3 LAYERS??

[lawman349]

I just got done with washing a new batch...about 35 gallons. It aced a 27/3 test and I think it did well on a shake test. But this time a weird thing happened. On the first three wash cycles, I got nothing by clear water out. On the 4th wash, I got a third layer.

My process involves a cone-bottom tank and two misting nozzles in the lid. I misted approximately 6 gallons over the biodiesel, drained the wash water and repeated the process.

The wash water was dang near clear on the third wash, and then I had a problem. On the fourth wash, I got a strange separation. Instead of just clear water at the bottom, I got another layer.

I had water on the bottom, a white layer in the middle ( i am guessing soap?), and biodiesel on top. I didnt have this last time. I just had 2 layers (one biodiesel, one water)

Is this a problem? Can I just drain it and continue or is there something else I should be doing?

[Jarrod B]

just buy diesel

[lawman349]

Originally Posted by bockhold

just buy diesel

not helpful.

[Jarrod B]

i know. just havin some fun.
i have no knowledge on bio or how to make it.

and what are you using for the bio? oil, veggie oil, or something else?

[250downunder]

Most likely soap; bit odd that it only formed after 3 washes. How much soap in volume?
It may indicate that your calculations for the catalyst were out - too much alkali.
Keep washing until no more soap forms and the PH of the wash water going in is the same as the water draining out and it should be fine.

[lawman349]

buckhold- on offense taken. i know you were just jokin'. i am using watse veggie oil from local restaurants for my bio.

250- so washing it over and over will remove the soap? i seem to get a layer of relatively clear water, then a layer of soap, then bio.

i tried washing over and over with a small sample in a Mason jar. The water got clearer and the soap disappeared. I am drying it on a hotplate now...i'll let you know how it goes.

Is there a way to test for soap AFTER I am done drying and the bio looks clear and bright?

[lawman349]

ok-

the sample that i washed numerous times just got finished drying. It looks like apple juice and is clear enough to read through.

I bought a 100 pack of PhLip test. Again, passed with flying colors. Must have just been soap. Should all come out with a few more washes.

Thanks 250downunder!

[250downunder]

"Is there a way to test for soap AFTER I am done drying and the bio looks clear and bright? "
You won't get PH neutral wash water whilst soap is present. Carefully calculate your potassium hydroxide [or sodium hydroxide] to limit soap formation, and wash until the PH is neutral. No need to test after drying, but if you must, wash a small sample and test the PH of the seperated water.

[ralph]

Testing for Soap in Unwashed Biodiesel and Glycerol - Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial

hope that helps