When mixing methoxide in a sealed 1 gallon plastic container the pressure build up concerns me. The fumes concern me if it isn't sealed!

Is there a similar build up when mixing the conc aqueous lye mixture with the methanol?

Does the methanol and conc aqueous mixture generate heat or does that only occur when creating the conc aqueous?

Can a 5 gallon bucket usually handle the pressure build up when mixing lye and methanol? Has anyone rigged a remote vent on their portable methoxide mixing 5 gallon bucket?

What type of container is needed to make and store conc aqueous? I like 5 and 6 gallon buckets. If they will work that is great with me!

Tanks for all the help!!

Its only the heat that causes the pressure to rise. Try putting the NaOH and methanol into the container the day before you need it. Then you will only have to shake it a couple of times during the day. It will dissolve slowly and the heat will get away.

This involves first making the Cons Aqueous NaOH, I put 100g NaOH into 90 to 100ml water and stir for about 5 seconds. This generates LOTS of heat BUT there is no methanol so fumes are not a major concern.

I then set the Cons Oqueous container (Plastic) in a pail of cold water and start preparing the first 16 litre batch of WVO for processing.

When it is time to put methoxide into the oil, I run 3 litres of methanol into a plastic container, add the Cons Aqueous, give it about a 5 second mix with a tablespoon and then add it to the processor.

From the time the methoxide is made until it is in the processor is less than a minute.

There is a slight additional heat rise when I add the Cons Aqueous to the methanol, but is of no great amount.

Tilly SBC/IBA

[This message was edited by Tilly on 09 May 2003 at 04:39 PM.]

but of course you do lose 1 to 2% in yield with the aqueous process. With the "day before dry" process you need no bucket of cold water and only a total of three seconds shaking - one second three times.