I'm doing a 2 stage process on some oil that titrates at 7. I know that's not that high, but I wanted to do this for the first time to get the experience before I got to some oil that is much worse. Anyway, here are the stats...

Processing 29 gallons, used .88 ml of h2so4 with 4 gallons of methanol.

After 6 hours, I stopped the pump to test oil. Titration was at 3, but the oil (which was dry before I started) now looks like oil that has water in it...it's no longer clear looking (although like all wvo, tinted brownish). I know that acid esterification is supposed to create some water in its processing. Is it OK to go ahead and now add my KOH mixed into the rest of my methanol? I hope so, because I already have. For future reference though, on lower titrations (below 14), it is my understanding from reading through this forum, that you do NOT settle and drain off any water, but go straight to the base stage. Is this correct?

Thanks,

Grey

Grey,

sounds like normal so far. proceed with the base stage without draining.
this will result in a yield above the base only process( oil titrates at 7) but below the perfect ideal yield. some the water created, goes to making soap, therefore reducing the yield.

-dkenny

dkenny,

You're a real asset to this site. I really appreciate all the knowledge sharing. When I've got more than a few of these under my belt, I'll be sure and pass the information on to the next batch of guys asking..."what's all this crazy acid stuff about?"

Grey

Grey,
Thanks for the kind words. when I found this site a couple of years ago. everyone here help me get started. so the torch gets passed on...

don't worry I'll be making BD for a long time to come. so I going to hang around.

-dkenny

fyi.
today I started a batch that titrated at 6 using Acid/base..at end at 3. I just, 20 minutes ago, finished adding the base for the base stage.

I normally don't go this low with acid/base, but I thought I'd try and see what happens. so far so good. now it has to pass 27/3 before its ready for washing.