Hi gang,, I've got down the little test batches,,and I'm waiting to get my Appleseed set up going,, When I watch the BioPro demo, they use Sulferic?? Acid. Why? What does this do for the process? and Why don't we need it in the apppleseed systems? Just wondering,, I'll wait for some answers over here-------->

I'm sure the AGR Energy guys will be along soon but here goes anyway:

The BioPro 190 employs 2 different reactions to produce biodiesel. Reaction One uses 4 gallons methanol and 190 ml sulfuric acid to convert those free fatty acids present into Fatty Acid Methyl Esters. Reaction Two uses 6 gallons of methanol and 2350 grams of KOH or 1520 grams of NaOH to transesterfy the remaining triglycerides into FAME.

I take it that the appleseed uses a base reaction only and that you will need to titrate to determine the amount of catalyst needed to overcome the free fatty acids present. The BioPro is engineered to handle oil that titrates pretty high whereas you'll probably need to use low titrating feedstock. I've never used an appleseed and own a BioPro190 (which I love!).

it depends on the oil quality..
or if you just acid/base process every batch..

if you have good oil you will not need the acid. biopro might use an acid/base process all the time.

-dkenny

Hello pruittx2

Yes, BioPro uses the acid/base method all the time to eleminate the need to titrate.
After running the Acid stage in the BioPro, you use 8g NaOH per litre for the base stage.
This means that the BioPro is limited in the feedstock that can be used and still pass the Warnqvest test and is often using excessive chemicals/time to perform the reaction.

quote:

Originally posted by William Brown:


I take it that the appleseed uses a base reaction only and that you will need to titrate to determine the amount of catalyst needed to overcome the free fatty acids present. The BioPro is engineered to handle oil that titrates pretty high whereas you'll probably need to use low titrating feedstock. I've never used an appleseed and own a BioPro190 (which I love!).

There's nothing specific to the Appleseed that makes you not use acid-base (in fact a number of people do, there's a whole forum for acid esterificaiton here and reading some posts there will make it make the process make more sense).

Thank you very much, I will be off to read some there,, I'm liking all the info, and will always research something to death. (as my wife tells it) before I make a desision. I will be ordering a Full Kit from UtahBio, and doing it all meself, So I would like a complete idea of what I'm doing to help save myself some headaches. Ive got 30 gallons of oil, and about 15 a week from 2 places, so far. Theres a place a few minutes away that has Meth for $2.47 a gal. Now I need to source some KOH nearby. HHmmmm

Again thanx for all you've done on this subject and sharing all your great info, Mr's Girl!!
I'd buy you a drink, If I could. =)

This also explains it...
http://www.utahbiodieselsupply.com/biopro190howitworks.php

-Graydon