Centrifuges
From VO Wiki
| Dieselcraft Setup Pictures | |
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| Spin Clean Setup Pictures | |
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Summary
Centrifuges were traditionally extremely expensive and not within the reach of most WVO users. However, recent introductions of cheaper centrifuges (particularly those from Dieselcraft and Spin Clean/MANN) have changed this recently.
The small jets in the centrifuge combined with the high pressure the WVO is being forced out of them with creates a Venturi effect (low pressure) of the WVO jet, causing water present in it to flash evaporate due to a combination of low pressure and relatively high temperature (~120-180*F).
Elevating the temperature of the oil to at least 120*F lowers the viscosity of the oil and increases the effectiveness of the separation of particles from the oil.
Elevating the temperature past that point continues to decrease the boiling/flash point of water, which will increase the flash boiling effect. However, the centrifuge also removes water though normal action. This latter method may be preferred since it will take with it any dissolved contaminants present in the water.
Dieselcraft Specifics
The Dieselcraft centrifuges separate solid contaminants in the traditional centrifuge manner, while water is either separated with the contaminants and/or flash evaporated.
SunWizard conducted tests using his Dieselcraft centrifuge and sent them off to be analyzed (tests sponsored by Dieselcraft) via Karl Fischer ASTM D6304 (couloumetric) (accurate to 1ppm.)
Sample #1 was the original VO, sucked from dumpster with 100 mesh screen. Sample #2 was one pass though the centrifuge at 55-120F. Sample #3 was heated, mistwashed and went six passes though the centrifuge at 120-180F.
The lab results from the samples analyzed via Karl Fischer ASTM D6304 (couloumetric) were:
- Sample #1 = 708ppm water
- Sample #2 = 545ppm water
- Sample #3 = 478ppm water
Also note that SunWizard was capturing and discarding the output when he shut off the centrifuge. This seems to be an important point as water and sediment is present in this mixture that would otherwise fall into the barrel as the centrifuge stops spinning unless it is caught and discarded.
Spin Clean Specifics
The Spin Clean centrifuges are actually manufactured by MANN. They are very similar in construction to the Dieselcraft centrifuges.
Links
General Links:
- Extensive/long discussion on Dieselcraft centrifuge testing
- Discussion on Spin Clean centrifuges
- SunWizard's Centrifuge Blog
- Dieselcraft OC20 Centrifuge
- Dieselcraft OC20 Pump Only
- Travis's Veggie Benz Page (centrifuge setup info & pics)
- Phase diagram for the boiling point of water in a vacuum.
Compatible Pumps:
- Granger Pump & Motor 6PA31 Note: Tested and works.
- Dieselcraft OC20 Pump & Motor (centrifuge not included in price)
- McMaster-Carr, Pump & Motor, Part #4272K31. Pump only, Part #4271K1
