nice clear phase with no settle material. I am confused. I'm going to move on and make another batch, but I'd like to know what went wrong so I can at least learn something. Any ideas? On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 10:10 AM, Ian and Jubilee Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've let the BD separate for over 24 hours, which I thought should be enough time. My method for separating could be suspect. I'm decanting out of a settling bottle and tried to be careful, but it is possible that some glycerine sneaked past. I think getting a better set up going is going to make it a lot easier to be consistent. I just put my third batch through the methanol and wash tests and this time I've got some settling in the methanol so I think I'm going to reprocess it. The wash test turned out the same. Here's a link to a picture: https://picasaweb.google.com/ianandjubilee/Biodiesel?authuser=0authkey=Gv1sRgCNSD4sbwsfyjYAfeat=directlink I also was wondering it our water softener could have an effect. Could softened water create more of a problem? Thanks for the help, Ian On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 8:44 AM, Jan Warnqvist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello C Pinelli. Did you check the FFA and water contents on your raw material before processing ? FFA levels above 5 mg KOH/g (2,5%) will produce a lot of soaps, making the processing bad and the separation even worse. The water content will promote the soap production and will also compete with the methanol. The highest acceptable water content is around 1,5% and the lower the better. - Original Message - From: C Pinelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:26 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer I am having a similar problem, I have experience making ethanol successfully, but I'm new to biodiesel. I've been trying to get it right for some time with many many test batches, without too much success. I've followed the instructions as closely as possible, but still can't quite get it right. I use 90% KOH Flakes, a scale thats accurate to the hundreth of a gram, and am incredibly meticulous in my measurements. I've had mixed (but mostly good)results with the methanol test, but have never consistantly passed the wash test. Sometimes I get a very thick separation line between the two, sometimes I get clear water on the bottom with a yellowy mayo like substance on top. Sometimes it seems to have the reverse result, where it appears to be clear biodiesel on top, with very murky white water underneath. I've tried various amount of KOH and methanol, and varying my processing times, but I can't seem to get it down. As soon as my schedule permits, I'm going to try to get some new chemicals, because im worried that my lye might be water contaminated. Any help deciphering these results would be really appreciated. Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:51:30 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
I have not tritrated the oil, as it is new oil that I have been using. I've been meaning to pick up some chemicals for tritration, unfortunately my schedule hasn't permitted me to do so lately. Is tritration necessary for new oils? From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:44:01 +0200 Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello C Pinelli. Did you check the FFA and water contents on your raw material before processing ? FFA levels above 5 mg KOH/g (2,5%) will produce a lot of soaps, making the processing bad and the separation even worse. The water content will promote the soap production and will also compete with the methanol. The highest acceptable water content is around 1,5% and the lower the better. - Original Message - From: C Pinelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:26 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer I am having a similar problem, I have experience making ethanol successfully, but I'm new to biodiesel. I've been trying to get it right for some time with many many test batches, without too much success. I've followed the instructions as closely as possible, but still can't quite get it right. I use 90% KOH Flakes, a scale thats accurate to the hundreth of a gram, and am incredibly meticulous in my measurements. I've had mixed (but mostly good)results with the methanol test, but have never consistantly passed the wash test. Sometimes I get a very thick separation line between the two, sometimes I get clear water on the bottom with a yellowy mayo like substance on top. Sometimes it seems to have the reverse result, where it appears to be clear biodiesel on top, with very murky white water underneath. I've tried various amount of KOH and methanol, and varying my processing times, but I can't seem to get it down. As soon as my schedule permits, I'm going to try to get some new chemicals, because im worried that my lye might be water contaminated. Any help deciphering these results would be really appreciated. Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:51:30 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any suggestions on how to get that paper thin white layer instead of the thicker one I have now? I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and I'm being as meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm following your instructions to the letter. I thank you for your help, Ian -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110907/565c4278/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110910/ac803a3f/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
I've let the BD separate for over 24 hours, which I thought should be enough time. My method for separating could be suspect. I'm decanting out of a settling bottle and tried to be careful, but it is possible that some glycerine sneaked past. I think getting a better set up going is going to make it a lot easier to be consistent. I just put my third batch through the methanol and wash tests and this time I've got some settling in the methanol so I think I'm going to reprocess it. The wash test turned out the same. Here's a link to a picture: https://picasaweb.google.com/ianandjubilee/Biodiesel?authuser=0authkey=Gv1sRgCNSD4sbwsfyjYAfeat=directlink I also was wondering it our water softener could have an effect. Could softened water create more of a problem? Thanks for the help, Ian On Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 8:44 AM, Jan Warnqvist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello C Pinelli. Did you check the FFA and water contents on your raw material before processing ? FFA levels above 5 mg KOH/g (2,5%) will produce a lot of soaps, making the processing bad and the separation even worse. The water content will promote the soap production and will also compete with the methanol. The highest acceptable water content is around 1,5% and the lower the better. - Original Message - From: C Pinelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:26 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer I am having a similar problem, I have experience making ethanol successfully, but I'm new to biodiesel. I've been trying to get it right for some time with many many test batches, without too much success. I've followed the instructions as closely as possible, but still can't quite get it right. I use 90% KOH Flakes, a scale thats accurate to the hundreth of a gram, and am incredibly meticulous in my measurements. I've had mixed (but mostly good)results with the methanol test, but have never consistantly passed the wash test. Sometimes I get a very thick separation line between the two, sometimes I get clear water on the bottom with a yellowy mayo like substance on top. Sometimes it seems to have the reverse result, where it appears to be clear biodiesel on top, with very murky white water underneath. I've tried various amount of KOH and methanol, and varying my processing times, but I can't seem to get it down. As soon as my schedule permits, I'm going to try to get some new chemicals, because im worried that my lye might be water contaminated. Any help deciphering these results would be really appreciated. Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:51:30 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any suggestions on how to get that paper thin white layer instead of the thicker one I have now? I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and I'm being as meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm following your instructions to the letter. I thank you for your help, Ian -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110907/565c4278/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
