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How do I get rid of all the glycerine I'll be accumulating from making biodiesel?
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You have several choices: 1) evaporate the methanol and compost the rest; 2) recover the methanol and
compost the rest; 3) recover the methanol and purify the glycerine, then compost the rest, 4) sell or give
free of charge the by-products in larger volumes to a chemical recoveries company for re-use, 5) use in
degreasing and cleaning.
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What can go wrong in making biodiesel?
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The two most common mistakes are: a) using the wrong amount of catalyst, and b) excessive agitating of the
water during the biodiesel wash cycle. Both of these mistakes can be easily avoided with simple procedures
and modest attention to details.
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How can I fix a problem batch?
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Diagnosing a problem batch is fairly simple, but recovering the batch may be difficult. We supply methods of
recovering bad batches with every processor we sell. Normal worst case scenario is that you re-process bad batches
with say 50% oil mixed with it. You hardly ever need to dispose of biodiesel!
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How can I prevent problem batches in the future?
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It's easy to get consistently good results by following the methods and procedures in our processor Instruction Manuals.
Like all processes, you learn more by solving problems!
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Why does the FuelMeister Processor use mist washing as standard rather than bubble washing?
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Mist washing is less likely to disturb the biodiesel which could cause a water/soap/biodiesel emulsion
which is VERY difficult to separate. It also takes up much less processor capacity than bubble washing,
allowing the full batch to be washed right after glycerine draining. We also offer biodiesel purification
by Amberlite BD10 resin. This is a market leading dry wash technology that is far superior to other dry
wash methods available. Please call us to learn more, or see the information in the medium scale processing
pages of this site.
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Will I have to measure or touch any chemicals or be exposed to nasty fumes?
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All of our small scale processors come equipped with digital scales and bowl to allow the accurate weighing of
caustic soda. The processors are closed systems, meaning that you NEVER have to touch any chemicals or
pour any liquids. Even the methoxide fumes are filtered out when pre-mixing your catalyst. We now offer the
option of Methylat cataylst dosing instead of dry powder catalyst mixing on our small scale range. All of our
Fuelmatic processors are liquid dosing, and the only time you may come into contact with chemicals is when changing
the chemical storage drums / tanks. WE ALWAYS STRESS THE USE OF PROPER PROCEDURES AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT BY RESPONSIBLE OPERATORS WHENEVER MAKING BIODIESEL.
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Can I make partial batches?
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The FuelMeister and Fuelmatic Processors are designed and set up to make variable sized batches for your convenience.
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Do I always have to wash my biodiesel, and how much?
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It depends. Some biodiesel producers have been using unwashed biodiesel for years without apparent problems.
Others believe that only EN14214 quality biodiesel should be used in your applications. It has been reported
that highly washed biodiesel can attract microbial growths (algae), which can foul fuel systems. A pH which is
slightly higher (basic) than pure water will suppress most microbial growth.
Therefore, we recommend you wash your biodiesel until the wash water is no longer solid milk-white but only murky white.
The pH should be approximately 8.0 which is indicates clean biodiesel while remaining a poor medium for algae growth.
You can simplify this by integrating our Amberlite resin purification systems (Dry wash)
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What exactly do I need to provide besides what is included with your Processors?
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Storage for vegetable oil (size depending on the processor type), Storage for you final fuel, Methanol, Catalyst - either
dry powder pearl grade sodium hydroxide or liquid methylat, an electrical source - power depending on processor, a mains
water supply and drainage. We will provide you with all requirements tailored to your chosen system at time of quotation.
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