Heat is needed during the biodiesel conversion process for the following reasons:
1. Preheating your oil.
2. Heating during the reaction.
3. Heating your biodiesel during the settling process.
4. Drying water-washed biodiesel.
5. Recovering methanol from dry-washed biodiesel.
We have compiled a guide to heating systems here for you to be able to make a more informed decision on which system is best for you. If you have questions about any of this information call 1-800-679-1398.
The three main types of heating systems offered today are:
Good - Oil Preheating Systems.
Better - In-Line Heating Systems.
Best - In-Tank Heating Systems.
Oil Preheating Systems
Good For:
Pre-heating your oil.
Drawbacks:
May take up to 4 hours to reach optimal temperature.
Oil preheating systems are a safe traditional method of pre-heating the oil prior to processing. The system conists of a steel drum with at least one thermostat controlled barrel heater and insulation. This is a very safe method because there are no heating elements in contact with the liquid. The standard Freedom Fueler and the 20 gallon biodiesel processor come with this type of heating system.
In-Line Heating Systems
Better For:
- Pre-heating your oil.
- Drying water-washed biodiesel
Drawbacks:
- Requires a pump to operate.
- Cannot heat throughout entire process.
- Elements must be replaced periodically.
In-line heating systems are better than a pre-heating system but they have one common flaw, they all require a pump to circulate the oil through the heater in order for the heater to work. They are mainly intended to pre-heat the oil and dry the water out of biodiesel that has been water-washed. In-line heating systems are commonly made from water heater elements mounted in a pipe with a water heater thermostat to control temperature. With an in-line heater using submerged elements, the user must remember to start the flow of liquid before turning the heater on to prevent a “dry fire”. A “dry fire” is when the element is turned on with no liquid flowing through it, which will cause the element to burn out and fail. The optional in-line heating system we offer does not use water heater elements, instead we use a 36 inch tubular heat exchanger ensuring no liquid contact with the element.
Note: All heaters have what is called a Watt Density. Watt density is the number of watts the heater puts out divided by the surface area of the heaters element. Chromalox, a supplier of heating components for some of the largest biodiesel plants today recommends no higher than 30 watts per square inch in the biodiesel process. The average water heater element is over 100 watts per square inch. All of our heaters have a watt density of 28 watts per square inch.
In-Tank Heating Systems
Best For:
- Preheating your oil.
- Heating during the reaction.
- Heating the biodiesel during settling.
- Drying water-washed biodiesel.
- Recovering methanol from dry-washed biodiesel.
Drawbacks: - None.
An In-Tank Heating System is the ultimate in biodiesel heating systems, with the ability to maintain the batch temperature even if the temperature in your shop drops overnight. Home Biodiesel Kits is proud to offer the only In-Tank Heating System for home processors on the market. Each of our three Deluxe Biodiesel Processors now come with our new In-Tank Heating Systems. All three sizes come with sealed NEMA 4 housings, a custom thermostat with high limit controls preset for the biodiesel process, incoloy sheathed element to prevent corrosion, and a float switch to guarantee the heater is submerged. The entire unit is built into the top of the processor ensuring no leaks and a completely closed system. These heaters will allow you to heat your batch throughout the entire process and will maintain temperature with a built in sensor located in the center of the tank. Our custom heating units were designed and built specifically for our tanks and the biodiesel process with a watt density of 28. This is not an off the shelf product built for water or any other purpose but a professionally made system manufactured by the leader in biodiesel heating systems. Call Jess or Ryan today to discuss our new In-Tank Heating Systems or to order one of our Deluxe Biodiesel Processors at 1-800-679-1398.
We are proud to announce our EXCLUSIVE Military Discount Plan. Call for details!
Call toll free 1-800-679-1398 to speak with a biodiesel kit expert. 9a.m - 5p.m. Monday - Friday CST
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