I have completed a 100L batch using the GL1 day system, 2 stage (80%-20%). The biodiesel passes the 3/27 test. I did NOT any water to the second stage. Question is should I add some water to the second stage and if so at what percent? The GL1 day talks about adding 5% wash water but this is for a single stage. I am concerned weather or not I am removing all of the methanol from the biodiesel. I have performed the recovery step as described in the GL1 day system and would like to stay away from doing a multi step wash and dry sequence.

I have never actually used the 5% prewash method, but I believe if you are using the 2 stage base/base process, you would add the glycerol back in from the first stage and then add 5% water, mix, settle and drain water and glycerol.

There is a thread that addresses this.

i use to 5-10 gallons of water for 60 gallons of oil. single stage. 2 stage. doesn't change. I would suggest staying less then 10%..
so the normal 5% is fine. I also don't add the glycerin drained from the first stage.

-dkenny

Thanks for the reply. I have a batch going right now and I am plaining on pull small samples to do testing. Thanks again

quote:

I also don't add the glycerin drained from the first stage.

This is fine, sometimes... It seems to depend on how much soap, temp., the size/type of pump, etc.

I have seen it be both OK and very not OK to not add the stage 1 glycerine back. I advise caution...