Cheers for the info, I will drop into the local hardware store and see what I can find
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of bob allen Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:01 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Methanol handling tips needed I use a stainless steel element purchased at a local hardware store for under 10 bucks. It is designed for a 240 volt system, but I run it at 110 thru a variac. It has worked flawlessly for over 18 months, in weekly use. Zeke Yewdall wrote: > How about standard water heater elements? You might be able to get > stainless steel ones for the higher quality tanks, or if not, the > cheap ones are only about $10, so replace them every 10 batches or > something. I know, throwing away stuff is not what we are going for > here, but it's an idea to get it started till you can find something > better. > > Zeke > > On 9/21/05, Darryl West <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >>Hi Guys, >> >>I am at the same point as you John trying to get a 5 Gallon processor going. >>I have found getting a submersible heating element a hassle. Can anyone >>suggest a place to get an old (or maybe new) element as I have looked around >>and haven't come across anything! (I am most likely looking in the wrong >>places) >> >>Cheers >>Darryl >> >>-----Original Message----- >>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Keith Addison >>Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 11:33 PM >>To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org >>Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Methanol handling tips needed >> >>Hello John >> >> >>>Greetings, >>> >>>I'm finally finding the time to make a processor, but find myself >>>hanging on a couple of points. First off I'm just going with >>>something that resembles the 5gal processor listed on JTF to start. >>>The problem is that I'm not grasping the process in handling the >>>methanol and lye properly. The idea of forcing air into the methoxide >>>tank thus forcing methoxide out other tube into processor makes sence. >>>I just dont see where/how the methanol and lye are measured and >>>placed into mixing container to begin with. >> >>Use translucent HDPE containers for mixing methanol and mark them at >>the required volume. Use the air pump to pump methanol out of the >>container it comes in into the mixing container to the required >>volume. Weight out the lye (or KOH), we measure it out into plastic >>bags on the scales (adjusted for the weight of the bag) so that >>there's minimal exposure to the air and moisture in the air. Then add >>it to the methanol mixing container. Opening the lid for this purpose >>won't expose you to fumes as the methanol is at room temperature and >>it's not being agitated. We use a funnel made from the top of a >>2-litre PET bottle (the kind you buy water in) to pour the KOH in >>from its plastic bag. Mix it this way: Methoxide the easy way >>http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_aleksnew.html#easymeth >> >>Then pump it into the processor with the air-pump. >> >> >>>So, I'm looking for >>>pointers on how others measure and handle these to get them into mix >>>tank. Additonally, I'm not sure what to use for heating element >>>(electric at this point) so would appreciate any insight on this as >>>well. >> >>With the 5-gal processor type you're more or less confined to >>electric heating, those cans don't last very long with an open flame >>under them. You can only use an open heat source for pre-heating the >>oil anyway - no more open flames as soon as there's any methanol >>involved. Maybe a heat exchanger would do, but that would probably be >>a bit of a hassle in only a 5-gal can. Get a submersion heating >>element, stainless steel, about 1.5 kw should do or maybe less. Try >>to get one that fits (unlike ours!). >> >>Best wishes >> >>Keith >> >> >> >>>Thanks, >>>John >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Biofuel mailing list >>Biofuel@sustainablelists.org >>http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org >> >>Biofuel at Journey to Forever: >>http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html >> >>Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 >>messages): >>http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Biofuel mailing list >>Biofuel@sustainablelists.org >>http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org >> >>Biofuel at Journey to Forever: >>http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html >> >>Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): >>http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ >> >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Biofuel mailing list > Biofuel@sustainablelists.org > http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org > > Biofuel at Journey to Forever: > http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html > > Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): > http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ > > > > > -- Bob Allen http://ozarker.org/bob "Science is what we have learned about how to keep from fooling ourselves" - Richard Feynman _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
