WVO Processor ver. 2.0

[veggie]

I finally finished version 2.0 of my WVO processor and got around to testing it.

Version 1.0 had some issues and I wanted to make a change.
Among the issues were....

1] To big: Version 1 used a 45 gallon drum which took up too much room in my garage.
2] It processed large batches which meant I also needed a big container to pump the cleaned WVO into when done.
   (Again, a space issue)
3] In order to heat 30 gallons of WVO (within a reasonable amount of time) I had to run a 1300 watt heater.
   (My power supply is a single 120 vac line on a 15 amp breaker)
   I could never run the centrifuge pump and the heater at the same time so I would run the heater....run the pump....run the heater...
4] It took 4 hrs of running the system to get only 4 passes through the centrifuge. Not enough contact time.

My idea was to reduce the size of the unit to match the 17 and 20 liter cubies of WVO that I acquire.
(The vessel was made from a 9 gallon air compressor receiver tank.)
Then, each time I get a cubie, I can dump the whole thing into the processor, turn it on, and 1 hr later I have cleaned WVO

With a smaller tank, I can also use a smaller heater (500 watt) which enables me to keep the heat going when the pump is running.
This is important because the blower which is used for removing water vapor also robs heat from the oil. With the new design I was actually able to raise the temperature of the oil while the blower was operating.

By processing a very small batch, I can achieve 35 passes through the centrifuge in 1 hour while blowing air over the hot oil being discharged from the centrifuge. Then drain it into a clean vessel.

The centrifuge must be opened and cleaned between batches, but this is a fast and simple operation.
During the cleanings, I did get a lot of fine abrasive sludge.

Today I did 3 batches in succession (50 liters).

The unit is considerably smaller than version 1.0 and can be wheeled into a corner when not in use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI5-8hFWpSU

veggie

[Tim]

Ha,

Nice going. I never thought of circulation the oil, but why not? It seems to work pretty well and gives you more time dewatering it.

I building a similar processor: Raw filtering, washing, dewatering, centrifuge, settling, degreasing (blanked filter) and finising with a 1micron filter. At this moment I'm still buying it from a professional filterer.

Succes,
Tim

[wiebe]

Nice setup.
And clean ,how do you do that cleaning the thing every day.

[bschwartz]

Don't believe the video guys..... It's all computer graphics.
If it were real, there would be veg oil on the floor somewhere.... 

[veggie]

Don't believe the video guys..... It's all computer graphics.
If it were real, there would be veg oil on the floor somewhere.... 

LOL....funny you should say that. About an hour after I took that video, I spilled a liter on the floor while transferring the clean stuff.
Believe me, I've had my share of messes to clean up 

veggie

[LowGear]

Wow veggie,

I can't believe it.  You walk the walk besides talking the talk.  And you growed me up a click or two.  I can't believe I've put that nasty crap through my biggest and favoritist toy tool.

Very very nice looking intergalactic time travel device your running your juice through.  Have you ever considered running some Shell or Chevron diesel through it just to see if they have proper standards? 

The centrifuge device looks like one of those units they put on big diesel rigs to help clean the engine oil.  Does yours just rely on the pressurized oil going through it to do the cleaning or is it motor driven and I just couldn't see that part of the apparatus?

Casey

[veggie]

The centrifuge device looks like one of those units they put on big diesel rigs to help clean the engine oil.  Does yours just rely on the pressurized oil going through it to do the cleaning or is it motor driven and I just couldn't see that part of the apparatus?

Casey

Thanks Casey,

You are correct, the centrifuge is an automotive unit that uses the pump pressure to rotate the chamber at 6000 rpm.

Speaking of diesel fuel.....I was thinking that I could also use it as a fuel blender.
The unit has a bypass loop which allows me to circulate without the centrifuge.
Once a batch of oil is cleaned, I could open the filler spout, add my 30% diesel and then switch it to circulate for 10 minutes.
Out comes my blended fuel for the Listeroid.

veggie

[LowGear]

Hi veggie,

I think it would be fun to do the mixing with the filter turned on.  Just as a research project.  (Where is that devil smiley face when you need it?)

Really nice stuff.  I have one of those spinner contraptions so I'm going to put it into the loop of my modest version of a dewater station.  I'm just gonna paint my tank black and set it out in the sun.  Thanks for the excellent leadership.  Nothing says learning louder than "watch me do this" only without the six pack.

I'm looking for a quick - easy hose disconnect for the top of my dewatering unit so I can pump the crystal clear dry fuel (dream on lad) into storage.  Do you think one of those $40 Chinese bio diesel pumps is enough volume/pressure to get the centrifuge spinning at a workable speed?  So that's two questions:
     1.)  quick disconnect?
     5.)  cheapski Chinese pump?

Casey

[veggie]

So that's two questions:
    1.)  quick disconnect?
    5.)  cheapski Chinese pump?

1] I have good luck with (and still use) "cam locks". The ones with two levers that lock the couplings together.
Generally available at hose shops and agricultural supply stores. Very popular on ag sprayers and irrigation systems.

2] NO..... The "clearwater" bidiesel pumps are only good for circulating the oil around the biodiesel processor at LOW pressure (I use one on my reactor).
They only make around 30PSI (and that's with water). Much less with a viscous liquid.
The centrifuge needs 60 to 90 psi to work and the liquid should be as thin as possible (heat).

good luck,
veggie

[WStayton]

Veggie:

   You said:  " the centrifuge is an automotive unit that uses the pump pressure to rotate the chamber at 6000 rpm."

  Could you elaborate on "what" automotive unit you have so neophyte WVO "virgins", like me, (NEVER thought I would use the "v" word when referring to me!  <grin>), who are about to get into the WVO polishing/cleaning "business" (personal use only) can have a better understanding of what you are working with, here?

  I'd particularly appreciate a make and model that I could google for more info!  <grin>

  Thanx for your expertise!

Regardz,

Wayne Stayton

[Tom Reed]

Gorgeous job! Please do tell us about your pump, heater and centrifuge.

[bschwartz]

google dieselcraft for more info on centrifuges for cleaning WVO.
There are other brands, and copies, but that should give you the basics.

[veggie]

Brett, you are correct. It's the smallest model from Dieselcraft.

Below is a rough schematic.

veggie

[veggie]

Gear pumps:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/DAYTON-Rotary-Gear-Pump-4KHP5

http://www.marineparts.com/partspages/pumps/brand/oberdorf3.htm

http://www.renownindustries.com/gear_pumps.html

http://www.leaderevaporator.com/p-250-oberdorfer-bronze-gear-pump.aspx

http://www.omega.com/pptst/FPUGR100_200.html

veggie

[LowGear]

Gosh!  Nice stuff costs more!

How about an oil pump out of a a car or truck?  Coupled to a washing machine motor?

Casey