A bio.D processor wanted to buy

[bitsathis1]

Sick of making small hand batches of bio diesel so looking for a reasonably priced used and working processing kit. Willing to travel reasonable distance with 6x4 trailer.

[Captaincademan]

Re: A bio.D processor wanted to buy

It would be a heap cheaper to make your own mate. The time is the essential cost ingredient in making a reactor. I know i could never ask the right price for mine because it looks like a pile of crap, but works like a dream.

Of course you can go all la-de-da and gets lots of expensive pumps, pipes, valves, thermocouples, mixing chambers etc etc and spend thousands, and essentially these kits just bolt together and off you go.

The path to knowledge is learning. have a crack at building your own from second hand or free bits and you will be in a lot better place in the long run, dollars and experience wise. Lots of fun too.

[bitsathis1]

Re: A bio.D processor wanted to buy

The biggest problem is the brain and old age. Have built many things in the past but technicallities prove difficult. Would like to give it a shot if I had the info. My yard is full of old crap.
thanks

[brenden]

Re: A bio.D processor wanted to buy

So you have worked it out on a small scale and it works. Just up scale with imagination, knowlege (google) the forum and mates to do the fabricating bits if yopu can't. eBay has lots of stuff, 2nd hand yards have heaps. The processor will be as expensive as you want it to be. My original was built out of 2 90 L car gas tanks, scroungedbits, irrigation fittings, hoses and clamps, worked well, learnt heaps. Now we make 400L at a time and have used all the bits and built a smick unit now. AAAAnd still learnung and having fun. Cheers Brenden

[SUZUDDIS]

Re: A bio.D processor wanted to buy

Bits

Find a 44 Gal drum. Turn it into it's top so that the fittings are now at the bottom.
Fix some legs to stand it off the ground and cut a hole in the top. (Was the Bottom) and find a lid to cover the hole when processing.

Find a heater element and fit into the side of the drum and then work out if you can use a drill to mix or pump to mix.
My next step is to do what everyone else does. use the interweb and google images of processor.

It really comes down to pictures and imagination of what you want and can afford.
Also have a good trawl of this forum as there are some really good ideas in the forum. and don't forget to ask plenty of questions.

Good Luck.

Michael

[craigcurtin]

Re: A bio.D processor wanted to buy

Bits

Find a 44 Gal drum. Turn it into it's top so that the fittings are now at the bottom.
Fix some legs to stand it off the ground and cut a hole in the top. (Was the Bottom) and find a lid to cover the hole when processing.

Find a heater element and fit into the side of the drum and then work out if you can use a drill to mix or pump to mix.
My next step is to do what everyone else does. use the interweb and google images of processor.

It really comes down to pictures and imagination of what you want and can afford.
Also have a good trawl of this forum as there are some really good ideas in the forum. and don't forget to ask plenty of questions.

Good Luck.

Michael

Its even easier to go to a scrap yard and get one of the big 400 litre old hot water systems - they usually have an element top and bottom

Turn upside down - you now have a sloped bottom to help drain glycerine

Cut the old bottom off (which is now the top) with an angle grinder, remove the top element and you are good to go.

Remove the old sacrifical anode which now provides a nice convenient threaded hole in the bottom of the unit - fit a t brass t piece and two valves - the one pointing sideways is to allow you to pull your bio off, the one point straight down allows you to drain your glycerine

Make a stand for it - that is high enough to slip a 20 litre bucket under (remember to allow for the valves) and you are in business

A bit of plumbing to circulate the oil when making the bio - i also usually replace the element with a 2400 watt - just easier than needing a 25+ amp circuit for the standard 4800watt element.

Away you go.

You will also have additional outlets on the side you can use to put in a sight tube and/or to introduce your methoxide.

Made a top out of plywood and you are good to go

Craig

[bitsathis1]

Re: A bio.D processor wanted to buy

I would like to thank everyone who has given me some ideas to take on board. It's great to have so many interested party's out there willing to share. I know where to come if I need more help

Keep up the good work

regards