I have been working on BD for some time. The processor tanks are finally getting close for coating. The processor and the dewatering/washer tanks have been pressure tested. The mixer/distiller tank still has some welding to do. In these pics the Buna-Nitro gaskets and nuts/bolts have been removed from the flanges. Coating will be a red Fusion Bond Epoxy similar to a powder coating. Test plates have been sitting in BD and by-product for a month now and have shown no change (wt. in grams unchanged). The couplings on the side of the tanks and top are for: hose connections for circulation and transfer, pressure relief valves, temp gauges, heater elements, methonal distillation tube, and site tubes.

It will likely take several weeks to get this ready for testing since there are still some components that need to be determined.

very nice looking set up. Let us know how it works and how much it will cost for you to make a few more.):h ):h

Very nice looking setup Deadeye.

When I was looking into making BD, I was pretty dead set on having a conical bottom tank like the one youve got there. I was able to find a small one in plastic, but the plastic did not hold up to the glycerin. Oh well, 4 bucks down the drain.

Looks very professional! I bet youll definetly have some buyers from TDP!!!

These are fabricated, based on my design, by a professional sheet metal company been in business more than 40 years. The gaskets are made be a professional gasket company so they will handle temp up to 230*F and corrosive stuff with no problem. The coating company has been around for quite a few years as well. All the components I plan on using will be high quality from will know companies (though some are local).

I will post a lot more info as things move forward.

Really nice looking setup Deadeye.

Deadeye, if you dont mind my asking, do you have a ballpark number on pricing?

Glad to see you moving forward with this project; too bad the TMS conicals didn't work out for you. Nice looking fabrication on the vessels, but one more arrangement to make.

What is system capacity?

I am not going to guess about pricing until I know for sure what the cost will be and I am not there yet. I don't want to post an error!!

The system capacity will depend on the type of WVO an how much methanol will be used. the mixer tank is ~15 gal, the washer is about 53 gal, the processor is about 53 + 6 gallons. However, they are designed to be enlarged if needed. I have not had themn fabricated yet but the flanges will allow another "barrel" to be bolted to the top. It this point I expect to make some 1/2 size barrells for extensions.

Deadeye,

Out of experience I would suggest to use Viton seals as the Buna-N may soften and degrade over time. It is a significant cost difference, but they will last....

Lennart;

I agree completely. However, the gasket guy indicated that the Buna-N would work ok for some time and they are cheap (relatively) to replace. These gaskets are large. The Buna-N ones cost $50 each and the Vitons would cost $600 each!

-J

looks good Deadeye... Please keep us posted.

Deadeye,

Out of experience I would suggest to use Viton seals as the Buna-N may soften and degrade over time. It is a significant cost difference, but they will last....

I am in the oil/gas business and provide downhole well intervention services. The majority of the seals on our downhole tools use Viton or Butyl Nitril. The Viton definitely holds up better to high temp and caustic fluids.

I intend to test theses gaskets but I am sure that they will work fine. Keep in mind that the highe heat will likely be for only a couple of hours at a time and that will be for WVO dewatering. The processor heat only needs to be 90*F for liquidity during processing. That tank should only need to hold the byproduct for 8 hours and the BD can be transfered at the same time. Distillation of byproduct in the small tank will be at 150*F and this will be the most caustic issue. However, the tank can be drained once the Meth is distilled and this should take less than an hour.

Keep in mind that only the ID edge of the gaskets on the bottom will be exposed. There should be about an inch from the ID edge to the flange holes so they should last quite a while. The top gaskets will not have liquid against them and the gaskets could be switched at some later time if determined. If replacement gaskets are needed they will be quickly available and I expect the cost do drop some once production starts.

I am still working on the BD kit but here is a pic of the new prototype processor and mixer/distiller tank. The production units will be a little different but not much. The dewatering/washer tank needs some changes berfore I can assemble it. I will place a picture of it later.

Looks great man. This is no doubt a TRUE Biodiesel processer.

I like your prgress Deadeye... are you still targeting 50+ gal capacity?

SD;
Thanks for your support. I have already made some changes and the next kit will be even better.

beermccoy;
I have not measure the exact capacity of the processor tank but it should be about 56-57 gallons. However, the quality of your WVO will drive how much BD you get out of a single process. For instance, 45 gal WVO + 20% meth = 54 gal. Bad WVO and you have to use a lot of lye you could have 30% by product resulting in only 37.8 gal BD. On the other hand, if only 10% by product you get 48.6 gal BD.

Additionally, the the amount of catalyst you have to purchase and use impacts the cost/gallon. The little tank can be used for distilling methonal out of byproduct for re-use. That will reduce the cost per gallon some.

Over the last weekend I distilled some old by product sitting around for 6 months ~9 gallons. I recovered about 2.5 gal of meth. My guess is I could have recovered much more if I had done it much earlier. That only recovered about 30% of meth used in the previous processing.

When I do the next kit I will calc the capacity before we fabricate the next processor tank.

