I, moments ago, drained my processor. I immediately did a 3/27 test. It failed miserably.
I watched the 3/27 youtube video. The tech said "settled", although it looked better than settled.
Will someone please reassure me that unsettled biodiesel should not pass? I guess I'll let it settle a few days then put it through my Purolilte dry wash process.
Thanks,
john

Hi Shoenc,

I let mine settle for two hours after switching off the processor before doing the 3/27 and haven't had any problems.

Simon

Next time try draining off a sample while the processor is running, letting it settle 15 or so minutes and running a 3/27. Keep doing that as needed til it passes.

I'm with Raften. Best way to know if the reaction has gone far enough or not without wasting time in the process. If you do not let it settle enough, you might see glycerol/catalyst/particles depositing and mistankly think it's underreacted veggie oil falling out.

How crucial is the 68 degree temperature to get an accurate test result?

Something i picked up from Andrew Morris, a really nice thing ive started doing. I take regular samples as my batch is mixing. 20 min, 40 min ect. I take them in the same type of glass jar and the same amount of oil. That way i can see the progression as the mixing continues. On my second stage i start performing 3/27 tests so i can see right away when it passes and i can prewash. My last 500 gallon batch passed after only 30 minutes on the second stage. Teh 68 degree mark is pretty crucial if you want the most accurate idea of "probable passing of ASTM"

What on Earth is 3/27 test?

Take 3ml bio, add 27ml methanol, mix, if you have any droplets of oil forming at the bottom, the proces has not gone far enough. We use 90ml bio fill up to 100ml with methanol, ie 10/90. this is not wasted as you add it to the next batch of methoxide, and it certainly is easier to measure the larger quantities. Jim.

Hello Frogmobile

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Originally posted by Frogmobile:
What on Earth is 3/27 test?

The 3/27 test

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What on Earth is 3/27 test?

Thread .

Article.

HTH.

Thanks! Tilly and Andrew.