Re: Test Results and plans for fuel production

KAREN - please call me on my cell before you purchase an air compressor!  30 psi is only half of what you need to know to buy a compressor.  You also need to know the consumption - the CFM - of the pump.  If it is not marked on the pump, get the brand and the model number and we can find the info on the web from the mfr web site or find a local vendor to get the info. 

If you buy too small a compressor, we won't be able to run the pump long enough.  You need to purchase a compressor the is rated for xxx cfm @ 30 psi.  Chances are good you will find a rating at about 40 psi.  Also, get one with at capacity about 25 to 50% greater than the requirements of the pump so it doesn't strain too hard keeping up.  My guess is that a small cheap compressor won't have the poop to do the work. 

Also, don't give up on the old compressor as we may be able to use it for vacuum dessicating the oil.

Forgive the rant if you already had all this figured out. 

Felix  503-969-5996- cell

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Zac Imboden <[email protected]> 
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>

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