Sue, Yes. A processor can build up several pounds of pressure. A vent into a manifold which runs to a condensor is the best permanent solution. A pressure relief valve is unnecessary.
Using an electric hot water tank as a processor could work (and probably has for many). The electrodes would still be "super heating" whatever they come in contact with compared to using a heat exchanger. Whether that has noticeable negative consequences is a matter open for conjecture. The pump you referenced is a clear water pump and is known to leak quite easily. It would probably work. But put a drip pan underneath it. A magnetic drive pump would be a more leakproof option. Methoxide mixing creates heat, which in turn generates pressure. A vent in the methoxide mixer, just as in the reactor, running to a manifold and to a condensor resolves that problem. Methanol can be moved from drum to mixer to reactor by positive displacement with only a few pounds of pressure. But this pressure has to be regulated carefully to keep from blowing a drum. Approximately 0.7 psi are needed to raise the alcohol one foot in height. Keep the alcohol components of your system below 6 feet and you should have no problem. Place your methoxide mixer's outlet at a height slightly above the reactor top and gravity will serve as the transfer method from there, eliminating the need for a pressure rated seal on the mixer. Todd Swearingen ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sue Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <biofuel@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 1:04 AM Subject: [biofuel] pumps, etc. > Hello All, > > I am gathering materials to build a closed processor and have some > questions that I am sure are rather elementary, but here goes: > > I have heard it mentioned that the processor can build up pressure. Why > and how much? Should I have a pressure relief valve for safety? > > I'm undecided between using a 55 gal drum with a cone bottom or an old > water heater as a processor. Regarding the water heater, I have seen > the recommendation that it be plugged into a 110 outlet instead of 220 > to keep the elements from getting too hot. Is it okay to do that? Would > it make an electrician shudder? > > Is this pump, with a 1/2 hp motor, an appropriate size to act as a > stirrer for a 55 gal drum processor? > http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=1479 > > Will mixing the methanol and NaOH create pressure in the mixing tank? > Can I cap it tightly when mixing methoxide "the easy way"? Do I need a > mixing tank with a little head room? > > I almost hate to ask this one: Small aquarium air-pumps have been > recommended for pumping methoxide from the mixing vessel to the reactor > vessel. I'm sitting here looking at an old aquarium pump wondering, "How > can I make it do that? It's meant to move air". What am I missing about > this concept? > > That's it for now. I'm sure there will be many more questions as the > journey continues. Many thanks to all who have come before me. > > Sue Miller > Cove, OR > > > > > > Biofuel at Journey to Forever: > http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html > > Biofuels list archives: > http://archive.nnytech.net/index.php?list=biofuel > > Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. > To unsubscribe, send an email to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/FGYolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuels list archives: http://archive.nnytech.net/index.php?list=biofuel Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
