washing biodiesel

[MDTyree]

How critical is it to have 1/3 water to 2/3 biodiesel when washing? What will happen if you use to much water or to less?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[PhatB]

Just my $0. 02:



Too much water and you will have to let it split longer, and it will naturally take a longer time decanting the water to go to your next wash.



Too little water and you will need more washes to fully clean your fuel.



The 1/3 to 2/3 ratio is not critical to follow right to the ounce, but you should be fairly close, i. e. 1/2 gallon either way in a 40 gallon batch should be no problem.

 

[BPINE]

PhatB has the right idea and that is how I do it as well. I do have a few friends that do a continuous wash but if everything is not just right the chances of an emulsion is much greater.



I mist 12 gallons of hot water in a 40 gallon batch let sit for approx 8 hours and repeat 4 more times. Then bottom fill with hot water and bubble 8 to 12 hours then transfer and dry. I have shortened this up by a full day and it seems to work fine but I am not in any big hurry.