Recommended Quality Tests by Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply
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INTRODUCTION When making Biodiesel, there are several tests that you can do to ensure you produce high quality Biodiesel. This page will cover several tests that we believe are great to integrate into your Biodiesel production routine. If followed, they will help you not only make great Biodiesel, but will also help you understand what is happening at all stages of the Biodiesel production process and how to deal with any problems that may arise. The page is structured into stages of the production process to make the tests easy to follow. QUALITY TESTS INDEX PRODUCTION STAGE 1: OIL COLLECTION & PREPARATION - WATER CONTENT - BIODIESEL TITRATION PRODUCTION STAGE 2: AFTER OIL COLLECTION, BEFORE PROCESSING - METHANOL PURITY (If using recovered methanol) PRODUCTION STAGE 3: AFTER PROCESSING, BEFORE WASHING - 3/27 BIODIESEL CONVERSION TEST PRODUCTION STAGE 4: AFTER PROCESSING, AFTER WASHING - SOAP CONTENT - WATER CONTENT ASTM TESTING (The Commercial Biodiesel Quality Standard) ADDITIONAL TESTS PRODUCTION STAGE 1: OIL COLLECTION & PREPARATION | BACK TO TOP QUALTY TEST: WATER CONTENT | BACK TO TOP Recommended Limit: Below 2500 PPM (or 0.25 % By Volume) Reason For Test: This test looks for water content in the oil. If extremely wet is used to make Biodiesel, the water will mix with the catalyst (Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide) and begin forming soap out of the oil. When soap is formed it robs the catalyst from being able to fully react the oil into Biodiesel resulting in poorly converted fuel. Excess soaps in Biodiesel can also potentially lead to unwanted emulsions during the washing process. Description Of Tests: There are three common ways to test for water in oil. Each one listed below gets progressively more accurate. Test #1: HOT PAN TEST (Accurate To Approximately 500 PPM, 0.05%) Place about 30 mL of oil to be tested in a heated pan. If the oil bubbles, crackles, or produces steam, it likely contains water. Additional Test Information: Hot Pan Test Method
BIODIESEL PROCESSOR BIODIESEL WASH TANK 63 GAL BIO PROCESSOR 500 GAL BIO PROCESSOR OIL/BIODIESEL DRYING TANK OIL COLLECTOR (Supersucker) SOAP MAKING BOOK WASTE OIL HEATER WASTE OIL BOILER BABINGTON BALL HEATER
** CLICK HERE ** FOR CLEARANCE & USED ITEMS Products Are Grouped In Red By Product Type And Listed Alphabetically ACCESSORIES -BEAKERS (Poly) -BEAKERS (Glass) -BUCKET LIDS (Sealable) -CARBOYS -COLLECTION DRUM LIDS -DRUM HEATER -DRUM BUNG WRENCH -ELECTRICAL ITEMS -FILTERS (Bag Poly Felt/Mesh) -FILTERS (Brewing) -FILTERS (Bucket Poly/Nylon) -FILTERS (Bucket Stainless) -FILTERS (Custom) -FILTERS (Drum Mesh) -FILTERS (Drum Poly/Nylon) -FILTERS (Drum Stainless) -FILTERS (Fuel Filter) -FILTERS (Stainless Mesh) -FILTERS (Suction) -FILTERS (Tote Stainless) -FLOW METER (Digital) -FUNNEL (Drum-Threaded) -FUNNEL (Drum-Nonthreaded) -PTFE PIPE TAPE -PORTABLE FUEL CARTS -PLUMBING FITTINGS -QUICK CONNECT CAMLOCKS -SAMPLING CUPS -SCALES -SEAL PRO LIDS BIODIESEL