Do you wash your BIO?

[AZBLACKSMOKE]

Some people skip the process, some swear by it. I wannna hear from you if you wash, and tell us why. I also wanna hear if you dont wash and why. Not sure if theres a lot of people making Bio in here, but tell me what you know or what you've heard through the grapevine regarding this. Gracias.

__________________
2001 Chevy Xcab,4x4,LB7/Allison, Straight4in, predator.
Previously a 12valver...

[DieselBurps]

You aren't getting much response here - I thought I'd chime in from what I've observed on my WVO endeavors... Thorough drying is important before trying to use biodiesel or WVO at the end, so adding a little water here and there doesn't hurt much. I've found by either bubble washing or mist washing, I can clear out a large percentage of any contaminants and save a lot on filters.

When I started using WVO, I was barely able to get 50-75 gallons through a single 0.5 micron filter before it was clogged beyond salvation. When I started bubble washing, I noticed that after hundreds of gallons - the filters were still passing grease like a good set of kidney's passes beer. The debris and "snot" that came out with it was pretty nasty looking - and I was much happier getting it out of the way early in the processing. It didn't take much time or effort to do - so it was well worth it. Washing the WVO got it clean enough - drying it well afterwards was critical - then either burning it as is, or making biodiesel from it was much more productive then. Washing the biodiesel end product afterwards may not be as critical, but cleaning the WVO first really helps a lot. Clean grease makes for better Biodiesel!

[AZBLACKSMOKE]

Do you have any details on your washer?

I have heard of people using like a fish tank bubbler or something. I am unclear of the process. I would really like to learn more.

__________________
2001 Chevy Xcab,4x4,LB7/Allison, Straight4in, predator.
Previously a 12valver...

[AZBLACKSMOKE]

Oh and thanks for the charity post......


I posted it back when I thought there were more WVO/BIO people in here....I dont know what I was thinkin.....

__________________
2001 Chevy Xcab,4x4,LB7/Allison, Straight4in, predator.
Previously a 12valver...

[DieselBurps]

It just seemed sad that a question was going unanswered for so long...

I used to bubble wash - with an aquarium stone & pump. I'd let it sit overnight in the barrel 1/4 full of water, the rest full of WVO. I switched to mist washing about 6 months ago - it works a little faster by running a fresh mist of water through the WVO. Usually within an hour or two I'm getting clean water coming out of the bottom. I have several barrels plumbed with faucets about 4-5" from the bottom. I run a length of hose from the faucet up to the level on the barrel that I want to drain down to. It allows the water to settle to the bottom and exit via the hose - and the pressure of the oil sets the equilibrium of how much water is allowed to exit.

Both methods allow for unattended washing. I tend to stick around for the mist washing - just in case the hose ever gets gummed up, or the water flow is too much for the drain to carry out. I'd hate to dump 40 gallons of that stuff all over my lawn!

[AZBLACKSMOKE]

Seems easy enough. Thanks for the info. I have a few barrels that I am planning to modify for this purpose, but I was going the aquarium route. I think I may try the misting route now that you have shed some light on it for me. Thanks. I'll keep ya posted, and I hope to take pictures of my "Meth Lab".....thats what my buddy calls it.....he thinks I am crazy, but what does he know...he drives a gasser.

__________________
2001 Chevy Xcab,4x4,LB7/Allison, Straight4in, predator.
Previously a 12valver...