2 questions please

[greenface]

Hi.

please tell me;
1. what size pump do i need for a 3000 liter reactor ?

2. can a diesel tank (3000 liter tank) be used as to build my reactor ?

tnks in advance

[craigcurtin]

Re: 2 questions please

Hi.

please tell me;
1. what size pump do i need for a 3000 liter reactor ?

2. can a diesel tank (3000 liter tank) be used as to build my reactor ?



tnks in advance

1) A bloody big one ? I know that recently (approx two months) one of the members posted links to some high volume pumps available for a reasonable price on EBAY - search for that

2) Yes - but usually diesel tanks are cylinders on their sides ? If i was going to use one i would want to tilt it around 15% or so to give me the semblance of cone bottom to ensure i could get good drainage of the glycerine.

Obviously you would need to insulate the tank and think about how you would heat the oil but sounds like a good plan

I assume you would use some form of external burner to heat the oil whilst circulating ?

Also think about your actual mixture volumes to get the best economies of scale of the effort put in

i.e. for a 2000 litre batch you would need to add 400 litres of methanol (if working on approx 20% by volume) and this nicely equals 2 x 44 drums of methanol. Think about how you will introduce the KOH into the 44's and how to then mix it

I think JohnnoJack on the forum does large batches as does WestWinds.

How do you intend to wash/dry/clean the BIO at the end ? If you are making batches this size i think a centrifuge would be a good option to look at.

Craig

[Johnnojack]

Re: 2 questions please

No Craig I don't do big batches. I can lift my bio mixer in one hand and the processor drum in the other. Does 45 litres. Rodeonick did big batches but I think he has changed circumstances now.

[craigcurtin]

Re: 2 questions please

Aah - Sorry mate

Craig