What temperature do I need to keep my reactor at after blending the wvo and methoxide while it settles? If its vented outdoors whats the safest way to heat the reactor?
The temp. I use in my production for the reaction and for settling is aprox. 120 degrees F.If your processor is constructed of steel, then you can use an immersion type heating element to keep the contents warm.But if your tank is polyethylene you should not,,, use an in tank immersion heating element. You could use a circulation type heating system or you could use a hot water type coil placed in the tank and mounted to a support assembly hung from the top of the tank. Hope this helps you out. www.michiganbiofuel.com Duff Streeter
Any temperature that keeps the oil liquid will work fine but by using good insulation and keeping the oil warm, things will settle faster.
DO NOT apply heat to keep it warm. Applying heat creates heating currents and that will keep things from settling.
The best solution is to use good insulation.
Thanks for the info, I am building an insulated box to go around the processor and will insulate wrap the processor to keep warm. I was not sure how warm I needed to keep it and was afraid to use any type of heater due to fumes even though my processor is vented outside
Thanks for your reply, Is there concerns about fumes escaping around any openings at the top of my processor at this point of bio production?
How long should it take to settle/seperate at this temp for a 30 gallon batch?