KITS -BIODIESEL PROCESSOR -BIODIESEL WASH TANK -CONVERSION TEST KITS -METHANOL TEST (Deluxe) -METHANOL TEST (Ultimate) -OIL GO/NO GO KIT (BioPro) -OIL GO/NO GO KIT (General) -OIL TITRATION KIT (Mini) -OIL TITRATION KIT (Basic) -OIL TITRATION KIT (Deluxe) -PH TESTING STRIPS KIT -SOAP TEST KITS -STARTER KIT-BASIC -STARTER KIT-DELUXE -STARTER KIT-ULTIMATE -WATER TEST KIT
Lyle Rudensey of Biolyle.com testing for water Test #2: QUANTITATIVE WATER TEST (Accuracy Dependent On Measuring Devices) Weigh 300 to 400 mL of oil using a scale accurate to at least 0.1 gram. Heat the oil up to at least 250° F. Allow oil to cool for about 10 minutes. Reweigh the sample of oil and compare the weights. Calculate the total water content. Additional Test Information: Quantitative Water Test Method
Test #3: SANDY BRAE WATER TEST (Accurate To 50 PPM, 0.005%) Using a Sandy Brae Water Test Kit, test a sample of oil for water content. Record gauge reading. Calculate the total water content. Additional Test Information: Sandy Brae Water Test Kit Description
BIODIESEL PROCESSOR (BIO PRO PROCESSORS) -BIO PRO 190 (Up To 50 Gal) -BIO PRO 380 (Up To 100 Gal) -PRESSURIZED WATER KIT -BIO PRO INCOSEP -BIO PRO ACCESSORIES -BIO PRO CONVERSION KIT -BIO PRO GO/NO GO KIT -OXIDATIVE STABILIZER -PORTABLE FUEL CARTS -SPRING FLOW 250 -SPRING PRO T76 DRY WASH BIODIESEL PRODUCTS -GLYCERIN BAR SOAP -TIKI TORCH FUEL BIODIESEL HOSE -BIODIESEL PUMP HOSE -BIODIESEL FUEL LINE BIODIESEL TESTING -ASTM TESTING -CONVERSION TEST KIT -MAGNETIC STIRRER -OIL GO/NO GO TEST KITS -PH TESTING STRIPS -SOAP TEST KITS -WATER TEST KIT
Click on the video above to see how to use a Sandy Brae Water Test Kit
BIODIESEL TREATMENTS -BIOCIDE TREATMENT -OXIDATIVE STABILIZER BOOKS, DVD's, & PUBLICATIONS -BIODIESEL BOOKS -BIODIESEL DVD CARBOYS -1 LITER CARBOY -5 GAL/20 LTR CARBOYS -CARBOY HOSE BARBS -CARBOY HOSE CLAMPS -CARBOY LIDS -CARBOY SPIGOTS -CARBOY VENT CAPS -CARBOY QUICK CONNECTS CENTRIFUGES -CENTRIFUGE (Lab) -CENTRIFUGE TUBES (Lab) -CENTRIFUGE (Oil Filtering) CHEMICALS -BROMOPHENOL BLUE -HYDROCLHORIC ACID -ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL -METHANOL -PHENOLPHTHALEIN -POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE -SODIUM HYDROXIDE -SULFURIC ACID DIESEL VEHICLE ITEMS -BIODIESEL FUEL LINE -FUEL FILTER HEATERS -FUEL PUMP DRUM & BARREL ACCESSORIES -BIODIESEL PUMP (AC) -DRUM BUNGS (Poly) -DRUM BUNG WRENCH -DRUM CONE (Weldable) -DRUM CONE FUNNEL -DRUM FILTER (Poly Mesh) -DRUM FILTER (Poly/Nylon) -DRUM FILTER (Stainless) -DRUM FILTER (For Bungs) -DRUM HEATER (250 W) -DRUM HEATER (300 W) -DRUM HEATER (1000 W) -DRUM HEATER (1200 W) -DRUM LIDS (Locking) -DRUM PUMP (Electric) -DRUM PUMP (Lever) -DRUM PUMP (Rotary) -DRUM PUMP (Siphon) -METHANOL PUMP (AC)
