Magnesol FAQ’s:
Why is Magnesol better than other purification methods on the market?
Magnesol D-Sol is specifically formulated to remove the by-products remaining from the transesterifation process to produce methyl ester or B100. Unlike competitor products, it has a proven track record internationally. Magnesol D-Sol is commonly recognised as the premium biodiesel purification medium. D-Sol’s unique composition, excellent particle size consistency and unbeatable absorption capability, ensure that it outperforms competitor products in all departments. Former variants of Magnesol have been improved upon time and again, and the latest variant D-Sol has 20% greater overall efficiency than it’s predecessor. Unlike competitor products, Magnesol’s performance data is published allowing producers to make an informed decision as to the overall benefits of this product.
Does Magnosol reduce my production costs?
Magnosol is the low-cost alternative to wet washing and compares favourably with mass-production purification systems.
If I put the Magnesol powder into my unwashed biodiesel, do I then have to remove it?
Yes, you do have to remove it. But therein lies the reason as the why Magnesol really works so well. As a fine powder with consistent particle size distribution, it is designed to cover every square inch of the wash tank allowing for maximum clean up efficiency. Unlike other wash methods, Magnesol’s strong affinity for polar compounds allows all production residues and soaps to be effectively removed.
Have you done independent analysis of Magnesol vs wet washing, other magnesium silicates and resins?
An independent study has been conducted by Iowa State University in which Magnesol out-performed even the best wet-wash system. We are currently working with Cambridge University in the UK to conduct a similar analysis of wet and dry wash methods. See Iowa results
Do you need to replenish Magnesol after each wash?
Yes, unlike other dry wash methods, with Magnesol you only use what you really need in every wash. No more, no less! So minimal wastage all round.
Can I see one of your systems working?
Our systems are freely available to view. Please call us to discuss the best location for you. Our in-house rigs are always running, but should you wish to view a system closer to you, please email us your details and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Will you be able to show me the results I can achieve if I bring you a sample to wash?
Certainly, a sample of ± 100 litres is required to demonstrate the wash and final polish process effectively.
In addition to removing production residues, what other advantages does Magnesol offer?
Magnesol usage improves plant productivity and lowers operational costs. It completely eliminates the need for wet washing.
Is Magnesol readily available?
Large stocks of Magnesol are available internationally. Our UK warehouse holds ± 50,000 kg at any time.
Does Magnesol have published performance data for D-Sol?
Yes, unlike competitor products all Magnseol test data is published and freely available.
Is Magneseol D-Sol the same as Magnesol R60?
D-Sol is an improved formulation with provided 20% greater efficiency over R60. This means that less is required thereby even further reducing your production costs.
I have tried a magnesium silicate before and I could not get my biodiesel clean?
Some low grade magnesium silicates that are promoted as effective biodiesel purification methods, contain high moisture contents which “clouds” the fuel. They are particularly difficult to remove due to inconsistent particle size and distribution.
How much Magnesol is required per wash?
The correct ratio mix is usually 1% by weight. For example: A 1000 litre wash, with a S.G of ±0.9 will weigh ± 900 kg. At 1% by weight that would be 9kg per wash. However, most Magnosol users consistently manage to use 0.5% by weight using WVO, and as low as 0.25% using virgin oils. This ensures that Magnesol continues to be one of the most cost cost-effective biodiesel purification methods in operation today.
Wash Systems FAQ’S:
Why do I need to wash my biodiesel?
Biodiesel needs to be washed to remove production residues and soaps that will result in engine damage. International quality standards are becoming increasingly stringent, so be sure to choose a wash method that can meet these standards.
What do I need to look for before choosing a purification system for my plant?
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating”. Be confident that the purification system you choose lives up it’s claims. We operate a “Try before you buy” policy which allows producers to make an informed decision as to how our products and services will benefit their operation. Quality and traceability are vital to the success of biodiesel production facilities.
How effective is your process at removing production residues?
Filtertechnik wash systems, using Magnesol, reduce impurity levels in accordance with international quality standards. Magnesol absorbs production residues, soaps, moisture, free fatty acids etc and the wash systems confine the purification process into a pressurised chamber which enhances the clean-up process.
