Chris, > What I am unsure of, and would like some advice > on is what is a good way to do methanol recovery? > and what is the preferred method of transfer from > container to container?
A thin film evaporator coupled to a condensor is the best method of recovery. A rough verbal description can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/biofuel/message/30463 Something like this could easily be scaled up and modularized to match volumes of production. The heat source can be anything you choose. But the idea of a thin drip down an enclosed and heated tube is probably as inexpensive and simple as you're going to get. Off the shelf stuff. Better than a pot still. Preferential methods to move alcohol would be gravity and positive displacement using air pressure. Magnetic pump with a TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) motor at minimum would be my next choice. Method of agitation is your choice. Prop agitation is brainless. Use a TEFC motor and make sure your motor base is solid as a rock. Pump agitation is equally as mindless. A magnetic drive pump would ensure that you'd have no seal leaks. Again, make sure the pump motor is a TEFC enclosure. Plastic containers can be heated with suspended heat exchangers of whatever preference. You'll not want to go beyond 120*F and preferably only use tanks rated at 1.9 specific gravity. Higher temps and thinner tanks will warp sooner. Insulate heavily. Todd Swearingen ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Jude" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <biofuel@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 12:14 PM Subject: [biofuel] Methanol Recovery for Beginners -(2nd try) > Howdy y'all, > > I sent this a week ago, but got no reply. Anyone have any ideas? > > I've been lurking about on this list and have a couple questions. > I am forming a biodiesel co-op at my university (Appalachian State, NC) and this spring semester I plan to build a processor. > I've made several 1L batches using Alex's 2-stage method. They seemed to turn out well. I've been working with a chemistry professor and will be able to continue working with him. > I've studied biodiesel for a couple years now, but it seems that a lot of the info I know n processor's is a bit out dated now (fryer to the fuel tank era). I see that we need to be using closed processors and that methanol recovery is essential. > I'm interested in building a processor to make about 80-100 gal a week off of wvo from the school. Last semester I welded a stand to hold a 100 gal hdpe container that could be covered to use as a processor. I understand that I will need a container to mix methoxide in, and a container to bubble wash and settle the biodiesel. What I am unsure of, and would like some advice on is what is a good way to do methanol recovery? and what is the preferred method of transfer from container to container? > I am looking for salvaged or inexpensive materials, and a not too complex system. I do however have the help of several technology professors in my dept. What should I look for in a transfer pump? > Is pump mixing preferrable, or should I use a mechanical stirrer? > If using a plastic container, what is a good way to heat? > > I thank you for your help, and look forward to being a producing member of the list! > > ________________________ > Chris Jude > ASU Biodiesel Club > Boone, NC > 1980 MB 240D - 350K miles > _________________________ > > > > --------------------------------- > Do you Yahoo!? > New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > 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] > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/biofuel/ > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > 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] ------------------------ 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/biofuel/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
