What do folks think of the home-made "Appleseed" processor? Let's make this a sticky.
That's the model I am using for mine.
Very inexpensive and one of the safest reaction vessels available. Just about anyone can make one, not sure if that's a plus or not...
This comment has been crossposted at AT&T: 611 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA -- Room 641A.
'05 Liberty, '83 240D
All the ones I have seen use pump mixing. In my tests intermittent stir mixing works best to make high conversion biodiesel. High conversion biodiesel made using intermittent stir mixing is the easiest to wash. Intermittent pump mixing may work. I still have not tested it.
Greengirl Labs Florida USA Home of the Canoe Paddle Processor http://www.biodieselnow.com/forums/t/19664.aspx
Pump mixing works very well, and almost all the kit plans and prefabbed processors use it. I've seen Appleseeds up to 120 gallons make 3/27 fuel with a single 1/2HP pump.
Hi old300D,
I find pump mixing biodiesel very hit or miss. A most inexact science. I did alot of pump mixing and tried different pumps and setups.
One day we were making a batch with a HF pump on an appleseed. The pump was 3 batches old. I was looking right at it when the seal blew out and the mix started spraying all over. I did not know they would do that. That was the last time I was near pump mixing. I gave it up.
The good news is I found something that works way better and this makes me feel much more in control of the process. I don't like hit or miss. I like nailing it !
I am hard to fool about pump mixing. I do have something to compare it to.
Thanks, Steve
P.S.
When I first started testing the CPP I could not believe how well it worked. I did more tests and studied more online.
I found out that neutral had explained it years ago.
Pump mixing may be hit or miss for you, but it's the method of choice, and works very well. I'd much rather prepare a wash tank or mow the lawn while mixing fuel rather than swooshing a paddle around. Especially since I make more than 100 gallons in a batch.
I like the basic idea of the appleseed. However, I have made some changes that seem to have improved the results. I have two tank outputs - the normal one from the bottom plus one from the removed upper heating element. I have a 1 inch pump manifold. Then, two static mixers on the pump output. This seems to have dramatically improved my conversion, using the same oil, methanol and KOH. I can use 18% and pass 3/27 routinely using single stage base process.
By the way, I have compared the conversion of the above described processor and it is superior to the biopro, at least in terms of conversion.
Overall, the appleseed idea is great, as a starting point. It is easy to customize and improve on, due to the simple assembly etc.
Andrew 79 Rabbit B100 homebrew 03 Dodge 2500 B100 homebrew
Hi Andrew,
Where are the instructions or updates that show how to build an appleseed that will pass the national electrical code ? That is the last step in processor design if it is meant to be sold to the public. Make sure it will pass the NEC. Otherwise it is for experimental and test purposes only. It is an incomplete test design not a production design.
Let me know when you get that taken care of.
Before you came along the appleseed did under perform. You have been able to really get it really cooking with your mods !
Now to complete the design you need to show us how to build one that will meet the NEC. old300D is a BSEE, I am an electrician and we both understand the electrical code and how to make biodiesel. I will help any way I can ! old300D ?
Hang in there ! ! ! Steve
My interest level in NEC is very close to 0.
From my POV, getting an Appleseed that passes NEC is your idea, so feel free to go ahead on that. Let me know when you get it sorted out.
I don't know why anyone would buy a biodiesel setup to put in a building that would not pass NEC safety standards. I don't know why anyone would suggest doing that. You are putting methanol in it for goodness sake ! I sure don't understand why someone would come online and suggest people do that.
And then to bad mouth a setup saying it is over priced that does meet the NEC. They took the time to try and make the BioPro as safe as they could. This did increase the price but it shows they put their customers safety first. Not sales. Can you say that ? Your interest in safety is 0 ?
Message to newbees ! If someone tries to sell you a biodiesel processor or processor design ask them if it will pass the NEC. If they cannot say yes then walk away fast. They are not concerned with your safety. They just want your money.
Steve,
FYI, I don't sell or promote any processor at this point. I just use one. Yes, I teach how to process BD, but I don't say any certain processor should be used. I am happy to tell people what I use, what I feel it's strengths and weaknesses are, how it could be improved etc.
While I agree that increasing the safety is a good goal, and particularly in regard to NEC, it is not where I choose to focus. I will leave that to people who are more suited to that task than me. If you think that is important, go ahead. But don't try to tell what I should or should not do.
If you want to discuss the BioPro, don't you think that should be in that discussion? Bottom line, it is better in some areas, and worse in others. And, overpriced for the perfomance it delivers. It has a serious safety issue as well... If you'd like me to point them out on that forum, I will. Ask your biopro friends if they want me to spend more time discussing it's weakpoints.
stephend: Message to newbees ! If someone tries to sell you a biodiesel processor or processor design ask them if it will pass the NEC. If they cannot say yes then walk away fast. They are not concerned with your safety. They just want your money. Thanks, Steve
Hi old300d,
I hear that ! You make my point. That was a message to newbees ! If they buy a setup that has been thought out in the first place they will not have to try and figure this out.
We are looking into putting a setup at a small school for the busses and it HAS to meet the electrical code. How can I do that with aa appleseed ?
That is a serious question. If it can be done I would sure consider going that route if it can be done cheaper than a BioPro. I am the customer now and I sure don't wnat to waste the schools money.
Serious question. How can we setup an appleseed that will meet the NEC. I am being asked to use my biodiesel skills to help kids get to school
Small school homebrewing to feed the busses is something I am very interested in ! ! !
stephend: Hi Andrew, Serious question. How can we setup an appleseed that will meet the NEC. I am being asked to use my biodiesel skills to help kids get to school Small school homebrewing to feed the busses is something I am very interested in ! ! ! Thanks, Steve
I could put it on a small trailer. Then It would meet the electrical code. We wanted it in a building. We are going to build a small building to put it in.
All the switches, lights, wiring, pumps, ect have to meet the code. That's the rules here. It will be in the city. I think I showed you the tech part already.
I have asked several appleseed people and no reply.
Thank you for your interest and help. Steve