Click here to learn more about the Sandy Brae Deluxe Water Test Kit QUALTY TEST: BIODIESEL TITRATION (Testing Oil For Acid Content) | BACK TO TOP Recommended Limit: NaOH Titrations - <= 6, KOH Titration - <=9 Reason For Test: When making Biodiesel, it's important to know what the acid level in the oil is. This is because when Biodiesel is produced, one of the chemicals used will be a strong base. Typically Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide. If the oil is very acidic, you'll need to compensate for this by adding more base than normal to make the reaction occur. This is because part of your base chemical will be neutralized by the acid in the oil. By knowing the acid content you'll be able to add enough extra base chemical so that there's enough left over after neutralizing the acid to still make Biodiesel. The method used to measure the acid content in the oil is called a Titration. It's performed by taking a sample of oil, adding it to some pH neutral alcohol, typically isopropyl alcohol, adding a pH indicator to the mixture and then slowly adding measured amounts of a solution of water with a small amount of the strong base chemical that you'll be using to produce your Biodiesel with. Once the basic solution neutralizes the acid in the oil, the pH will go higher (low pH = acidic solution, high pH = basic solution), indicating that it's been neutralized. The pH indicator will then turn a different color to let you know that you've neutralized the acid. There are several types of pH indicators that can be used to do a Biodiesel titration, but the most common is Phenolphthalein. Phenol Red and Turmeric can also be used as well. Description Of Test: Create Titration Solution by adding 1 gram catalyst (either NaOH or KOH) to 1 Liter of water Add 1 mL Oil sample to 10 mL Isopropyl Alcohol Add 2-3 drops pH Indicator (Phenolphthalein, Phenol Red, or Turmeric Powder) Add measured amounts of Titration Solution to oil sample Record total mL added when mixture turns color Additional Test Information: Titration Method
DRY WASHING SUPPLIES -BD ZORB MEDIA -DRY WASH PUMP (Air) -DRY WASH PUMP (Electric) -DRY WASH RESIN (DW-R10) -SOAP TEST KITS -SPRING PRO T76 DRY WASH -STAINLESS MESH SCREEN FILTERS -BAG/SOCK (Poly) -BEER BREWING (Stainless) -BUCKET (Poly/Nylon) -BUCKET (Stainless) -CENTRIFUGE -CUSTOM FILTERS (Stainless) -DRUM (Poly Mesh) -DRUM (Poly/Nylon) -DRUM (Stainless Steel) -FUEL FILTERS (Bowl) -FUEL FILTER HEATERS -STAINLESS MESH SCREEN -SUCTION / PUMP FILTERS -TOTE (Stainless Steel) HEATERS -ALCOHOL STOVE -BABINGTON BALL HEATER -DRUM HEATER (250 W) -DRUM HEATER (300 W) -DRUM HEATER (1000 W) -DRUM HEATER (1200 W) -FUEL FILTER HEATERS -HEAT EXCHANGER (Plate) -HEAT EXCHANGER (Tube) -HEATING ELEMENT (1500 W) -INLINE HEATER (1000 W) LAB EQUIPMENT -32 oz/ 950 mL BOTTLE -BEAKERS (Glass Multi-sized) -BEAKERS (Poly 100mL) -BEAKERS (Poly 250mL) -BEAKERS (Poly Multi-sized) -BIODIESEL LAMP -BOTTLE (Poly 1000mL) -BURETTES (Glass) -CENTRIFUGE (Hand Operated) -CENTRIFUGE TUBES (15 mL) -CENTRIFUGE TUBES (50 mL) -ERLENMEYER FLASKS -GRADUATED CYLINDERS -GRADUATED PITCHERS -HYDROMETER (Methanol) -PH TESTING STRIPS KIT -PIPETTES (Disposable 3ml) -PIPETTES (Glass 1, 10, 25) -PIPETTE PUMPS (2, 10, 25) -PIPETTE STANDS -PORTABLE STOVE -SAMPLING CUPS (Poly) -SAMPLING VIALS (45 mL) -SAMPLING VIALS (100 mL) -SEPARATORY FUNNEL -SCALES -SYRINGES (Labelled) -SYRINGES (Multi-Packs) -THERMOMETER (5" Pocket) -THERMOMETER (12" Probe) -TITRATION KITS -WASH BOTTLES (Poly) -WATER TEST KIT