How long does a wash take?
This depends on the wash unit you choose from the range, but they are all very fast. Cleaning times can be as fast as 1000 litres in 18 minutes with our current range and even faster with our new volume producer products
What do you mean by agitation?
Magnesol powder needs to be mixed into the biodiesel to ensure that it is adequately “wetted out”. Once the Magnesol is in suspension, it needs to be mixed lightly to ensure that the particle distribution is even throughout the wash tank and that all the impurities are being removed. This enhances the cleaning process and ensures that only the necessary ratio mix of magnesol is used in the wash
See the demonstration
What is recirculation?
After agitation, the Magnosol powder in the fuel needs to be extracted. This process is simple using our wash units. A Magnesol lining builds up within the wash cell, forming a filtrate, until a pressure is generated. On the unit reaches 1bar (15psi) the maximum performance is achieved and the biodiesel cleanliness/clarity is now acceptable.
See the demonstration
How do I know when the wash is finished?
We have a few simple tests which allow the producer to take control of their production. Simple water testing and pH values are good indicators of wash efficiency.
See the demonstration
How much Magnesol do I need per wash?
Usually it is 0.5-1% by weight
For example, if you have 1000 litres of biodiesel, the specific gravity of which is ±0.9, the total weight would be 900 kg. At 1% ratio, 900 kg would require 9kg of Magnesol powder. At 0.5% it would require 4.5 kg of powder.
As we do not know the starting quality of your biodiesel we usually advise that you start at 1%, with the view to reduce this to 0.5% when you are comfortable with your upstream procedures.
However, you may even be able to get away using 0.25% ratio if your starting quality is good.
See the demonstration
How much powder will each wash Cell hold?
Generally it is ±4 kg Magnesol holding per cell.
Can I use your wash systems with any reactor?
Our wash systems are designed to work with most reaction processes and will reduce production bottlenecks.
How do you guarantee the performance of your wash units?
The wash units have been specially designed for purification of biodiesel.
Main design features include:
- Internal seal arrangements,
- O-Clamp locking head,
- Viton seals,
- Filter cell head design,
- Filter media construction
- Rugged stainless support basket,
- Large surface area
- Welded filtration cells
What size batch can I wash?
If you have a single tower wash unit, which can hold ±4kg , you will be able to wash ± 400 litres(weighing 360kg at a time if you use 1% RATIO. If you use 0.5% ratio you can then wash 800 litres at a time.
If you have a TWIN tower wash unit, which can hold ±8kg , you will be able to wash ± 800 litres (weighing 720kg at a time if you use 1% RATIO. If you use 0.5% ratio you can then wash 1600 litres at a time.
If you have a FOUR tower wash unit, which can hold ±16kg , you will be able to wash ± 1600 litres (weighing 1440kg at a time if you use 1% RATIO. If you use 0.5% ratio you can then wash 3200 litres at a time.
Larger systems coming soon
Can I see you systems working live in a biodiesel production facility?
Yes, please contact us and we will arrange for a site visit to a production facility near you. Alternatively, our in house rigs are in constant operation and free to view by appointment.
Polish Systems FAQ’S:
Why does biodiesel need to be polished?
Irrespective of the wash process you choose for your production facility, final polishing of biodiesel is essential to ensure that fuel, once washed, is free of solid contaminants, moisture, production and wash residues. As the final step in the production process, it gives the producer total peace of mind that the fuel produced is clean and dry. Final polishing is a fundamental part of the overall production process and one that is far too frequently overlooked.
Final fuel quality and in-house quality control are key aspects in successful biodiesel production. Batch consistency and traceability is the main difference between successful and unsuccessful producers.
Final polishing is the last production stage in order to achieve stringent industry quality standards. Irrespective of the wash method used, final polishing is required to remove microscopic contaminants invisible to the naked eye, that could result in serious engine damage.
Does you polish system remove water?
Yes, the BD6000 final filtration system will simultaneously remove moisture and solid contamination from the fuel.
