I am on my fourth batch of bio. The first two batches(125 gallon)passed the 3/27 test and the second two batches(225 gallons)failed. I dry with Purolite resin. I wonder of my resin is saturated already. I don't really want to water wash. Anybody have any help for me? I definetly would like to continue making more.

Redboer

Hi Redboer,
You will need to provide much more detailed information about your setup and procedure so peeps can help you find the problem.
I dont use resin but if your failing the 3/27 I doubt it has anything to do with the resin.
You should be preforming the 3/27 before you stop processing, its the best way to tell when to stop mixing.
Jon

quote:

You should be preforming the 3/27 before you stop processing, its the best way to tell when to stop mixing.

Yep. If you control the temp of your test to 68f and only slightly fail, run longer. If you fail with a big dropout, stop. Drain. Add more methoxide.

I ran the oil up to 135 degrees. I use KOH and it titrated a 10. Circulated for two hours, with a 130 GPM pump. Settled for 12 hours.
I had not heard of doing the 3/27 test before process was done. I'll try that. Is it possible to reprocess the failed Bio with a milder methoxide solution?
Does it work to use a caustic to bring done the WVO PH to nuetrel before processing?

Thanks
Redboer

With a 10 koh T I would seriously consider acid estrification, I use it on anything over 8 koh or 4 naoh.

Yeah. Acid reaction first, base second.

An easy way you could get your titration down would be to pretreat your WVO with glycerin from the previous batch. I wouldn't be surprised if it dropped from 10 to 6.

Hello

How do you pretreat WVO with glycerin from the previous batch? Percentage?

Thanks
Redboer

Here's a link using the search tool;

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/ev...orum_scope=719605551

There are many ways to pretreat with glycerin and every batch varies.
I use it on every batch.

Hi, Redboer,

quote:

How do you pretreat WVO with glycerin from the previous batch? Percentage?

I haven't posted here in some time, but I do stop by to see what might be new. To answer your question, at least in my case, I put 100% of my last batch's glycerin into my next batch of oil!!! I brew in 35 gallon batches and usually get about 6 1/2 - 7 gallons of glycerin per batch.

In my processor, I circulate and heat my oil to about 120*F, add the glycerin, turn off the heat, and continue to circulate for about 2 hours. Then, allow it to settle overnight and drain off the resulting glycerin the following day (or night)....and discard.

I use NaOH and when I was getting bad oil (Tv>>8), I would see my Tv drop as much as 3-4 points sometimes. It made a big difference, PLUS it supposedly helps to reduce (maybe not eliminate) moisture content. ***Use the weigh-heat-weigh test to test moisture.***

I get really good oil nowdays (Tv<2), but I still pretreat with my last batch of glycerin. Just a good practice IMO.

Good luck...

Hello

I would like to thank all of you for responding. I did try adding 20% glycerin back into my failed 135F Bd. Mixed for 2 hours and let it set 24 hours. Drained off the glycerin. It failed the 3/27 test the same as before the retreatment.
I did another test using the partial methoxide version. Mixed 4 gallons of methanol and 2.5 pounds of KOH. Added it to my 125 gallons(135F) of failed Bd. Mixed for 2 hours and let it set 24 hours. Drained off the glycerin. It passed the 3/27 test. GREAT

Thanks to all
Redboer

130 gpm pump????

Correct. 130 GPM pump

Redboer

The glycerol pre-treatment is used prior to processing, it helps to lower the titration level, drops out most moisture, and also those chunky bits. The 'standard' reprocess for biodiesel which failed the 27/3 test is: 1g NaOH/1.4g KOH mixed into 25-35 ml methanol per litre of unwashed biodiesel, or 1gNaOH/1.4g KOH mixed into 50 ml methanol per litre of washed biodiesel. Empty the glycerol layer from the first stage first. A good way is to test a litre first to satisfy yourself that you are on the correct track. Hopes that helps. Jim.

That's exactly what I was going to tell you to do. I react first with 90% of the methoxide, drop the soap and then react again with the remaining 10% (working as hot as possible near methanol ebullition point, around 70°C). Then the soap won't drop so I add one bucket of the last soap (glycerine)mix for 3mn and then the whole soap goes down. 3/27 is alway 100% after second reaction. I wash with hot water 100°C in the same processor (pretty vigorous but rarely get an emulsion) 3x wash and it's done.