I've been searching around for methods on collection and de-watering processes while touring and haven't seen much. Does anyone have any recommendations? What are the best pumps for collection and how does one go about de-watering while on the road? I came across 'TheFoldMark' discussions at the Frybrid Forum, but it seems they have fizzled out. I guess i'm just looking for more thorough guidance on the process overall.
Appreciate the Help!

Rob

Hi Lefthand,
We advocate the filter while you drive method. We have a large, not too costly, easy to change, coolant heated filter... our A-1... which makes this possible... using a filter like this and proper collection techniques makes collecting while you're on a road trip pretty easy.. use a screan (60 or so mesh) on the pump suction) and pump from the top of the collection bin... and make sure to get at least decent WVO.. filters generally avareage between 500 and 5000 miles.. so spare filters are a must... while the filter does have a water and debris separator... proper dewatering (the Dana lindscott way) is not really practical on the road... I have a 240 benz with over 40K on a single tank which has been fuel just like this... and has never had a problem... I intend to drive it untill it dies and then investigate the condition of the engine and IP...

Dewatering on a moving vehicle is difficult and may be more expensive than simply keeping a spare IP on hand. If you use only the best VO sucked from the top of collection drums/dumpsters and have a water separator as part of the conversion (which you check religiously) you will get the most miles out of your IP possible without actually "dewatering" in the ways those with a non-mobile prefiltering unit do.

But how do you plan to collect wvo while on the road without stealing it from dumpsters..or others in the WVO fuel community?

The other day I took a road trip to the sierras... stoped for a burger and as I paid the bill and complimented out host on her food I also asked what she did with her UCO? She said she had a bunch on her pation in the 5 gal containers it comes in... she had contacted the nearest renderer but they were unresponsive since she was too far off the collection route... I took all I could handle (about 70 gals) and promised to return for the rest... and she promised to save it for me... The UCO was great stuff and I woiuld have had np problem dumping it right into my tank... all but the very bottom of the container... The point it I didn't steal from the renderer or another veg burner..I think there are many little roadside places like this that are willing to give away UCO and it's not taking from the renderer and no one else wants it... in fact I think it's likely a nice service since I'm convinced that She was likely just dumping it...

awesome

_______________

then there is the machiavellian approach to grease collection...

or if there is no sign specifically stating contents are the sole property of the rendering company one may in fact take the rationalized moral ground that they are being paid rent for the dumpster and the contents are free for your uses. just don't damage the dumpster while liberating the contents.

this scenario may sound far fetched... but there are no claims of ownership stated on the local dumpsters except mine. I asked a fellow grease monkey why he thought this was and he related a story of some teenagers tipping a grease bin over in the alley. when the restaurant called the bin servicer they were told to clean it up themselves it wasn't the renderers problem or property until the grease was inside their truck.

I haven't ripped off a grease company yet... but if the above story is true I really don't feel sorry for them. Nobody should get to have their cake and eat it too.

quote:

Originally posted by Fattywagonman:
The other day I took a road trip to the sierras... promised to return for the rest...

Always nice to have a prefab excuse to go to the mountains

how about any additives in this process? heet, diesel kleen? i have not heard any comments on the use of additives with svo. the heet is basically water and will help the water drop out.

pat

Thanks for the help thus far guys!
We are planning on sourcing the oil as we secure our dates ( in tandem). Hopefully the tour will begin in July and last about a month. It had slipped my mind, that restaurants pay the renderers to take the used oil back. Has this caused people problems before? Dana's question about 'taking other's oil' makes me wonder about the availability of oil for the growing number of SVO vehicles.

Where can I find a more thorough explanation of the dewatering process, and why it won't work 100% on the road?

Thanks!
Rob

Ah! Found that sweet thread on dewatering by Dana.

Could you point me to Dana's post on dewatering? Thanks.

I've drawn up some plans for mobile filtration and dewatering, but as yet I haven't tested them. Soon.

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1596...741081621#3741081621

Beecroft,
I believe the thread is titled "why dewater wvo?".

Hi folks,

I am very interested in on-the-go dewatering/filtering as well.

