Biodiesel storage and explanation

[racerx240]

I have a question about my storage container it is a 50 gal drum but it was painted red inside now the paint is soft do you think this will hurt? I have a 5 micron filter on my barrel pump to the vehicle and another barrel(unpainted) for my next batch. whenever people find out I make biodiesel they always think SVO does this happen to everyone? and what do you say to clear it up.

And I have to thank Girl Marks book, everyones posts on here,and thebiodieselcommunity.org the info at these places made it real easy to get started making biodiesel.

[Spencnaz]

Yeah, having paint dissolved in biodiesel is never a good thing. I use a 275 gallon plastic tote with reinforcing bars on the outside for biodiesel storage.

The filter MIGHT catch all that paint residue, but think of this, what about the solvents in the paint that are dissolved chemically now into the biodiesel?

Stainless steel is the best, but if you can find a clean 55 gallon drum free of rust and scale on the inside (no paint either) then you should be ok. Keeping the biodiesel sealed from moisture, light and oxygen will help keep it fresh for quite a while.

I've been nitrogen inerting my tanks when I can't use the biodiesel for a long time. The nitrogen displaces the air in the tank, keeping oxygen from any bacterial growth from starting.

On your other note, yeah a lot of people do confuse WVO/SVO use with biodiesel. It's not their fault though, there is a lot of confusion out there about alternative fuels and TV shows only barely scratch the surface when it comes to any details about biodiesel.

I know of one show on Dirty Jobs, that probably left way more questions than answers. Of course they have to edit for time, but a lot of people don't bother to dig into the specifics of the subject and end up burning themselves with costly failures.

[oregonmike]

Spencnaz,
Would you define "...can't use BD for a long time" from your post above?

How do you add the nitrogen to your tote? Tire valve type setup?

Do you have a gauge to see what pressure you're putting the tote to?

I'm "fixinta" get started rolling my own BD and would, ideally, like to make batches just once a month (80-100 gallons at a whack). I've thought about storing it, but is a month a short enough period of time to have BD sitting in a tote without worrying about replacing the oxygen with nitrogen? I'll be picking up one of totes like you have. I see them on CL on a regular basis for right around $100, sometimes less, others more.

I have a friend in town who's making it now. We're supposed to get together soon to run a batch or two. He's using an Appleseed type processor. I have about 80 gallons of oil sitting in my garage at the moment.

Thanks for any info,
Mike

[Spencnaz]

First question: I typically will only store my biodiesel for a maximum of 6 months.

Second question: I use a converted acetylene torch handle and valve system to purge the tank. I let it fill for about 3 minutes with the valves on and the top removed. The nitrogen is lighter than the air being displaced. After that time I put the cap on the fuel tank.

Most of the time I use the biodiesel as soon as it's fully processed, storage is just like a bank account, sometimes I put a lot in there and sometimes I withdraw.

[oregonmike]

Cool beans, thanks Spencnaz. If you can hold it for up to 6 months with an argon blanket, I feel better about only processing once a month.

Mike

[Spencnaz]

Yeah argon is just as good too, probably even better since it won't react with anything.