I've been trying to figure out a way to lessen the amount of water used for washing. I think I found it:

Historically, after draining glycerine and intermix, I've pumped BD into the standpipe washtank and begun washing immediately. What I end up with is the typical orange-juice colored stuff that requires a lot of additional washing, bubble washing, and drying. I've gone through about 30-40 gallons per 30 gallon batch. It has always seemed like a lot of work.

This time, instead of washing immediately when the BD is pumped into the wash tank, I let it sit on top of water for two days. Then began washing. The BD has stayed much more clear, less laden with water.

I believe that although I'd assumed all the glycerine was out of the BD layer, waiting allowed additional, smaller amounts of glycerine to fall out of the BD layer giving the mist less to attach to on its way down.

Just letting gravity do it's thing may result in far less water being used.

Can someone else try this? Waiting, then misting? Let me know your results.

I mistakenly miscategorized this post. Could someone please reclassify it in the right place?

Thanks. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I think that's waht someone was calling a 'static wash' and I think that your explanation is correct for what happens.

WHere do you want to move this post?

Mark

Dana I have been doing this from the start , but not by choice. I work shift work in a chemical plant. and end up letting my wash sit for some times 2 days b4 I can get to it. I had this past weekend off and had started washing a 100 liter batch not letting it sit. I used alot more water thinking I could get it washed quicker.I also have hard water here. where it is almost impossible to get any kind of lasting emulsion. I am not sure why