Tweet
Hi Guys,
By now I have clocked up over 65,000+kms on WVO without any recent issues.
I had only one major issue during my early WVO days: my IP was playing up, but it turned out that it was just some oxidized oil blocking my inlet strainer to the IP. Of course, I was told that I "have to do" a complete IP reconditioning (This was at AG Diesel, in Springvale, do not ever go there!). I won't say more, it has been fully documented here:
http://www.biofuelsforum.com/svo_use...oss_power.html
I wanted to start this thread for ages, but never got to it. Recently, I helped someone with a conversion and it reminded me to start this thread as a way of giving back some important lessons I have learnt on this journey.
After I had the issue with my IP, I wanted to really understand what went on and below is what I came up with:
One important aspect of running on WVO that is not often addressed here is oxidization.
I am sure, most people here are familiar with oxidization, but for the benefit of those that are not, let me write a few words. In brief, oxygen getting into oil will react with the oil molecules and bond to them, connecting 2 molecules together. The result is that you end up with a longer molecule, which in turn can get even longer through further oxidization. Eventually you end up with a sticky gum, as these long molecules are unable to flow anymore and stick together. Really your oil is pretty much turning into plastic.
This gum in my view is second most important problem after filtering (even water is less of an issue IMHO - with sensible precautions of course).
The way to avoid oxidization is:
1. Store oil with as little oxygen as possible. If you plan to store it in a drum for a longer period, then put the drum as full as possible and screw and tighten the top. This way no new oxygen can enter and also there is little oxygen in the container, which once "used up" will not provide further damage. You will need to leave a little space if you fill your container in winter as it will expand during summer months and escape the container!
2. Store your oil in plastic containers. All my large drums are made of plastic. Metal can be a catalyst to oxidization, so best to stay away from it.
3. Use antioxidants. If you check cooking SVO, it always has antioxidants in it. However, WVO has most of it gone, so it is not going to like being stored for a long time. This is the hardest part and I will address it further down.
4. Avoid using additives that encourage oxidization. I always put a diesel additive in my 100% WVO that I am running on, to kill any forming bacteria and help the engine a bit. But make sure that these additives are not going to ruin your fuel (as it is designed for diesel and not WVO).
To address antioxidants a bit more, the major issue is that they are not easily available in this country. I tried to source multiple types, and found that it is mostly available in large quantities only. I then talked to additive makers to try to get them interested to repackage and sell them in smaller quantities. Not much luck so far, even though one mob was interested and I supplied them with studies etc (I have no commercial interest in it, my field is elsewhere).
However, I have managed to obtain samples and have been using them for quite some time. I have been stretching them as far as possible, so they would last longer. Since you only need like 3 teaspoonfuls in 20 litres, it does last a long time.
I was planning to run an experiment where I put a small amount of oil into 2 containers, one with antioxidant in it and leave it out in the sun during the hot summer months to see how they compare (I ended up missing that opportunity last summer). Well, maybe this summer...
Long story short, since my IP saga I have been using antioxidants, and I never have any problems (apart from occasional filter blocking)... actually correction, I did have one (similar) issue, but I am not going to stretch this article any longer, will leave that to next time...
Surfie
By now I have clocked up over 65,000+kms on WVO without any recent issues.
I had only one major issue during my early WVO days: my IP was playing up, but it turned out that it was just some oxidized oil blocking my inlet strainer to the IP. Of course, I was told that I "have to do" a complete IP reconditioning (This was at AG Diesel, in Springvale, do not ever go there!). I won't say more, it has been fully documented here:
http://www.biofuelsforum.com/svo_use...oss_power.html
I wanted to start this thread for ages, but never got to it. Recently, I helped someone with a conversion and it reminded me to start this thread as a way of giving back some important lessons I have learnt on this journey.
After I had the issue with my IP, I wanted to really understand what went on and below is what I came up with:
One important aspect of running on WVO that is not often addressed here is oxidization.
I am sure, most people here are familiar with oxidization, but for the benefit of those that are not, let me write a few words. In brief, oxygen getting into oil will react with the oil molecules and bond to them, connecting 2 molecules together. The result is that you end up with a longer molecule, which in turn can get even longer through further oxidization. Eventually you end up with a sticky gum, as these long molecules are unable to flow anymore and stick together. Really your oil is pretty much turning into plastic.
This gum in my view is second most important problem after filtering (even water is less of an issue IMHO - with sensible precautions of course).
The way to avoid oxidization is:
1. Store oil with as little oxygen as possible. If you plan to store it in a drum for a longer period, then put the drum as full as possible and screw and tighten the top. This way no new oxygen can enter and also there is little oxygen in the container, which once "used up" will not provide further damage. You will need to leave a little space if you fill your container in winter as it will expand during summer months and escape the container!
2. Store your oil in plastic containers. All my large drums are made of plastic. Metal can be a catalyst to oxidization, so best to stay away from it.
3. Use antioxidants. If you check cooking SVO, it always has antioxidants in it. However, WVO has most of it gone, so it is not going to like being stored for a long time. This is the hardest part and I will address it further down.
4. Avoid using additives that encourage oxidization. I always put a diesel additive in my 100% WVO that I am running on, to kill any forming bacteria and help the engine a bit. But make sure that these additives are not going to ruin your fuel (as it is designed for diesel and not WVO).
To address antioxidants a bit more, the major issue is that they are not easily available in this country. I tried to source multiple types, and found that it is mostly available in large quantities only. I then talked to additive makers to try to get them interested to repackage and sell them in smaller quantities. Not much luck so far, even though one mob was interested and I supplied them with studies etc (I have no commercial interest in it, my field is elsewhere).
However, I have managed to obtain samples and have been using them for quite some time. I have been stretching them as far as possible, so they would last longer. Since you only need like 3 teaspoonfuls in 20 litres, it does last a long time.
I was planning to run an experiment where I put a small amount of oil into 2 containers, one with antioxidant in it and leave it out in the sun during the hot summer months to see how they compare (I ended up missing that opportunity last summer). Well, maybe this summer...
Long story short, since my IP saga I have been using antioxidants, and I never have any problems (apart from occasional filter blocking)... actually correction, I did have one (similar) issue, but I am not going to stretch this article any longer, will leave that to next time...
Surfie
Comment