How do I know when my biodiesel is ready for use/sale?
In addition to the few quality tests like the simple water test and pH analysis, the on-line particle counter is an incredibly useful tool to highlight fuel cleanliness levels in real time.
Does using your system mean that I no longer need to send my samples off to an expensive laboratory for expensive analysis?
No, laboratory analysis may still be required to prove that you are conforming to industry standards. However, the frequency of laboratory analysis can be reduced.
See the demonstration
Can I see you systems working live in a biodiesel plant?
Yes, please contact us to arrange this.
Is training provided to use your equipment?
Yes, training is provided f.o.c at our Nottingham facility every Wednesday or by appointment. Should you need to send along any staff members for training, we would be happy to accommodate them.
Our focus during these training sessions is FUEL QUALITY. We work closely with you to ensure that your investment in our equipment is maximised and that you are armed with all the necessary tools to take control of your biodiesel production process and in-house quality control. Our technical support phone-lines are open during office hours if additional guidance is required and a personal account manager will be assigned to you to monitor your progress until you are fully competent.
Do I really need a particle counter?
The particle counter is an independent verification of fluid cleanliness and will display the total level of contamination still present in the fuel. The particle counter will not make your fuel any cleaner, but with guide you to achieving excellent fuel quality and is a fundamental part of
in-house quality control procedure.
The counter offers producers total traceability and allows archives of batch test data to be filed for future reference. Quality and traceability are becoming increasingly important for biodiesel producers as international quality standards become more stringent.
Is a single pass suitable if I am Dry Washing?
Yes, a single pass is usually sufficient when using a DB6000 in a dry wash application. The SDFC main polishing filters will remove any excess moisture and solid contamination.
How fast do your polish units operate?
The flow rates range from 600l/hr (2 pot version) up to 3000l/hr on the new 8 pot version
Is the pre-filter still required?
Yes, a pre-filter is fitted as standard to all our BD6000 rigs to even further extend the life of the main polishing elements.This is a low cost attachment that ensures that the pre-filter can be changed when required, thereby allowing extended use of the main polishing elements.
How does the Particle Counter work?
A sample flow rate of ±200 ml is taken before the filters and fed into the laser particle counter. A laser light source shines over the a known fluid sample size in the light chamber and translates the level of contamination into a code which can then be easily recognized as ‘clean’ or “dirty” depending on the reading.
High readings eg. 29 signify a very high level of contamination and moisture. Readings can be viewed in real time on your PC screen and saved simultaneously to excel for archive creation.
Do I need to be concerned about the 20 micron count on the Particle counter?
No, the way the particle counter works is that it displays the coding ie. the level of contaminants at various sizes. Codes are displayed at >4,>6,>14 and > 21 micron. The >4 code is the most important one at it shows all the contaminants that are over 4 micron in size. To put this into perspective: The human eye cannot see anything under 40 micron is size. By focusing on 4 micron particle levels, we can ensure that all contaminants are effectively removed.
How do I know when my fuel is ready for use?
The BD6000 unit needs to be run until the target cleanliness codes are achieved. By fitting a PC9000 on-line particle counter you will be able to view cleanliness data in real time. Target cleanliness levels of ± 18/16/14 will ensure excellent quality fuel.
The way this code is constructed in to take the readings from the 4/6 and 14 micron counts eg:
Reading of 4 microns and greater = 18
Reading of 6 microns and greater = 16
Reading of 14 microns and greater = 14
So the code would be 18/16/14
These codes are representative of particle counts and show the total number of contaminants at these levels.
See the demonstration
What does 18/16/14 mean?
This is the international fluid cleanliness standard, ISO 4406, which uses a coding system to band contamination counts together in order to simplify trending analysis.
How do I know when my fuel is clean and ready for use?
In addition to laser particle counts, there are a few simple tests you can do to test for biodiesel cleanliness. The ‘simple water test” and pH montoring is a good indicator to remaining contaminants still present in the fuel.
How does the software for the Particle Counter work?
