Hi Todd
I thought this might be the case , seeing reactors made with silicon seals
and clamped lids is going to be a recipe for pressure build up once heat is
applied. Last thing you want is a jet of methanol escaping from around the
mixer shaft.
I am still having trouble getting methanol cheap enough but another writer
has given me some fresh ideas.
Cheers Ian
----- Original Message -----
From: "Appal Energy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <Biofuel@sustainablelists.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:21 AM
Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Pressure release
You're welcome Ian,
But I guess I should have qualified that "couple of pounds" pressure
statement.
It's solely dependant upon reaction temperature not exceeding
approximately 120*F.
Those who use hot water heaters as reactors may be running at higher
temperatures. If they exceed 145-150*F then they're operating more of a
reflux (boil) reactor rather than all the mixing being done by a pump.
That would all depend on how the thermostat is set. The factory
thermostats are generally one time shut-offs that become unusable should
the temp ever reach a specific high point. Older units shut down at 180*.
Newer "older units" at ~160*. Spanking new units may be even lower.
In any event, a closed reflux reactor would have far higher pressures.
You could place an air cooled condensor on top of the reactor. That could
be something as simple as a 10' long x 1/2" diameter copper tube with an
open top. We've done this with a piece of scrap from a commercial cooling
tower. It had hundreds of aluminum "fins" attached to it for heat
dissipation.
In such a setup, the methanol will boil and thoroughly mix the contents,
but as the vapors travel up the tube they cool and fall back into the
reactor. Measuring the temp at different heights of the condensor will
permit you to calibrate the reflux temp so no vapors escape.
Todd Swearingen
Ian & Theresa Sims wrote:
Hi Todd
Thanks for that I appreciate your advise.
Ian
----- Original Message ----- From: "Appal Energy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <Biofuel@sustainablelists.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2005 11:51 PM
Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Pressure release
> How are the tanks vented?
Any tank holding any percentage of methanol should have a vapor line
running to a central manifold prior to passing through a condensor. The
greatest pressure build-up occurs during the first moments of reaction.
Rather than a pressure relief valve that could easily fail, an
adjustable pressure "flap" can be constructed that opens at low
pressure. If the vent lines are 2"-4", there's not much chance of the
pressure building beyond a couple of pounds.
As for a sealed system? There are two options. Either size and construct
all parts of the system that will be in the methanol loop (tanks,
transfer lines, pumps vents, etc.) to withstand negative pressure, or
simple make sure that any new feedstock and reactants that enter do so
at a speed consistant with the condensor's capacity, allowing all
exiting vapor to be stripped of methanol.
Sizing a condensor would be a less taxing exercise than constructin an
entire system for negative pressure.Over size the condensor and the
reactants can be fed faster. Under size it and they simply have to enter
at a slower rate.
Todd Swearingen
Ian & Theresa Sims wrote:
I am new to the biofuel world and have read most of the webb site info
but can't seem to find any reference
to pressure release. They all talk of having a sealed system to prevent
personal harm and methanol loss but pressure must build with A, heating
and B,
pumping air in to mix the solution. Question. How are the tanks vented?
Many thanks
Ian
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