Re: Test Results and plans for fuel production

Thanks Cheryl.

Sadly, we're not out of the water yet, literally. We have to overcome  
this problem before we can be sure that our reactions are  
consistently good. We'll move in small steps towards water  
remediation until we get reliable results with minimal additional  
upgrades to our process.

On Feb 21, 2007, at 4:00 PM, Cheryl Edmonds wrote:

>
> This is outstanding!  Thanks for all the dedication and  
> perseverance.  I really appreciate the attention to the quality and  
> safety aspects of what has been accomplished.
>
> Thanks to everyone who has 'touched' this new process.
>
> Sounds like we're very close to having our production turned back  
> on....
>
> Cheryl
>
>
> From: Zac Imboden <[email protected]>
> To: GoBiodiesel Mixmasters <[email protected]>
> CC: Karen Kruse <[email protected]>, Felix Kersting  
> <[email protected]>, [email protected], Cheryl Edmonds  
> <[email protected]>
> Subject: Test Results and plans for fuel production
> Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:46:20 -0800
>
> Sorry I have been out of touch. I've begun working (for pay) and  
> have little time for anything else.. Here is the task list from our  
> meeting on Sunday. If your name is on the list of tasks, please  
> contact me so we can coordinate your availability. If you are  
> unable to complete a task assigned, let me know.
>
> Zan and I completed table top tests last week. We spent a total of  
> around 8-10 hours carefully running specific tests to identify our  
> problems. I will send a separate email with those results. The  
> findings from those tests are as follows:
>
> 1. Our KOH on-site is good.
> 2. The reasons for the last three problem fuel batches have been  
> found:
> a) mayonnaise was caused by deficit of lye in a batch; incomplete  
> lye = incomplete reaction
> b) incomplete reactions caused not enough methanol AND high amounts  
> of water in oil
> 3. We have confirmed the correct proportions to get good results on  
> the table top. This includes 7.78 as our base amount for lye; 22%  
> methanol per volume of oil
> 4. heat of reaction is not as critical as water content of oil
> 5. Ambient heat during the settling period after reaction is not  
> critical.
> 6. water content in oil has been our CHIEF culprit since the  
> weather cooled; significantly less amounts of water have settled to  
> bottom of our oil totes. We MUST get this water out of the oil  
> before reacting.
>
> Here is the current plan:
>
> 1. Finish preparations this week for a test batch on Saturday
> 2. React a batch this Saturday. Heat and drain water from oil  
> before-hand.
> a) We're going to react 45.5 gallons of oil with 10 gallons of  
> methanol (this gives us 22% meth./oil)
> b) we will not be doing a prewash
> c) we need to ensure we are mixing methoxide slowly and thoroughly  
> to maximize the reaction.
> 3. Meet sometime to discuss attacking the water issue long-term.
>
> (Names in parentheses are meeting attendees responsible for getting  
> task assigned)
>
> Steps to prepare for this weekend:
>
> Make new KOH solution - Tamar (Zac)
> Purchase air compressor for 30 psi pump - Karen
> Add mark on reactor site glass for 45.5 gallons/ 47.5 gallons (for  
> water injection level) - volunteer (Pete)
> Check methoxide mixer capacity for 11 gallons - volunteer (Pete)
> Fit reactor with valve for injecting water - Greg R. (Zac)
> Finish 1st settle tote plumbing - Felix (Zac)
> Finish wash/dryer plumping - Greg/Felix (Zac)
> Add thermometer to reactor - Felix (Zac)
> Test heating elements oil heater #2 - Zan (Zac)
>
> – Felix indicated that he will install thermometer this Saturday.
> – I tested the heating elements in both oil heaters #1 and #2. Both  
> measured a low resistance. Need to have Zan test voltage across  
> them, but we are set to heat oil in heater #1 for now.
> – We need a way to measure and introduce our 5% prewash water into  
> the reactor. For this weekend, however, I recommend that we DONT do  
> a prewash. Let's let the reaction take as long as it can. We will  
> reintroduce the prewash after we've made some good fuel. It is not  
> a critical step and may be hurting us with cold ambient temperatures.
> – Pete: We have pots on site and a hot plate. I checked Sunday  
> afternoon after you left.
>
> On Feb 19, 2007, at 8:18 AM, Kramer, Peter wrote:
>
> Zac,
>
>
> Since I have a hard time remembering things like photo-copying your  
> notes, I get to test my memory on items I was responsible for.   
> Here goes:
>
>
> I am primary for securing a small (~1 qt) pot for oil/water boiling  
> test
> I am to send an e-mail out to get coop involvement to get/do:
> Get an air compr to handle a 30 psi air pump
> Ask Greg R to pick up thermometer from Felix and install?.. (not  
> sure about this one)
> Finish valving at oil heaters inside Konex? (not sure about this one)
> Get a 1” to 3/4” threaded fitting for water pre-wash into processor
> Calibrate processor for a 45.5 gal line, tape it and label it
>
> Are we saying we want all of these things done before next Sat?..   
> Just want to make sure I properly request.  Let me know if I mis- 
> wrote something or missed anything else I was responsible for.
>
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> Pete
>
>
>
> Peter Kramer, LEED® AP
>
>
> BAS Sales Engineer
>
> TRANEOREGON
>
> 503-620-8031
>
> DIR 503-431-2541 | FAX 503-639-1454
>
> [email protected]
>
>
> www.TraneOregon.com <http://www.TraneOregon.com>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Refi Now: Rates near 39yr lows! $430,000 Mortgage for $1,399/mo -  
> Calculate new payment

_______________________________________________
mixmasters mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.gobiodiesel.org/mailman/listinfo/mixmasters