The software can be used to display cleanliness trend-lines. These trend lines will update every 5 minutes to ensure the cleanliness of the fuel is achieved. Data can then be simultaneously recorded to a raw data file ie. excel
How do I transfer data from the Particle Counter to my laptop?
A fibre-optic light source cable is used. The software translates the light source into a cleanliness code for easy interpretation of fuel cleanliness
See the demonstration
Can I have less filter housings with a higher flow rate pump?
This is generally not advised. Our systems are configured in such a way that a high flow rate is evenly distributed between a set number of filters. This extends filter life and improves filtration efficiency.
Why is the pre-filter 1 micron, yet the main SDFC final polishing elements are 2.8 micron?
This is the difference between “nominal” and “absolute” filtration performance.
Nominal ie 1 micron pre-filter means that it is 1 micron most of the way through the filter media, but could have some media that is ± 3-5 micron or greater.
Absolute filtration means that it is indeed 2.8 micron throughout. This is the ideal cleanliness level for final polishing of biodiesel and with the SDFC main polishing elements, solid contamination and moisture are simultaneously removed.
Why do I need a polisher as well as a washer?
The BD6000 will simultaneously remove contaminants and moisture.
See patch slides section for detailed explanation as to the importance of final polishing.
Do I still need to Multi-pass if I am dry washing?
No, unlike wet washing where time is needed for the SDFC cartridges to effectively absorb moisture, a single pass is usually okay for dry washing resulting in far quicker production times.
What are the running costs of your machines in pence/litre?
Typically, total running costs per litre using our systems is 0.8 pence per litre. So by charging a penny extra per litre for your fuel you will have total peace of mind that your biodiesel is clean and dry. This cost can be further reduced by improving upstream procedures.
How long do the elements last?
Typically, the SDFCs on a 4 pot unit will last between 16000-20000 litres. Element life can be further increased by better upstream procedures. The cells from the wash units can be reused 3-4 times and will eventually blind. The filters last significantly longer if used in a dry wash application due to the fact that they are primarily removing solid contamination. The dirt holding capacity of a single SDFC cartridge is 2kg as well as 800 ml of moisture
What does the pre-filter do?
The pre-filter on the BD6000 is there to extend the life of the main polishing elements. They are inexpensive and trap large contaminants and wax before the main filters come into operation.
The wash unit is 1 micron and the SDFC cartridges are 2.8 micron? Shouldn’t that be the other way around?
In our systems we use 3 types of filtration principles to ensure maximum fuel quality and overall cleanliness:
a) Surface filtration in the Magnesol wash unit
b) Full flow filtration on the pre-filter
c) Depth filtration with the SDFC cartridges: simultaneously removes moisture and solid contamination.
The 1 micron cells on the wash unit and the 1 micron pre-filters of the BD6000 have a Nominal rating. The SDFC cartridges have an absolute rating.
What safety features are fitted to the units?
Thermal and pressure cut-offs are fitted as standard.
How do I know when the elements need changing?
The elements are designed for maximum life and fluid transfer. The unit will switch off when a pressure of greater than 4 bar is experienced thereby indicating filter congestion.
Do you install/commission your systems?
We do offer this service at a nominal extra charge.
What is the warranty period?
12 months from delivery
Can I achieve the industry standard EN14214 and ASTM using your equipment?
Producers mostly fail the industry standard quality testing because the water content is too high.
Larger users, with more sophisticated processes can achieve a ppm count of 290.
Within the UK, biodiesel is predominantly made from Used Cooking Oil (UCO) rather than virgin Rapeseed Oil. This is mainly due to the financial incentive of using a cheaper feedstock.
In Austria and Germany, where biodiesel production has been underway for some time, rape-seed oil is mostly used.
The consequence of this fact is that it is difficult to meet certain parts of the EN14214 specification, especially the Ester content, as there are degradation products associated with the fact this is a used oil.
This means a lot of biodiesel being sold (especially by the smaller producers) does not currently meet the specification. However this is not necessarily an indication of associated problems in running vehicles on this fuel.