I am having a similar problem, I have experience making ethanol successfully, but I'm new to biodiesel. I've been trying to get it right for some time with many many test batches, without too much success. I've followed the instructions as closely as possible, but still can't quite get it right. I use 90% KOH Flakes, a scale thats accurate to the hundreth of a gram, and am incredibly meticulous in my measurements. I've had mixed (but mostly good)results with the methanol test, but have never consistantly passed the wash test. Sometimes I get a very thick separation line between the two, sometimes I get clear water on the bottom with a yellowy mayo like substance on top. Sometimes it seems to have the reverse result, where it appears to be clear biodiesel on top, with very murky white water underneath. I've tried various amount of KOH and methanol, and varying my processing times, but I can't seem to get it down. As soon as my schedule permits, I'm going to try to get some new chemicals, because im worried that my lye might be water contaminated. Any help deciphering these results would be really appreciated. Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:51:30 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any suggestions on how to get that paper thin white layer instead of the thicker one I have now? I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and I'm being as meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm following your instructions to the letter. I thank you for your help, Ian -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110907/565c4278/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110910/ac803a3f/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
Hello C Pinelli. Did you check the FFA and water contents on your raw material before processing ? FFA levels above 5 mg KOH/g (2,5%) will produce a lot of soaps, making the processing bad and the separation even worse. The water content will promote the soap production and will also compete with the methanol. The highest acceptable water content is around 1,5% and the lower the better. - Original Message - From: C Pinelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:26 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer I am having a similar problem, I have experience making ethanol successfully, but I'm new to biodiesel. I've been trying to get it right for some time with many many test batches, without too much success. I've followed the instructions as closely as possible, but still can't quite get it right. I use 90% KOH Flakes, a scale thats accurate to the hundreth of a gram, and am incredibly meticulous in my measurements. I've had mixed (but mostly good)results with the methanol test, but have never consistantly passed the wash test. Sometimes I get a very thick separation line between the two, sometimes I get clear water on the bottom with a yellowy mayo like substance on top. Sometimes it seems to have the reverse result, where it appears to be clear biodiesel on top, with very murky white water underneath. I've tried various amount of KOH and methanol, and varying my processing times, but I can't seem to get it down. As soon as my schedule permits, I'm going to try to get some new chemicals, because im worried that my lye might be water contaminated. Any help deciphering these results would be really appreciated. Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:51:30 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any suggestions on how to get that paper thin white layer instead of the thicker one I have now? I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and I'm being as meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm following your instructions to the letter. I thank you for your help, Ian -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110907/565c4278/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110910/ac803a3f/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
[Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any suggestions on how to get that paper thin white layer instead of the thicker one I have now? I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and I'm being as meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm following your instructions to the letter. I thank you for your help, Ian -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110907/565c4278/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] How do I get the paper thin white layer
Ian, Passing the methanol test indicates that you successfully converted the veg oil to biodiesel. What would settle out is unconverted oil mono-, di-, tri-glycerides, not glycerine. The problem may be with settling/separation upon settling, prior to washing. A small amount of glycerine in the BD would not separate out in the methanol test, and could contribute to the formation of the layer between the BD and the water. How long do you let the mix settle before separating BD to be washed? Once settled, does your method for separating BD (to be washed) ensure that there is no glycerine contamination? Tom Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel using new oil using the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and re-read, along with many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything I'm learning, but still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both my test batches I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel passes the methanol test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to the wash test, I have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between the water and the biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to follow all instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from DudaDiesel, so I assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap. It could be that my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't it's because of my instruments. I have been very meticulous in my measurements. I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both batches, and they also have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very quickly. With both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more white junk and the water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's what it is), or is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any suggestions on how to get that paper thin white layer instead of the thicker one I have now? I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and I'm being as meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm following your instructions to the letter. I thank you for your help, Ian -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/attachments/20110907/565c4278/attachment.html ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
