I would not rely on that "built in" thermostat. Most of the "appleseed" designs (which is what girl mark's system is called) uses a separate automotive guage plumbed into the system. You need to know what the temp is because if you get above 148 you will boil off the methanol and the reaction quits. The main reason water heaters were used in the designed is because it is a "closed" system....keeping the methanol and Lye/KOH mix vapors contained, plus they are pre-plumbed to accept all the necessary fittings for a nice self-contained unit. Using barrels intails welding fittings and plastic ones have been known to look like the 4th of July without a permit.
Another link to this design....


Appleseed project & Plans

 

Howdy,
I'd like to take a look at the plans but the links go to 'board unavailable'. Anyone have a set of e-plans I could peruse?
Thanks
Chris

 

Check out biodieselcommunity.org for plans to the Appleseed design.

 

Is the finished bio diesel safe to drink?

 

Depends on whether you need a nasty, oily laxative or not.

I think it's been swallowed by a few people for demonstration purposes and they report that it's gross, and I think the official science position is that it is 'safe' to drink, but you wouldn't want to cause it tastes disgusting (unless you're a dog).


As for 'board unavailable' for the veggieavenger forum- it's actually good news- William, the owner of veggieavenger, is giving that forum over to our http://biodieselcommunity.org site- we're reviving the equipment section of the forum (only), making it possible to post photos again, and making a sort of 'equipment diaries' area for biodieselcommunity.org where homebrewers are encouraged to keep a thread detailing their progress.

Now, if I could only get the darn forum to install correctly...


Mark