A major problem for the smaller suppliers is selling product with high quantities of methanol, glycerol, catalyst residues, water, soaps and sediment still within the mix, due to poor washing procedure or substandard purification methods. The specification has defined limits for essentially all of these factors. High levels of any of these will cause engine damage over a sustained period.
Biodiesel must be washed and polished to produce a clean product.
However due to the polar nature of the fuel compared to mineral diesel, this means it can retain up to 1500ppm (especially if small amounts of methanol are retained) before reaching the solubility limit. Also remember biodiesel is hygroscopic and can absorb water in storage.
High water contents are associated with bacterial growth and hydrolysis of the esters into free fatty acids (bad news!)
The EN14214 specification gives a maximum water content of 500ppm and is measured by coulometric Karl Fischer Titration.By dry washing, the water count and impurity removal should be in accordance with EN14214 Specification.
Wet Washing's FAQ'S
We have received the following questions from new and existing customers. We hope these questions will help you to understand biodiesel filtration and will assist you in making an informed decision as to the necessity and benefits of filtration. In addition, we hope this will be a useful guide as to where filtration and water-removal can be best applied to your process.
The BD6000 Unit
The BD6000 is ideal for use in cleaning and removing water from processed biodiesel.
What will happen to my vehicle if I run it on unwashed and unfiltered biodiesel?
Contaminated biodiesel may cause the following problems to engines:
• Corrosion of fuel injection equipment components.
• Elastomeric seal failures
• Low pressure fuel system blockage
• Fuel injector spray hole blockage
• Increased dilution and polymerisation of engine sump oil
• Pump seizures due to high fuel viscosity at low temperatures
• Increased injection pressure
• Water is the central promoter of rust
I am considering re-selling the biodiesel I produce. Do I really need to filter it before I sell it on?
Yes, it would be advisable to do so to prevent any potential claims against you. In addition to the above list of problems that contaminated biodiesel may cause, a few more problems could occur, namely:
• Free methanol in biodiesel corrodes aluminium & zinc and results in a low flash point. High possibility of failure due to corrosion of fuel injection equipment.
• Biodiesel process chemicals such as potassium & sodium compounds and solid particulate will result in blocked nozzles.
• Dissolved water in biodiesel will lead to the reversion of biodiesel to fatty acid and will result in filter blockage.
• Free water in mixtures causes corrosion, sustains bacteria, increases the electrical conductivity of fuel which results in sludging and corrosion of fuel injection equipment.
• Free glycerine, mono- & di-glyceride may lead to corrosion of
non-ferrous metals, will leave sediments on moving parts causing lacquering resulting in filter clogging.
• High viscosity at low temperatures may result in excessive heat locally in rotary distributor pumps and higher stressed components. This could lead to pump seizures and poor nozzle spray. Corrosive acids (formic & acetic) will corrode all metallic parts if not removed effectively and will result in the failure of fuel injector equipment.
Do I really need to filter my biodiesel or can I run my car on the fuel produced?
All responsible biodiesel producers will advise of the need for filtration to remove excess water and contaminants from the final product.
I heard that I should not be concerned about "particulate contamination', as long as my biodiesel is "clear" everything should be okay?
Not true at all! Solid particulate will cause system damage and removal is essential!
Once I have invested in your unit what is the pence per litre cost to produce clean biodiesel?
If the BD6000 is used properly, multi-pass filtration is performed and adequate settling processes are used in your production process, the cost adder per liter should be no more than 1 pence per liter. We offer very attractive price breaks for larger quantity purchases of SDFC-W elements which further reduces production costs.
What do you mean by "Multi-pass filtration"?
The SDFC-W replacement cartridges rely on absorption to remove water from biodiesel. By circulating the fuel several times, the elements will have time to "absorb" the water and you will therefore need to run the filtration process several times. The pump on the BD6000 is rated for continuous use and is ideal to be left running for extended periods. It is best to have a storage container dedicated to the filtration process. This should be the penultimate phase of the staged filtration process before transferring the fuel into the final dispensing storage tank for resale.