Click on the video above to see a titration performed We offer 3 unique titration kits for titration oil for Biodiesel production
Click here to see all three of these kits
PRODUCTION STAGE 2: AFTER OIL PREPARATION, BEFORE PROCESSING | BACK TO TOP QUALTY TEST: METHANOL PURITY | BACK TO TOP Recommended Limit: 99.5% Pure Or Better Reason For Test: Occasionally if methanol sits for long periods of time it can absorb moisture from the air. If your methanol has been sitting for a while or if you've recovered the methanol, we recommend testing it for purity. Usually, the impurity in Methanol is water. As in the case of oil, having water in the process can potentially lead to soap production and potentially poorly reacted Biodiesel. Description Of Test: Fill testing vessel up to 1 liter mark with methanol Measure & record temperature of methanol in vessel Place hydrometer in vessel Take measurement of hydrometer Calculate methanol purity Click Here For Step By Step Instructions Click on the video to see a test demonstration
MAGNETIC STIRRERS -MINI STIRRER -STANDARD STIRRER -STAINLESS STIRRER -HEATED STIRRER OIL COLLECTION -BARREL PUMP -COLLECTION DRUM FILTERS -COLLECTION PUMP (Electric) -COLLECTION PUMP (Gas) -LOCKING DRUM LIDS -OIL GO/NO GO KITS -OIL TITRATION KITS -SAMPLING CUPS -SAMPLING VIALS
We offer two complete Methanol Purity Testing Kits
OIL TREATMENTS -BIOCIDE TREATMENT -OXIDATIVE STABILIZER PROMOTIONAL ITEMS -APPAREL-Shirts & Hats -BIODIESEL SAMPLES -BUMPER STICKERS -EMBLEMS -LICENSE PLATES -VINYL DECALS PROCESSOR SUPPLIES -PROCESSOR KIT -CATALYST SCALES -ELECTRICAL -METHANOL PUMP -PROCESSOR FITTINGS -PROCESSOR PUMP -STEEL DRUM CONE -TEMP GAUGE -PROCESSOR VALVES PUMPS -BIODIESEL PUMP (Electric) -FUEL PUMP (Vehicle) -FUEL HOSE (Vehicle) -GEAR PUMP-STATIONARY -GEAR PUMP-PORTABLE -METHANOL PUMP (Electric) -METHANOL PUMP (Rotary) -METHANOL PUMP (Siphon) -OIL COLLECTION PUMP -PIPETTE PUMPS (2, 10, 25) -PORTABLE FILLING STATION -PROCESSOR PUMP (Electric) -SULFURIC ACID PUMP SAFETY EQUIPMENT -SAFETY GOGGLES
Click Here To See The Kits PRODUCTION STAGE 3: AFTER PROCESSING, BEFORE WASHING | BACK TO TOP QUALTY TEST: 3/27 BIODIESEL CONVERSION TEST | BACK TO TOP Recommended Limit: No Fallout Reason For Test: This test is used to identify how well reacted the Biodiesel is. It helps to let you know if the chemical reaction worked the way it was supposed to. If the fuel isn't well reacted, then it may need to be reacted again. Also, poorly reacted Biodiesel can be the cause of emulsions when water washing Biodiesel. This test has been well tested against the ASTM equivalent test (ASTM D6584) and found to correlate extremely well when performed correctly. We highly recommend this test be performed on every batch. This test can also be run after washing as well. Description Of Test: Add 3 mL of Biodiesel to 27 mL of Methanol NOTE: Both the Biodiesel and Methanol should be between 68° to 72° F Shake for about 30 seconds & allow to sit for 5 minutes The Methanol should completely absorb the Biodiesel No fall out should be visible Example Tests:
