Hi Folks,

New to the forum. I have been reading and making small batches now for two years. I had been making 1 litre batches based on acid methods and only failed once out of 5 times (used foolproof and failed). This time I wanted to try a big batch of straight base reaction since I am tired of the amount of time it took to do the acid/base reactions.

I have 45 gallons of chinese restaurant oil that always titrates out at 3.6g/l. So I did a test with the base only reaction using Tilly's Dr. Pepper method. Used 7.1g/l 99% Naoh with 20 percent meth. Got great separation and looked wonderful. I went to wash it after sitting 8 hours (probably needed longer) and got instant separation of water, but it remained milky like it was trying to emulsify overnight.

Now, I've never washed any of the samples I've done using the acid/base method so I have no idea what to expect. Maybe it needed more washes, maybe I didn't wait long enough after base phase?

Anyway. I would like to run a batch of 45 gallons using base only method and need a little input on highest chances of success. I would like to start making 40 gallons per week to fuel my Isuzu NPR I run from California to Arizona. The fuel costs are killing me and I need to get my wife off my back about not using biodiesel in practical application.

I will attach a picture of the milky batch (with water on bottom) if need be. Also, Tilly, I have sent you a royalty check for your Dr. Pepper method, check is in the mail = ) If it doesn't make it, I will send my wife instead = )

Thanks,

Tad

Welcome to the forum.
That "milk" in the wash is normal. It is the residual methanol and lye being carried out of the fuel. This is why it is recommended to wash a few times, most wash three and sometimes four, until the wash water comes out clear signifying that there are no longer any impurities in it.
Then it needs to be dried so that there will be no suspended water in the fuel. Water seperating filters only get the free water and will not remove the suspended water, so drying is a must.
You are on the right track, so forge ahead and let us know how you make out.
If you getting a layer between the water and the bidodiesel then it could be an emulsion. This could be caused by glycerine getting into the wash cycle or an incomplete reaction.

Thanks, I'll give it a shot and see how it comes out. I am also working on an ultrasonic processor (small 1 gallon) to test the theory and recent patents. If it works, I will try building a larger version.

Thanks,

Tad