So I’ve been helping a local Bio Diesel Coop process WVO into Bio Diesel. Like brewing, each system is different. These instructions are particular to this setup. Hopefully the pictures will help with the process list.

WVO Tank
  1. Clean any residue from processor tank. This may be sprayed or wiped.
  2. Deliver 500 gallons of WVO that has been filtered to 50 micron or smaller particle size.
  3. Place covers on processor tank.
  4. Heat oil to 180 degrees in two steps. First heat to 140 deg with the circulation heat and the heat probe. Second at 140 deg turn off the pump and close the values. Continue heating with the heat probe to 180 deg.
  5. Let temperature drop back to 140 deg
  6. Titrate the oil in the processor (see the Titration Calculator)
    7. Titration Test
    biosetup7-titration-test-done
  7. Enter the titration into the processor control spreadsheet and copy the results onto the front corner of the processor with dry ease marker.
  8. Extract the required amount of Sodium Methalate from the steel drum. Place this quantity into a five gallon bucket and set the lid on top.
    9. Methalate Syphon
  9. Mark a line on the Methanol tank equal to the first stage requirements.
  10. Mark a line on the Methanol tank equal to the second stage requirements.
    11. Methanol IBC
  11. Turn on processor circulator pump and heat.
  12. Attach air hose to the pneumatic injection pump.
  13. Insert injection pickup hose into the Methanol tank, open the injection valve located at the front of the processor tank and then turn on the air pump.
    14. Methanol IBC Extraction
  14. After the first stage contents have been introduced to the oil batch, stop the air pump and insert the pickup hose into the bucket that contains the first stage Sodium methatlate. Begin introduction of the sodium methalate into the batch.
  15. Turn off air pump and close injection valve.
  16. Extract the second stage sodium methalate from the drum into a five gallon bucket.
  17. Circulate the main processor contents for 1 hr at 130-140 deg.
  18. Turn off heat and pump and let stand for 1 hr.
  19. Drain glycerol from bottom of tank into an IBC. This may need to be done in two to three stages.
  20. Close drain valve. Open circulation valves and turn pump on.
  21. Introduce methanol for second stage.
  22. Introduce sodium methalate for second stage.
  23. Clear injection line with two gallons of methanol into processor.
  24. Circulate at 140 deg for 1 hr and then turn off pump and close all valves.
  25. Let stand for a minimum of 4 hrs preferably over night.
  26. Drain off glycerol from second stage.
  27. Remove processor covers. Connect water hose to spray heads and pre-prime to 120 deg.
  28. Turn water spray on for 45 min.
  29. Let batch sit for 1 hr.
  30. Drain wash off bottom and place into IBC.
  31. Turn water spay on for 1 hr.
  32. Drain wash water off bottom and place into IBC.
  33. Introduce 75 gallons of water while mixing pump is on at 140 deg. Circulate for 0.5 hr.
  34. Turn off pump and heat and drain wash water into IBC.
  35. Test PH of wash water. If it is neutral, begin drying. If it is basic or alkaline, wash another time.
    36. WVO Valves
  36. After all water has been drained, remove tank down-tube and turn pump and heat on.
  37. Circulate until there is no more water vapor leaving the processor.
  38. Pump finished product into distribution IBC’s. Note finished quantity on tank.
  39. Replace all hoses and valves.

With the glycerol can be made cleaning products and soaps. No recipe for that yet but something to look into.

Here are some other links for Bio Diesel Processing.

3/27 Methanol Test

Google Buzz
  • Share/Bookmark