SCALES -BIODIESEL SCALE -TITRATION SCALE SOAP MAKING SUPPLIES -ESSENTIAL OILS -GLYCERIN BAR SOAP -GLYCERIN LIQUID SOAP -POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE -SODIUM HYDROXIDE -SOAP MAKING KIT -SOAP MAKING BOOK TITRATION SUPPLIES -MAGNETIC STIRRER -OIL TEST KIT -SAMPLING CUPS -SYRINGES (Labelled) -SYRINGES (Multi-Packs) -TITRATION GO/NO GO KIT -TITRATION KIT (Mini) -TITRATION KIT (Basic) -TITRATION KIT (Deluxe) -TITRATION BEAKERS -TITRATION CHEMICALS -TITRATION PIPETTES -TITRATION SCALES WATER WASHING SUPPLIES -STEEL DRUM CONE -WASH TANK KIT -WASH TANK DRYING KIT -WASH TANK BUBBLERS -WASH TANK FITTINGS -WASH TANK HEATER 1000 W -WASH TANK HEATER 250 W -WASH TANK MISTERS --Dry Pro Drying Nozzle --Fogg-It Misters (5 Types) --Mist Pro Mister --Wash Pro Mister --Orbit 5 Head Misting Set -WASH TANK PARTS -WASH TANK STANDPIPE -WASH TANK VALVES
ASTM TESTING BIODIESEL COOPS/GROUPS BUYING BIODIESEL FINDING A DIESEL LOG YOUR BIODIESEL SHARE YOUR PICTURES OTHER HELPFUL WEBSITES
BIODIESEL TUTORIAL COLLECTIVE BIODIESEL BIODIESEL PICTURES BIODIESEL LOG MAKE BIODIESEL MURPHYS MACHINES NEEDASTICKER
Vial On Left=Pass, Vial On Right=Failed Additional Information: Understanding The Biodiesel Conversion Test Video Example Of This Test Watch a free instructional video on how to perform this test!
Click the video above to see the 27/3 Biodiesel Conversion Test performed Click here to see detailed instructions for performing the test We offer a complete Biodiesel Conversion Test Kit for performing this test
Click here to learn more about the kit PRODUCTION STAGE: AFTER PROCESSING, AFTER WASHING | BACK TO TOP QUALTY TEST: SOAP CONTENT | BACK TO TOP Recommended Limit: NaOH Reacted Bio <=41 PPM, KOH Reacted Bio <= 66 PPM Reason For Test: When Biodiesel is produced, a certain amount of soap gets produced right along with it. When the Biodiesel is properly washed, soap levels should be greatly reduced. To ensure the Biodiesel is finished being washed, we recommend testing the soap content of your Biodiesel. If soap levels are still high, the Biodiesel can be rewashed. Special Note If You Dry Wash Biodiesel If you utilize dry washing in your Biodiesel production, we strongly recommend testing for soap content both before and after dry washing your Biodiesel. This will let you know two things: 1) If the soap levels are being reduced enough and 2) If your dry wash media is ready to be replaced or regenerated. Without testing for soap, the final Biodiesel product can look deceptively clean. A simple soap test will let you know for sure. Description Of Test: Add 10 mL Biodiesel to 100 mL Isopropyl Alcohol Add 15-20 drops Bromophenol Blue Add measured amounts of Hydrochloric Acid until it turns yellow Record the number of milliliters (mL) used Calculate soap content Additional Information Article on Soap Testing Video On Soap Testing
Click the video above to see how to perform a soap test We offer 3 complete Soap Content Test Kits for performing this test
Click here to learn more about this great kit We also offer chemicals & labware separately for soap testing as well!
