Does BioDiesel freeze?
#1
Does BioDiesel freeze?
just a question, but @ what temp does BioDiesel actually freeze? How about WVO? As far as I remember, water is one of the few substances that expands when it becomes solid. The reason I'm asking is our processor has a low spot that doesn't drain completely. If the Glycerin were to freeze in there, would it break the pipes? The low so far has been about 27 degrees. We are going to re-plumb it anyway to get complete drainage, but was just curious. thanks
#2
#4
#5
#7
Glad ya got it fixed.
I'll take a stab at the original question. No, biodiesel itself does not 'freeze', but it will become fairly solid at a low enough temp - no expansion issues though (good memory).
Now the temp it gels at is quite variable depending on the feedstock. Pure canola oil has the lowest cloud point/gel point IIRC, it is close to 0*F. Hydrogenated oil is 'solid' at room temp and 'Partially' Hydrogenated oil depends on the kind of oil and the extent of 'partial' I guess, but expect the B100 to cloud slightly lower temp than feedstock.
I always keep a sample from each batch outside where I see it in the morning. When it starts to get real cold, I can tell before I get in truck if fuel is starting to cloud. If its gettin cloudy - I add a few% more diesel and then take a sample from filter bowl before shutdown. Monitor sample and add diesel if req'd...
We try to seperate out the lightest VO all year to use for 'winter-blend' B100. We have made batches that did not cloud until lower temp than pump diesel w/this stuff!
I'll take a stab at the original question. No, biodiesel itself does not 'freeze', but it will become fairly solid at a low enough temp - no expansion issues though (good memory).
Now the temp it gels at is quite variable depending on the feedstock. Pure canola oil has the lowest cloud point/gel point IIRC, it is close to 0*F. Hydrogenated oil is 'solid' at room temp and 'Partially' Hydrogenated oil depends on the kind of oil and the extent of 'partial' I guess, but expect the B100 to cloud slightly lower temp than feedstock.
I always keep a sample from each batch outside where I see it in the morning. When it starts to get real cold, I can tell before I get in truck if fuel is starting to cloud. If its gettin cloudy - I add a few% more diesel and then take a sample from filter bowl before shutdown. Monitor sample and add diesel if req'd...
We try to seperate out the lightest VO all year to use for 'winter-blend' B100. We have made batches that did not cloud until lower temp than pump diesel w/this stuff!
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
archangel
Bio-diesel, Propane & Alternative Diesel Engine Fuels
29
04-18-2010 08:45 PM
Hamberger
Bio-diesel, Propane & Alternative Diesel Engine Fuels
61
02-07-2007 07:02 PM