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TimeLine example for a 40 gallon batch

Assumes you are near your processor the whole day.  If not, timeline will be off, but hands on time will not.  

 

Time:

Operation description   -   Day 1

Actual Hands on Time

8am

Turn on heaters to re-heat the oil (still warm from de-watering the day before)

3 minutes

8:30

Transfer the oil to the mixing tank & circulate for 10 minutes

5 minutes

 

Note: While the oil is circulating, you can add more oil to the heating barrel and begin dewatering this batch if you want.

 

8:45

Perform 2-3 titrations

3 minutes

8:50

Calculate the amount of Lye & methanol using the biodiesel calculator

3 minutes

8:55

Add the methanol & lye to the mixing tank & let it mix for 15-20 minutes (Using KOH)

5 minutes

9:15

You now start the processor pump & begin adding the methoxide over about 15 minutes.  You can then set the timer for the proper time according to our guide, and let it run by itself.

15 minutes

 

 

Total Hands on time:

 

34 minutes

 

Time:

Operation description   -  Day 2

Actual Hands on Time

8 am

Drain the glycerin from the processor

5 minutes

8:10

Hookup the mister, set the mist water timer & begin misting

2 minutes

10:00

Drain the mist water

3 minutes

10:05

Add more water (approx 20-25% of the biodiesel volume) using our quick fill setup & start the bubble washing

4 minutes

12:30

Drain the first bubble wash water

3 minutes

12:35

Add more water as done previously & start another bubble wash for about 5-6 hours

4 minutes

6:30

Drain the 2nd bubble wash water

3 minutes

6:35

Add more water & start the final bubble wash to run overnight

4 minutes

 

 

Total Hands on time:

 

28 minutes

 

Time:

Operation description   -  Day 3

Actual Hands on Time

8 am

Drain the final bubble wash water from the day before

3 minutes

8:05

Transfer the fuel to the drying tank

4 minutes

8:15

Once the biodiesel is in the drying tank, set the correct valves & begin circulating to dry the biodiesel for 2-4 hours depending on temps & humidity.  At this point you just let it run for several hours.  Check it after several hours and if it’s clear, it’s dry.  You can now let it settle in this tank, or a separate settling tank. (only needed for higher production rates). 

1 minutes

 

Final step is to transfer it to your final dispensing tank using the processors pump, or your own separate pump and your done.

5 minutes

 

Total hands on time Day 3:

13 minutes

 

 

Total approximate hands on time for all 3 days:

 

75 minutes