FW: Processor move - small steps

The original plan was to install some water heaters in the conex.  We 
planned to have 3 @ 50 gallon water heaters to supply the 3 50 gallon 
reactors plus the one for hot water.  That would be a safe way to have 
warm oil on hand all the time.  We need to experiment with elements to 
see how fast we can heat oil w/o burning out the element - thick oil 
doesn't transfer heat away from the elements very quickly.  I have some 
other thoughts as well, but water heaters are easy and insulated.  this 
will provide us with a simple way to process 150 gallons per day.  That 
works well with 2 each wash tanks (totes) as well. I will be in Idaho 
again this the week of the 27th and will try to get by the cone tank 
place to check out prices FOB their shop, then scam a reason to rent a 
truck and drive out there one of these trips....I saw a nice old '50 F-1 
n a field - I wouldn't mind if it followed me home (on a trailer).



I scored a thru-tank fitting for use on a wash tote as fuel drain.


I am swamped this week and will be gone over Thxgvg weekend.  Happy 
turkey day to all!


Felix

 

Felix J. Kersting PE

Energy Engineer

 

McKinstry Essention

Phone: 503-262-2304
Cell: 503-969-5996
Fax: 206-832-8691
http://www.mckinstry.com <http://www.mckinstry.com/>
/"For the Life of Your Building"/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*From:* R Buckner [mailto:r.buckner-/[email protected]]
*Sent:* Friday, November 17, 2006 4:44 PM
*To:* Felix Kersting
*Subject:* RE: Processor move - small steps

 

Felix,
I was planning on experimenting with the processor heating elements 
(PHE) before the design decisions are finalized.  We need to confirm 
which PHE's are doing the job.  We have not been using the in-line PHE 
as the primary heater because it is pump dependent.  We have talked 
about automating the pre-heating of the oil.  It takes about 3 hours to 
pre-heat the oil to 130 deg. with the PHE's, not using the in-line PHE.  
The bulb t-stat is a great idea.   I would like to talk about the 
explosion-proof electrical needs and the limitations of the present system.
Ron

*/Felix Kersting <felixk-EQsIyYdBtA3qlBn2x/[email protected]>/* wrote:

Zac,

I figured I would do the processor remodel welding & piping and I know 
where to put the bung for the eductor and where to put the tees (see 
drawing) for methoxide and water on the processors. Remember, they will 
be stand alone, each with individual pumps and controls. This works best 
with the staged methoxide method.

The controls will be simple, I can explain to Ron or whomever will do 
that part.

Can we meet earlier than 10:00? If not I will run down to the site and 
get processor 3 to bring home.

The lids will have no penetrations except the vent out the top. All need 
to have bolt on lids with vapor tight gaskets. I don't know the 
particulars on the gaskets, but Seth said we had some back in August.

WRT to site work, I was referring to the layout under the carport - 
don't get too carried away with the rest right now, because almost 
anything with a dimension doesn't have much leeway to move. You need to 
work off my drawing, since Pete's doesn't take code req't into 
consideration. ANYWAY, THAT'S A MUCH LOWER PRIORITY RIGHT NOW (sorry for 
shouting).

WRT heating the oil, I don't think it's going to be a big deal to heat 
the processors. The same element that's in the in-line heater will be 
fine, I just need the specs. I'm assuming 3kW @ 240V - RON - is this 
right? I want to limit it to 20 amps, because I am thinking of a 
Honeywell bulb stat to control temp that is limited to about that. 
Insulation will take care of the rest.

The big concern is to heat the oil that's in storage - we may need to 
put an element or 2 in the oil receiver tank so it will flow, with a 
stat to hold it to about 80°. I've been talking about that for months, 
but no one wants to use a fuel oil storage tank.....

Doc Martens - yah, I had some shoes (black, or course) and they were the 
most uncomfortable damn things I ever paid good money for. Total sh_t. I 
am not a slave to fashion: I'm all about comfort and functionality - 
which is why engineering & diesels appeal to me - functionality (and 
brute force).

