Has anyone tried using a FPHE with engine coolant to heat up the oil before the CF?
Im designing a setup that will only be used on our bus and mainly while driving, so im trying to decide if the water heater elements in the pipe would be best, or just using heat from the coolant, since its already there available.

I have not tried one but I wonder about whether the relatively small passages in the FPHE might cause flow restriction. Check the specs on the FPHE and make sure that if can handle the pressure and flow rate . Also I wonder if it might eventually clog since you be running minimally filtered oil ( approx 100-200 micron ) though it in the beginning of the process . It seems to me that a coolant coil (PEX or aluminum tubing) in an insulted barrel barrel, TIH , or tube in shell heat exchanger would a be better option if you are planning utilize coolant heat for this process . You probably ought to have an water heater electric inline heater rigged up for back up anyway . SunWizard probably has the best answer . You might want to post here -

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/ev...551/m/2001011761/p/1

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rkpatt,

Howdy,

I am also trying to develop a portable WVO centrifuge filtration system. I have been thinking about using a bucket heater you can find at most hardware stores. This will allow me to heat up oil in a variety of wvo storage bins. Then I plan on using a 1/3 HP pump to power the 1 GPM centrifuge. I Know this will require alot of AC electricity. So, I plan to use a high powered inverter to do this, and also, use a better alternator in my 82 benz wagon. I hope a 80 amp alternator will be enough. Let me know what ya think about my plan. Centrifuges seem to be the best way to filter/de-water WVO available.

Later- Will

I am right with you all. I have a school bus that I am traveling across the country doing environmental education. I am just beginning the process of switching from filters to a centrifuge. I have a 50 gallon dirty tank and I have a 75 gallon clean tank hooked up to the motor. I am designing a third 30 gallon process tank in between to filter the oil with a centrifuge. I am planning on using a diverse heating approach including an oil cooler plumbed inside the tank with hot coolant running through, a 110 v hot water heater for heating while I am parked, and an inline 12 v fuel heater. I have no idea if this will get me the 160 degrees that I need? I would love to hear other ideas of getting the oil hot while on the go.

I also have to figure out how to get the water out of the process tank because it will start to condense on the top of the tank if I do not vent it properly.

My big question is which centrifuge I should buy the OC-20 or the OC-50 for a mobile application. The pump that I will be using can only get the OC-50 up to 50 psi but it can get the OC-20 up to 90 psi. I guess I am wondering which one will filter the oil faster on the road based on my heating difficulties and my 12 v pump situation.

Also flash evaporation?? what's the good word?

peace
Jonathan