Single pass filtration is sufficient for wet wash applications where an additional drying method has been used.
Single pass filtration is usually sufficient for dry wash applications. This significantly speeds up the transfer rate.
How long will the SDFC-W water removal elements last?
Each filter cartridge will hold 800 ml of water as well as 2kg of solid contamination. The BD6000 (2 pot unit) will absorb 1.6 litres of water per element change-out. A 4 pot version is available for larger production quantities and will remove twice this amount per element changeout.
Our new 6 and 8 pot models are now available for even larger production through-put. The amount of water present in your biodiesel can be significantly reduced by allowing longer settling times and better drying methods. Additional settling processes such as "bubbling" and ‘drying” are encouraged and would allow for longer element life.
We offer very attractive price breaks for larger quantity purchases of SDFC-W elements.
We have seen a major trend-shift from wet washing to dry washing over the last year. With dry washing the element life is significantly increased due to the reduced moisture content, thereby allowing the elements to concentrate on particulate removal, which extends the element life significantly.
How long should I run the unit for?
The BD6000 is designed for multi-pass filtration and continuous use. Although you will see an immediate improvement in the cleanliness and clarity of the fuel in a single pass, the elements need time to "absorb" the water effectively. Particulate contaminant will also be removed at the same time. With a particle counter fitted, you will be able to view your fuel cleanliness in real time which will let you know when it is suitable for use.
How can I reduce the number of replacement SDFC-W elements used?
Settling and ‘drying” is the key to initial water removal. The more water that is removed by adequate settling processes, the longer the replacement elements will last.
How will I know when the filter elements need replacing?
This depends on the contaminants in your biodiesel.
-Solid contamination: The BD6000 is fitted with a cut-off switch which will turn the unit off when the pressure exceeds 4 bar. -Water contamination: As the filter elements absorb water from the biodiesel, they will "soften up" as the water is retained. This means that the cut-off blockage pressure of 4 bar is not possible to reach. It is therefore best to replace elements on a 'time used" basis. This will vary from user to user depending on the quality of their production process as well as on the settling procedures used and settling time allowed.
How many litres per day can I filter with your unit? Smaller production quantities up to 1000 litres per day can be effectively handled by the DB6000 2 pot unit (flow rate 600 l/hr). For larger production quantities it may be advisable to opt for the larger BD6000 4 pot unit (flow rate 1300 l/hr).
Our new 6 and 8 pot versions are now available with transfer rates of up to 4000 l/hr
How long will I need to run your unit before my fuel is clean with a wet wash?
Multi-pass filtration is required to achieve the best results. Try to circulate your storage container at least 4 times. This will allow for maximum filtration efficiency. By fitting a PC9000 particle counter to your BD6000, you will know exactly when the desired cleanliness levels have been achieved. This also allows you to build up archives of test data in order to have total quality assurance over every batch produced.
Where does your filtration unit fit into the overall production process?
The BD6000 is used downstream of your production process. It is designed to effectively remove excess moisture and solid contamination from biodiesel to allow for a fluid cleanliness of ±3 micron.
What do I do if my biodiesel is very "wet and cloudy"?
Settling processes are essential in wet-wash biodiesel production. The longer the fuel is allowed to settle, the better the overall quality of the fuel will be. Water will gather at the base of the storage container and should be drained off at regular intervals.
“Hard’ water in certain areas does not help the wet wash process, and dry washing is recommended for these producers.
What other water-removal processes are there?
There are several processes and each has advantages and disadvantages. • Gravity Separation: Free, but can be time consuming
• Centrifuge Separation: Centrifuge systems will "spin' the water out but generally only remove free water. Very expensive.
• Vacuum Dehydration: High cost and generally not best suited for biodiesel.
• Heating: Can be used but generally impractical and expensive.
• Polymer Absorption: Will remove free and emulsified water. Low Cost.
Why is a pre-filter fitted to the filtration unit?
A spun-bonded media pre-filter is fitted for three reasons:
a) To extend the life of the SDFC-W elements.
b) To catch any large contaminants and offer the pump the necessary protection.
c) To capture any winter waxing or ‘gelling” caused by lower temperatures.