| Hydrochloric Acid | Bromophenol Blue | Isopropyl Alcohol | Pipettes & Pumps | Glass Beakers |
Portable Mini-Stirrer | Hanna Black Stirrer | Hanna Stainless Stirrer | Biomega Heated/Stirrer QUALTY TEST: WATER CONTENT | BACK TO TOP Recommended Limit: Below 500 PPM (or 0.05% By Volume) Reason For Test: This test looks for water contet in the oil. If oil that is extremely wet is used to make Biodiesel, the water will mix with the catalyst (Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide) and begin forming soap out of the oil. When soap is formed it robs the catalyst from being able to fully react the oil into Biodiesel resulting in Biodiesel that may not be completely reacted. Also, excess soaps in Biodiesel can potentially lead to unwanted emulsions during the washing process. Description Of Tests: There are three common ways to test for water in oil. Each one listed below gets progressively more accurate. Test #1: HOT PAN TEST (Accurate To Approximately 500 PPM, 0.05%) Place about 30 mL of oil to be tested in a heated pan. If the oil bubbles, crackles, or produces steam, it likely contains water. Additional Test Information: Hot Pan Test Method
Lyle Rudensey of Biolyle.com testing for water Test #2: QUANTITATIVE WATER TEST (Accuracy Dependent On Measuring Devices) Weigh 300 to 400 mL of oil using a scale accurate to at least 0.1 gram. Heat the oil up to at least 250° F. Allow oil to cool for about 10 minutes. Reweigh the sample of oil and compare the weights. Calculate the total water content. Additional Test Information: Quantitative Water Test Method
Test #3: SANDY BRAE WATER TEST (Accurate To 50 PPM, 0.005%) Using a Sandy Brae Water Test Kit, test a sample of oil for water content. Record gauge reading. Calculate the total water content. Additional Test Information: Sandy Brae Water Test Kit Description
Click on the video above to see how to use a Sandy Brae Water Test Kit Click here to see the video in high resolution
Click here to learn more about the Sandy Brae Deluxe Water Test Kit ASTM LABORATORY TESTING (D6751 Panel) | BACK TO TOP Reason For Test: The Biodiesel ASTM Testing Panel (ASTM D 6751) is required to be performed on Biodiesel if it is going to be sold as a fuel for use in on-road vehicles. Results from these tests are required to be submitted to the EPA before a certificate to produce and sell Biodiesel commercially will be issued. The IRS also requires proof that your Biodiesel passes these tests before they'll allow you to take certain tax credits as well. Because the ASTM D6751 is the standard against which Biodiesel is tested (and must pass) before it's allowed to be sold commercially, many people that produce their own Biodiesel like to see "just how close" they are getting to this standard. In many cases, if good Biodiesel production techniques are practiced and the tests laid out above are used, it's possible to easily pass these tests. Description Of Tests: These tests are typically performed by an independent testing laboratory. The test procedures are specified by a series of ASTM standardized tests that are included in the D6751 testing panel using extremely accurate testing instruments. Fuel is tested for a wide range of characteristics and contaminants. Such things as methanol content, water content, gel point, cetane value, cloud point and more are all tested for. Click here to learm more about each ASTM test. Additional Information: ASTM Defintion Of Biodiesel
We have partnered with a lab that is capable of performing these tests. We've created several test packages that most people like to have performed before they run the full ASTM D6751 panel. Everything from a simple conversion test (ASTM D6584) to a package containing the most commonly failed tests to the full ASTM D6751 test panel. Our customers have found this a great way to see "just how close" they really are to the commercial standard. To learn more about this testing service and the test packages available, click here ADDITIONAL QUALITY TESTS | BACK TO TOP There are actually quite a few additional tests that are used by Biodieselers in their quest to make great Biodiesel. While not all the tests we've seen are required specifically to make high quality Biodiesel, these additional tests can help you further understand what it is you've produced and possibly help you fix problems along the way. This list was complied by our good friend Rick over at B100 Supply. Click here to see a full list of tests MGBJ Enterprises, LLC - 801-820-5753 - © Copyright 2005-2017 - All Rights Reserved - NX NEW