Ian,
Passing the "methanol test" indicates that you
successfully converted the veg oil to biodiesel. What
would settle out is unconverted oil .... mono-, di-,
tri-glycerides, not glycerine.
The problem may be with settling/separation upon
settling, prior to washing. A small amount of glycerine
in the BD would not separate out in the methanol test,
and could contribute to the formation of the layer
between the BD and the water.
How long do you let the mix settle before separating BD
to be washed?
Once settled, does your method for separating BD (to be
washed) ensure that there is no "glycerine"
contamination?
Tom
> Hello to all. I've made two test batches of biodiesel
> using new oil using
> the instructions on the JTF site, which I've read and
> re-read, along with
> many of the mailing list posts. I'm enjoying everything
> I'm learning, but
> still have a ton to learn. I also have a question. In both
> my test batches
> I've performed the quality tests recommended. The fuel
> passes the methanol
> test fine, with no glycerine settling out. When I come to
> the wash test, I
> have perhaps an eighth of an inch of white foam between
> the water and the
> biodiesel. It separates quite well though. I've tried to
> follow all
> instructions to the letter and I ordered my chemicals from
> DudaDiesel, so I
> assume they are a good quality. I assume the foam is soap.
> It could be that
> my measurements aren't precise enough, but if they aren't
> it's because of my
> instruments. I have been very meticulous in my
> measurements.
>
> I've gone ahead and washed the biodiesel from both
> batches, and they also
> have a lot of white foam, although they also separate very
> quickly. With
> both batches I've just kept washing until there's no more
> white junk and the
> water is clear. Does this take care of the soap (if that's
> what it is), or
> is there still something to be concerned about? Also, any
> suggestions on how
> to get that "paper thin" white layer instead of the
> thicker one I have now?
> I'm using new oil, what I think are quality chemicals, and
> I'm being as
> meticulous as I know how to be. As far as I know, I'm
> following your
> instructions to the letter.
>
> I thank you for your help,
>
> Ian
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