Are poly drums OK for WVO collection?

[The patriot]

I lucked into a source of poly (HDPE) drums. I'll have several a week for as long as I want.

Are these OK for collecting WVO? I usually see the steel drums, but I havent seen poly drums used.

At this point I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing with the WVO. Either a WVO conversion, or possibly make bio diesel. I dont want to commit to the bio manufacturing process. I'm skeered! Seriously, I dont want a drum of methanol around here, and I really dont have anywhere indoors I can do this in the winter.

I'm thinking on running a coil to the Transfer flow in the bed, and a second point of heat at the heater lines just before entering the inj pump. Not sure, kicking ideas around.

I also have approx 40 gallons a week of WVO lined up and waiting on me.

I had to cut the tops off the drums. I guess I can use a piece of plywood with a handle as a lid.

Suggestions? Ideas? criticisims?:-laf

Eric

 

[DHayden]

I have the same delima, I do not want to use a poly tank or drum because when summer is over the WVO will solidify and will have to be heated before removal and I dont imagine there is an easy way of heating the oil in the poly tank without some risk of damage to the tank/barrel.

 

[The patriot]

I havent given it that much thought.

I can shovel/scoop it out into another open top drum if need be.

They sell un-dyed kero by me. Might be worth it to throw some in before they dump the fryers, so that it might remain pumpable.

You get that much cold in NM?

 

[DHayden]

It doesnt have to be "that" cold to solidify, I think between 70 and 80 degree's it will solidify. If its in a black container that obsorbs some good heat ie; not being in the shade then it may stay liquid a little longer. I'm sure several ways "are possible" but I'm not wanting to spend a ton of time and effort on this personally. Shoveling semi solid oil out of a 55 gallon drum (it wont be on its side after all) isnt high on my fun list :-laf.



I'm thinking of putting a metal 55 gallon drum on a small stand, just enough to get it off the ground, or even laying it on a stand on its side (sealed drum but cut an opening in the side) and using the burner from my turkey fryer to heat it up. I don't think it will take to long to heat and then suck it up with a 12volt pump that can be connected to the battery of the truck.

 

[cj hall]

poly tank

Hello, Eric and Others



The reason they dont use them is if the oil from the fryer is over 175 degrees when they pour it in the tank will melt.



I have picked up oil in steel buckets that is close to 250 drgrees so it could happen.

most places dump the oil at night after they close they fry at 350 to 375 degrees



you can buy band heater for polly tanks they stop heating at 150 degrees and most the oil if you are using it to blend with (NON HYDROGENATED ) will be liquid at 35 to 40 degrees oil used for bio diesel (NON HYDROGENATED OR HYDROGENATED)That could be solid at 50 or 60 degrees.

they do make great storage tanks for clean oil after you get it cleaned and dewatered or use 275 gallon totes its made of the same stuff.



hope this helps