Re: [Coproducts] Oil heating/methanol recovery

Yes, not on November's task list. As Cheryl mentioned, we need to  
discuss long term versus short term projects and their overlap.  
Basically, long term stuff will be tasks that have a bit lower  
priority to fuel enhancements.

Felix,

There is a new thermostat in the water heater and at least heating  
tests can be done. I hadn't considered the issue of the electrical  
contacts. A very good point. Are we safe doing some moderate methanol  
distillation testing if we have a closed hose for the methanol  
distillate? I'm talking about mixing some methanol with water in  
small amounts with more than enough water to cover the heating  
element in the water heater.

On Oct 31, 2006, at 9:21 PM, Felix Kersting wrote:

> Gregg B asked - who is working on Methanol recovery?
>
> That is another Felix project.  Zac and I did a great job boiling  
> some oil about 6 weeks ago. We got some water out of it as well.
> I would dearly like to see Amanda and/or Greg Rhode take this on as  
> a lead.  We need someone with this level of chemical background to  
> be sure that safety awareness is brought to this important and  
> delicate task.
>
> Although we can experiment with the water heater initially  
> (outdoors), we need to find a device that will control the element  
> in the heater without an open contactor - either remote or  
> explosion proof. this will be important since we will need to have  
> the still in the same location as the methanol storage from an  
> isolation perspective.  Pete Kramer, Greg or Ron will have comments  
> on that kind of hardware.  I have seen some solid state devices  
> with analog I/O that will control 20A @ 240 volts.  Unless UL rated  
> as intrinsically safe, they may still need to be 25' away from the  
> tank.  Figure $200 - $500 to finalize this type of controller.   
> These may be also available from the online medium density electric  
> element supplier (forget the name).
>
> I will meet with whomever wants to take this up as required.
>
> PETE K, please put this on the outstanding projects list.
>
> Sorry I haven't followed up on this one, but site issues are bigger  
> right now.  I believe we will start some strategic planning  
> activities soon and I will take project direction from that effort.
>
> Thanks to all,
>
> Felix
>
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--------------------------------------------------------------
Zac Imboden
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1534 SE 35th Place
Portland, OR
97214
971-563-2477