Felix J. Kersting PE
Energy Engineer

McKinstry Essention
Phone: 503-262-2304
Cell: 503-969-5996
Fax: 206-832-8691
http://www.mckinstry.com
"For the Life of Your Building"

Felix J. Kersting PE
Energy Engineer

McKinstry Essention
Phone: 503-262-2304
Cell: 503-969-5996
Fax: 206-832-8691
http://www.mckinstry.com
"For the Life of Your Building"

-----Original Message-----
From: Zac Imboden [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 11:23 AM
To: Felix Kersting
Cc: Brian Jamison; Seth Moody; Peter Kramer; karen kruse; R Buckner; 
Felix Kersting
Subject: Re: Processor move - small steps

This is good Felix. It's like a RFP for a project. We spec it out,
figure out work involved and general cost issues and then start
farming it out to members as needed.

We need a few more steps, ie lid work, port work for multiple
methoxide tubing from the mixer and water injection for pre-wash.
I'll add to your base list and send something back to you today. I
have also been working on a site layout for the main objects that
I'll throw out to help the decision on the layout. We need to think
carefully about the best arrangement of components without
reinventing the wheel.

But the most important thing is to figure out the minimal changes
needed to get oil up to 130 degrees outside in sub-zero weather. If
we can do that, we've got our bases covered except for the tsunami
planning you guys had the other night.

Let's meet at 10 am at Crema Coffee:

Crema Coffee & Bakery
Cross Street: 28th and SE Ankeny
Address: 2728 SE Ankeny St
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503 234-0206
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2728%20SE%20Ankeny%20St+97214

It's close to you and not too funky, so you won't feel out of place,
unless you still have an old army jacket stashed in the back of your
closet. Have you ever owned Dr. Marten boots? Be truthful...


On Nov 16, 2006, at 11:53 PM, Felix Kersting wrote:

>  Friends, please review and (Cheryl) post on the lists so the coop
>  knows what's going on.
>
>  There was a safety meeting after the General meeting on 11/15. In
>  light of safety concerns, it was decided that we will no longer
>  make fuel in the conex. We need to move the reactors outdoors
>  before we resume fuel production and move to 100% closed
>  processing. This will take a large group effort to complete to
>  minimize the interruption of our fuel supply.
>
>  The benefits of this plan are a) Safety and b) we can wire the
>  conex for the power we need to move forward including some heat in
>  the conex. The down side is a) interruption of fuel making and b)
>  working outside in the winter.
>
>  Here are steps that need to be taken to move the processors outside.
>
>  WORK CREW
>  *complete roof, supports and east wall
>  *drain processors
>  *disconnect plumbing and electrical
>  *level the gravel between the concrete pads and tamp firm
>  *move the processors out of the containment
>  *move containment outside to prepared gravel
>  *reinstall one processor into containment
>  *move methoxide mixer close enough to processor to reach with
>  exisiting tubing or buy more teflon tube
>  *Let's consider pouring an 8'x8' pad to set the containment on -
>  needs to have 6x6 wire mesh that protrudes from sides
>  to connect to a larger slab later- what say you all?
>  *coordinate processor location with Zac - he has a layout in mind.
>  Pete - can you work out with Zac keep in mind that we will have 3
>  50 gallon processors in place at full production.
>  *get a quote on a 200 amp drop from PGE
>
>  RON
>
>  1. Develop a plan to get power outside to processor pumps and
>  heaters, with all spark producing switching inside conex. Conduit
>  penetrating the conex must have seal offs. Don't pour the seal
>  offs until locations are finalized. May need to leave a long flex
>  to processor so we can adjust position. Get ready to wire up one
>  processor outside.
>
>  2. Develop a permanent location for a 200 amp panel. Mark location
>  in conex - coordinate w/Zac and Pete. Develop an estimate of cost
>  to install panel.
>  Let Felix or Pete or Zac know when you are done with 1.
>
>  DO NOT DO ANY WIRING WORK UNTIL WE HAVE A MEETING ON SITE TO
>  APPROVE - the board must approve the funds!
>
>  Felix
>
>  provide plumbing diagram for coop review
>  replumb reactor 3 ASAP to return to production - load and take home
>  on Sat
>  work out temporary and long term oil heating
>  order 2 eductors
>  replumb reactors 1 & 2 with eductors and return to site for
>  installation
>
>  thanks for your support on this critical safety plan.
>
>  Felix
>
>

--------------------------------------------------------------
Zac Imboden
[email protected]
1534 SE 35th Place
Portland, OR
97214
971-563-2477




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