Hmmm. Well I need some advice. I reprocessed and got 3 layers: A dark amber 20% layer on top, a 2% black layer, and a 78% lighter amber layer on bottom. Finally it settled out a thin dark layer on the bottom. I seperated out the lighter amber layer and heated it to remove the methanol. It cleared and seemed to be going well, but when I drained it, it seems to be turning to jelly as it cools.
What have I done? Any input would help. Thanks, David --- In biofuel@yahoogroups.com, "dlgeorgetn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Todd, > > Thanks for the advice. I did a small test batch and reprocessed as neat oil. I got a > separation - a layer on the bottom that was transparent and straw colored - the rest > of the liquid remained apple ciderish. It seems confusing to me - is this bottom layer > glycerin or something else. I think tonight I will dry and reprocess the entire batch. > > What is your view on mixing poorer quality biodiesel in low concentration with petro > diesel until your production stabalizes? I guess coming again to the issue of what to > do with fuel if it is deemed less than perfect. > > I did the emulsion test you reccomended and the two mixed, but seperated in about > 10 minutes. What do you think? > > Thanks, > > David George > > --- In biofuel@yahoogroups.com, "Appal Energy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > David, > > > > Who says that the batch you have on hand is "bad?" > > > > Biodiesel smells largely like the parent stock. If the oil smells "bad," so > > will the fuel. Smell is subjective and not an indicator of whether the fuel > > is sufficient or not. > > > > As to hazy fuel, either let it set until the micro-droplets of water > > coalesce and drop/evaporate or heat it to ~120*F. > > > > As for determining if the fuel is actually "bad?" Take one or two liquid > > ounces of dried sample, mix it with equal parts water in a sealable > > container, shake violently for a few seconds and observe. If it separates > > "immediately" with no emulsion, you're fuel is sufficient. If it emulsifies, > > you'll need to reprocess the fuel to finish the incomplete reaction. > > > > To confirm an incomplete reaction, reprocess a small sample of the dried > > "fuel" to see if anymore glycerin drops. > > > > Todd Swearingen > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "dlgeorgetn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > To: <biofuel@yahoogroups.com> > > Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 11:28 PM > > Subject: [biofuel] newbie questions > > > > > > > Hello, > > > > > > I've recently become interested in biodiesel production and have > > > built a processor based on a design from journeytoforever.com. I've > > > run three batches, with the most recent being a 15 gallon run that > > > had some residual motor oil in it from the free 55 gallon drum that I > > > used to pick the oil up in. > > > > > > I processed the oil and got a good split, and even was able to bubble > > > wash the batch, but had two problems. The fuel that was translucent > > > coming out of the processor turned hazy like apple cider after > > > washing, and multiple washes didn't help. It didn't emulsify much, > > > but just got dark and kind of murky. Smells bad too. Hard to > > > describe. Any advice? > > > > > > If this batch is unsalvageable, what do I do with it? The resources > > > on journeytoforever.com have been very good with all other aspects of > > > production, but I just don't know how to dispose of a botched batch. > > > Any advice? > > > > > > Thanks for any advice you may have. > > > > > > David George > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Biofuel at Journey to Forever: > > > http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html > > > > > > Biofuels list archives: > > > http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/ > > > > > > Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. > > > To unsubscribe, send an email to: > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/FGYolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuels list archives: http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/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/