BTW those tanks are made of 16 gauge steel and the angle iron flanges help support the legs and grip the buna-N gaskets. I expect will remove the gasket from the bottom next time.

The ball valves are 3/4 inch bronze and the two pipes connect to a bronze QD like used on fire hoses and a female air hose connector. The air hose connector is used to empty any remaining fluid from the hoses and pump once a transfer is complete. Each tank will have a pressure relief valve on top for safety. The center coupling is for various purposes depending on the tank and action in process. Each tank has a temp gauge that goes up to over 240*F. Inserted thru the side of each conical bottom (you cannot see it in the pic) is a heater element which can be use to warm or heat the contents to above water boiling temp, if needed. The site glass on each tank has valve which can be used to verify the level of fluid, then can be shut off (valves at top and bottom) and the site glass can be drained. Then heat can be applied. once it cools the site glass can be re-opened to check results.

I am still working on the other tank and components to ensure a good design and reliability.

More Later . . . .

Thanks for the quick response and feedback.

I am going to pull the trigger on a system this spring.... So I am anxiously watching your progress... (I am currently considering an Appleseed processor)

Cheers.

One of the problems that got me started on this was that in the winter the ambient temp made it difficult if not impossible to do processing with the other tanks/kits I saw.

What is the heat source going to be?

Deadeye,

This looks very good. I continue to be interested in this, and will be very excited to see your final kit, how it compares, and pricing. Please keep us all posted!

Sincerely,

Rob

What is the heat source going to be?

elect heater element.

Hi Deadeye,

How's this coming?

Sincerely,

Rob :)

The tanks are done. I am still working on the heating and pumping and related electronics. Still trying to find the correct components to insure safety and correct processing.

More later.

Stacey what's his name was on TV this afternoon shilling for that Plastic tank POS we saw at Indy last year. He totally oversimplied the process and overstated the benefits. I wonder how many folks are going to shell out $3k AND screw up their rides because of it. Looking forward to your finished product; I am sure it will be of superlative quality and functionality.

Mini,

Could you please explain what you meant by "screw up their trucks" with the system that was on Trucks?

I am looking at buying the unit they had on the Trucks show.

Yes, I agree, he did over simplify the process a bit, but when you go to the site they spell out the entire process.

Deadeye's system looks a lot like the Freedom Fuel America set up only with plastic tanks.

They also sell heaters for the tanks.

The process looks pretty simple, I'm ready to pull the trigger now. What makes Deadeyes system that much better?

Not trying to be a smartazz, just wondering?

Thanks!

Nate - no worries. Re-reading my post it was a bit harsh. :o:

I really don't know a heck of a lot about homebrewing bio. I do know a lot about homebrewing beer. There are similarities. The good beer units use stainless tanks, PIDs, hard pluming etc. The fuelmiester system seems a lot like the plastic tank based beer systems and seems priced at a premium price point for what you get (JMHO).

Plus, based on my limited understanding of what is going on in those tanks, the electronics that are involved etc., I am not sure I would want one running unattended in a garage that was attached to my house.......:eek:

What I do know about bio is that there is a lot of junk feedstock out there (with lots of animal fat or water for example) and that understanding what the makeup and chemistry of your feedstock is is important. The show just made it seem like you show up at your local chinese restaurant, take what ever they give you, a few squirts of this and a few squirts of that and presto - pefect Bio. :confused:

I am sure the instructions that come with unit or are posted on their website are much more involved and accurate. I actually spent a good bit of time talking with them at Indy last year and the Rep was a nice guy and seemed to know his stuff.

I also spent a fair bit of time that weekend talking with Deadeye about the system's limitations and his ideas for a "better mousetrap." Thus my recommendation to wait and at least give yourself a chance to compare based on price and quality of components.

I guess it's just that most of the Spike shows are indiscernable from infomercials sometimes and it gets my gander up.....:mad:

I have no affiliation or axe to grind with anyone.....

Rattle on......:cool2:

Thanks for the reply.

Ya, I hear you on the TV Car Shows. They can throw an engine together, dyno it, and run it over to the strip all in 1/2 an hour.

But anyone who has turned a wrench on a short block knows it takes just a few minutes more than that ):h

I would like to know how close Deadeye is getting to production.

I have a neighbor who has a Dodge Cummins, we are looking at splitting the cost of the unit. I have a source for good unused, but outdated veggie oil.

Although they did glamorize it a bit on Trucks, it was basic and renewed my intrest.

:beerchug:

Nate,

You can make a system that can be quite versatile for close to $1000 or a littler more. I bought most of my setup on the net new. The process I have down pat and the fuel is crystal clear when done. I'm using it year round.
There's a 55 gallon steel pre heat tank, 85 gallon conical processing tank and 110 gallon wash/dry tank. The most expensive parts are the plastic conical tanks and pumps.

AS minisub said: :exactly: about the quailty of feed stock.