Two points:

1. Just yesterday, I came upon a BEAUTIFUL tour bus running on SVO. Schematics a little fuzzy, but this is what I gathered: It had two SVO tanks for a total of 300 gallons. There were two or three large Dahl filters before and after each tank. The first tank was able to circulate within itself to thoroughly flter/dewater. In this way, he claimed to pump SVO on-the-go.

2. I mentioned an all-in-one on-the-go pump/filter made by Greasel earlier--folks misunderstood me. It is not on their webpage, but they sent me info about it. Picture is attached. Greasel wrote about it:

These are the pictures of the unit. They will accept the 2020TM or 2020SM filter elements and a 12V power source from a vehicle battery. They fit into the trunk of small passenger vehicles and weigh around 60lbs. These are heated units, allowing you to filter in cooler weather. The total cost is 850.00 + 40.00 s+h and are sent with UPS.

I am awaiting a response for the following questions:

1. Does this dewater and pre-filter as well? An experienced friend has written: "As far as: a unit to have an all-in-one, on-the-go
prefilter/pump. I cannot advise you on such a unit. None exist that will adequately
prefilter and dewater." Another friend wrote, "he is right about filtration you cannot dewater while on the road, you just have to live
with it. the only solution is to pick up from greasers while on the road who have adequately dewatered or to make sure you use only the
highest quality grease."

Does this unit dewater and prefilter? Don't mean to be giving you a hard time, just trying to figure things out.

Also, it is not on your webpage. Is it well tested to work? How many amps does it use--could it blow the system?

Finally, I was told it was $600-$700 over the phone, but quoted here at $850. I would be much more inclined to buy it at a lower price.

All-in-one_Filter_2.jpg (125 Kb, 55 downloads)

quote:

1. Does this dewater and pre-filter as well?

quote:

These are heated units, allowing you to filter in cooler weather

If Greasel is not claiming it dewaters I doubt it does. In fact if that is the case..I would be certain of it.

The only way I can see dewatering is if you coolant-heat the VO and pump it out into a tray or something that will allow air to flow across it to help remove the water. I'm not sure it would take sloshing while running, but you might be able to do it when you're stopped.

That Racor filter (can't remember model #) is designed for marine applications, and is designed to filter and dewater DIESEL FUEL. Therefore it probably will not dewater WVO nearly as effectively or at all. It seems like most people who dumpster dive on the road that I know allow some time to heat quantities of WVO and allow it to settle a bit which generally allows suspended water to settle out. However, if the oil is full of particles, the water will bond to these and not settle as well. It is best to filter to 5-10 microns first, and then dewater.

quote:

Originally posted by im6under:
then there is the machiavellian approach to grease collection...

or if there is no sign specifically stating contents are the sole property of the rendering company one may in fact take the rationalized moral ground that they are being paid rent for the dumpster and the contents are free for your uses. just don't damage the dumpster while liberating the contents.

this scenario may sound far fetched... but there are no claims of ownership stated on the local dumpsters except mine. I asked a fellow grease monkey why he thought this was and he related a story of some teenagers tipping a grease bin over in the alley. when the restaurant called the bin servicer they were told to clean it up themselves it wasn't the renderers problem or property until the grease was inside their truck.

I haven't ripped off a grease company yet... but if the above story is true I really don't feel sorry for them. Nobody should get to have their cake and eat it too.

I payed $400.00 per dumpster and can not as yet afford stickers.I am a rendering company.I do not charge to set a dumpster.So in fact I OWN THE DUMPSTER THERE FOR THE CONTENTS.So when you remove grease from somone else's dumpster you are stealing.liberating = theft.Your story (second hand )hersay does not meen all companys will respond that way. I keep my dumpster lids clean and my grease area picked up as well.I offer to power wash this area to help bring in some much needed cash.The owner can not give permission to remove grease from a bin he does not own.
Greasal converted Ford F 250 4X4 I do not dewater my SVO and have had no problims in two years.UP FOR GREASE LLC

:::::Removed by me cause it was off topic:::::

Would heating w/ engine coolant (~160F) while applying vac to tank dewater?
How about salt?