Why are there extension lances on the suction hose as well as on the return hose of the filtration unit?
The extension lances need to be positioned in your 'FINAL POLISH' IBC and positioned as far apart as possible in order to ensure maximum circulation. This circulation will allow the elements sufficient time to absorb water and remove contaminants from the biodiesel. The longer the circulation time, the better the filtration efficiency of the elements and cleanliness of the fuel.
We need to increase our production but don't have time for settling and filtration.
Storage units can be purchased very cheaply these days. The key to quality biodiesel production is adequate settling stages and multi-pass filtration. Alternatively, if time is an issue you may wish to consider “dry washing” as it has numerous advantages over conventional wet washing.
Which vehicles are suitable to run on biodiesel?
Please contact your vehicle manufacturer for suitability.
I own a taxi/haulage company and am considering using biodiesel for my fleet of new vehicles,
how can I guarantee the best possible quality biodiesel for my fleet?
The quality of the finished product is largely dependent on the quality of the base feedstock, upstream treatment procedures, reaction efficiency, as well as the washing/polishing methods used. Source quality WVO wherever possible. Follow the bio-reactor production guidelines to the letter. Allow for adequate storage and settling processes. Drain off water at regular intervals. Over-stretching the capability your reactor is not advised. Use a dedicated filtration tank and rely on multi-pass filtration to polish your fuel.
I have invested lots of money in my biodiesel production reactor. I really would like a filtration unit but cannot afford it now.
The initial investment costs can be very high, depending on your production quantities and reactor of choice. Import duties etc don't help either. It is however advisable to build "good practice" into your production methods from the very beginning to avoid any possible difficulties later on.
Why do I need to wash my biodiesel at all, it is time consuming and I can't see the benefits?
Yes, washing is essential to remove excess production chemicals. Adequate settling and filtration processes also take a little longer, but the positives significantly outweigh the negatives. Should you be considering re-selling your biodiesel, you should be aware of any possible liability claims that could arise from producing poor quality fuel.
I am producing biodiesel on a small scale for my own vehicle? Is filtration really necessary?
If it is your own vehicle then final responsibility lies with you. It may take several months before the effects of production residues ie. caustic, methanol etc, moisture and solid particulate contamination begin to cause problems. Older vehicles are generally more tolerant to contaminated fluids, but modern cars almost certainly will experience a host of problems in time.
I am a farmer producing biodiesel on a small scale for my farming machinery? Do I still need to filter and remove water from my biodiesel?
Older agricultural machinery is generally less sensitive to moisture content in the fuel. However, on modern machinery it is advisable to filter prior to use.
I notice you have a 'particle counter' to count the level of contaminants in biodiesel. Do I really need one of these to produce clean biodiesel?
The PC9000 particle counter will display cleanliness levels in real time and is a useful tool to trend the performance of the filter elements and overall cleanliness of the fuel. The filter elements will still remove water and particulate effectively. It is handy however when an independent verification of filtration performance is required e.g. to satisfy a potential customer as to the quality of your biodiesel.
My biodiesel is 'waxing' in cold weather, what should I do?
Biodiesel can wax at low temperatures and should be stored at temperatures above 0°C. It can be stored underground in most cold climates. Above ground fuel systems should be protected with insulation, agitation, heating systems or other measures if freezing weather is common. This precaution applies to tanks, pumping equipment and the vehicles themselves. The pre-filter attachment to the BD6000 will assist in the wax removal process. Winter additives are encouraged to be used at these times.
How long can I store my biodiesel before use/resale?
Biodiesel can be stored for many years provided that it is kept free of condensation and bacteriological growths. Any water still present in biodiesel after the washing and settling processes can attract microbial growths (algae), which can contaminate fuel systems. By multi-pass filtration you will remove solid and water contaminants and eliminate this problem. Biodiesel is hydroscopic and has the tendency to absorb water and will draw moisture from the atmosphere. Ensure that your storage containers are properly sealed. Run your filtration unit to remove excess water