PM me with your e-mail and I'll send some pix of the setup.:D

Terry

Nate;

My system is essentially done now. I can start production anytime someone lets me know what they want. Here is a picture of the pump stand:

The pump will handle temperature, corrosiion , and mixing well. You can easily move it from one tank to another in 30 seconds and you can kick on the pump and heater and it will shut down when you want it too. If you wish, I can add an thermostat that will control the temperature height as well (pic to be posted soon).

By the end of the week I should be able to post a pic of the new distillation tank (much better looking and easier to use than the test one on my website.) and then I gotta learn how to mod my website. . . .

Eventually my website will have more and better pictures and descriptions. However, if you are seriously interested (in purchasing vs competing or arguing) send me a PM or give me a call. I can send you a lot more detailed pictures.

The price of the production kits will likely be more than the plastic meister one but I will break it down to the components you think you need and price accordingly.

When I get finished testing with the kit I have taken pictures of I will sell it for quite a bit less than the production kits. Let me know if you are interested.

I don't intend to argue with those that make appleseeds or other processors but I know this kit is better than anything else out there. All of the components are new (not used water heaters) and are made buy good, well known companies. It has taken a long time to do research and testing but this has resulted in a really good design and using the correct components, coatings, valves, gaskets, pump, electronics design, etc. There will always continue to be some testing and modifications to try to manage costs and keep the product high grade. I am not interested in building cheap junk to steal $ from customers. Any customer will get the best help I am capable of providing.
:rant:

ok. finished ranting: This kit will last a long time, can be easily repaired if something does happen (don't let your wife open the car door into the site tube !!!) and can be easily used. Corrosion should never be a problem and all the tanks can be heated to 230*F if necessary. There is a lot more I can tell you about if you are truely interested.

Beautiful stuff, Deadeye. How about a price list and approx. shipping costs etc.? Really really nice equipment.

I will try to put a price list and pics toghether this weekend if I can get the time to do everything on schedule. Got to get my son's wrecked car back together and out of my shop first. And a few other tasks, then more detailed pics and review of costs and pricing. As far as shipping costs that take a little while. I need to find some pallets and a big scale. I expect a complete kit will be on three regular size pallets (what is regular size pallet? I got a lot of research to do on shipping . . . )

I expect to do about 90% assembly but there will be a few items that will shipped in a box to ensure safety (ie site tubes, gauges or thermostates . . .)

More later,

Very excited to see your results, Deadeye. Keep us posted!

Sincerely,

Rob :)

Very excited to see your results, Deadeye. Keep us posted!

Sincerely,

Rob :)

Pretty much finished everything (99% done) over the weekend and took a number of pictures. If time permits I will post some of them later today.

. . . or at least 99% complete! Sure took a long time to get design done and then remodified, find the right parts and components, and get stuff shipped and then figure out how best to assemble the whole processor.

Anyhow, here are some of the pics I took last nite. I have quite a few more pics but know point in sharing details with competitors :muahaha: so let me know if you are interested or have some suggestions or questions:

some more:

more:

. . . pics

Looks like absolute top of the line stuff!

. . . pics:

. . . . more

Real Nice! Keep us posted.

Wow. And this was just doodles on a ****tail napkin (on edit: dang software, its the napkin you put under a drink!) last June?!?!

Really, really nice bit of work there. I am going to put a pointer to your website on another board I frequent - are you going to making any updates to it?

Wow. And this was just doodles on a ****tail napkin (on edit: dang software, its the napkin you put under a drink!) last June?!?!

Really, really nice bit of work there. I am going to put a pointer to your website on another board I frequent - are you going to making any updates to it?


Thanks. Yes I already have some more ideas plus I will accept orders and can make some specific mods for customers.

I need to update my website but I gotta learn the software first.. . . just lots to do. . . as usual.

I now have a pdf file pics for potential customers. PM if interested.

Looks great. Really interested in something like this as I have a couple neighbors running diesels too that I may be able to talk into trying.
How big a footprint does this have and is it just normal 120 power?
Might be able to finally get a shed since there is just no room in the garage to do this.
What is the best source to research actually making this stuff?

I am interested in the PDF- about 6 of my friends are ready to get a system, and if enough WVO is around, we would expand to 2 or more systems. We have a 50x200' gym to use exclusively for Bio production. Thanks

I now have a pdf file pics for potential customers. PM if interested.


If you are interested this link will download a pdf of pictures:
http://www.dynadroitbiodiesel.com/dynadroit_biodiesel.pdf



I noticed the Fuelmeister kits have had a price increase. I expect that the dynadroit kit price will be a little higher (steel costs more than plastic, real pumps cost more than "soda straws") but not a lot. I will try to get some basic prices soon. It would be wise to talk together to understand what you want because I can and will make some modifications based on your needs.

Thanks for your interest.

Kinda funny. . . the more I play with this stuff the more I learn and the more ideas I get. I think I found a way to do everything with just the two red conical bottom tanks posted earlier. This should cut the cost significantly, reduce processing time, and shipping cost as well. I am getting a few mods made and hope to get it all redone in the next two weeks. I just finished the first test batch with this kit and it worked very well, not only in the BD quality and timing, but in what I learned about making changes!!

More later.