OkieBiofuel-Small Biodiesel Reactor.

Main Control Valve Manifold

This manifold controls where the oil is routed. Back to the reactor, to the washing tank or through the ventury for methanol reclaiming.

Methanol Reclaimer.

This is how we are getting the methanol out of our reacted biodiesel before we wash it.

Main pump.

220Volt 55 GPM high volume gear type pump.
We have made several thousand gallons of biodiesel with this pump and have had no issues with leaking ot damage.

Centrifuge.

We are currently experimenting with the use of a this centrifuge from Diesel Craft to remove soap and glycerin. this will reduce our water useage.

This is our current "Main" reactor.

It consists of the following.

2 - 200 gallon Roto Mold poly tanks and steel stands.

1 tank for the reactor vessel .
1 tank for the settling/washing tank.
1 - 60 gallon stainless steel tank
2500 watt hot-tub heating element
Commercial thermister type thermostat.
1 ShuFlo diaphram pump
1 Reused R22 canister for the reclaimer resiviour
1 TutHill 55 GPM positive displacemnt pump. (Main pump)
1 220V, 5hp electric motor tp power pump.
1 110V air compressor.
1 sock type filters (not pictured)
1 air motor to power methoxide mixer.
Various hoses, fittings and plumbing to connect the tanks and pumps.
All of the liquid carring plumbing is now black iron pipe. The vapor carring plumbing is still PVC.
All wiring and electrical connections are air and liquid tight.
All valves are ball type brass/stainless steel type. All are "fully opening" type.
Unit is bonded and grounded to an earth ground.
All tanks are grounded electrically to protect from static discharge.
The reactor vessel now uses the "plumbers delight" type condensor to remove any laident methanol from the biodiesel after the reaction. This is then reused in the next reaction.
This machine can be completely operated by one person. All operations are easily within reach and are easy to get to.

This machine requires only one pour, the catalyst into the methoxide mixer. Everything else is pumped.
The methanol is pumped in via a quick-connect fitting installed in the side of the center tank.

Our main reactor.

Our Main Reactor

Current Configuration

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Past Configuration

This is our "Main" reactor. (OLD VERSION)

It consists of the following.

2 - 200 gallon Roto Mold poly tanks and steel stands.

1 tank for the reactor vessel .
1 tank for the settling/washing tank.
1 - 60 gallon Roto Mold poly tank.
2500 watt hot-tub heating element
Hot-tub heating element thermostat.
Oil service 110V gear type pump, for filling reactor.
1 ShuFlo diaphragm pump
1 TutHill 55 GPM positive displacement pump. (Main pump)
1 220V, 5hp electric motor to power pump.
1 110V air compressor.
2 sock type filters (not pictured)
1 air motor to power methoxide mixer.
Various hoses, fittings and plumbing to connect the tanks and pumps.
Most plumbing was schedule 40 PVC. Some fittings were black pipe.
All wiring and electrical connections are air and liquid tight.
Valves were either CPVC ball type or brass ball type. All were "fully opening" type.
Unit was bonded and grounded to an earth ground.
All tanks were grounded electrically to protect from static discharge.
Both large tanks used copper tubing as condensers to minimize the escape of methanol fumes. Any remaining fumes were vented to outside.

Click the "NEXT' button below to follow a
pictorial schematic of a single reaction, step by step.