Five Tips for Storing and Retrieving Your BioPro Processor
Many biodiesel producers slow down or halt their production of biodiesel during the winter months. As a result many customers will store their BioPro for some period of time. To avoid potential problems associated with neglect or poor storage, Springboard Biodiesel recommends its customers perform the following processes to ensure an easy and trouble-free return to biodiesel production (please perform these steps while your machine is empty of biodiesel and all chemicals!):
- Water removal from the water-in pump: Disconnect your water in pump from its water source and remove your clear suction tube from your static barrel (if applicable). Manually turn on the water-in pump switch located on the front of your machine and watch the water mist into the machine until it turns into drops. This usually takes less than 15 seconds – watch carefully so as not to damage the pump by running it dry. Once you see the droplets of water, turn off your water-in pump. You have now successfully cleared your water in line on both sides of the water in pump.
- Water removal from the main tank body: If you left some water in the bottom of the main tank, you will need to remove it. Turn on your water-out pump and watch the water leave the machine, once you start seeing consistent bubbles in your water-out line, immediately turn the water-out pump off.
- Water removal from the water-out strainer: On the back of the BioPro you will notice that there is a water out strainer connected to the machine. This strainer protects the water-out pump, and it may still contain some water with its housing. There are two options for water removal: a) on the bottom of this strainer is a little nob that can be removed to drain the water therein, or b) remove the entire bottom of the strainer. This allows you to check the Strainer itself and make sure that the strainer is clear of any particulates that may have built up over time.
- Cleaning the methoxide tank: Remove the 3” camlock cover of your methoxide tank. During the course of producing many biodiesel batches, it is not uncommon to create a methoxide “slush” at the bottom of the methoxide tank. It is important to remove this prior to storage (It is also good practice to check for this every 5 or 6 batches, so as to protect your pumps and ensure trouble fee processing). First pour in about half a gallon of vinegar into the methoxide tank. Re install the 3” camlock cap, thereby effectively closing the tank and turn on the pre-mix motor switch located on the front of the machine. Leave this on approximate 1-2 minutes. After switching off the pre-mix motor, remove your main tank lid and turn on the manual methoxide in switch. As you look in the main tank, you will notice a stream of white and yellow water. This water has trace amounts of catalyst and methanol in it, so be careful! You will start to see the stream change to clearer color. If this does not happen, you need apply more vinegar and repeat this step. Do this until you see a clear stream come out of the methoxide tank into the main tank.Following this step, fill your main tank with water and vinegar (there will be the liquid in the tank from the methoxide clean step). Manually turn on the main stir motor for a few minutes, and this will clean the tank rather well.
Note: When adding vinegar to your main tank we recommend adding at least one full gallon and adding enough water to cover the propeller by a few inches. - Finally drain off any excess fluids from the main tank and you are ready to store your machine.
This process is the best way to store your BioPro
By following these steps, your BioPro will be ready to produce biodiesel when next needed. However, it is always prudent to give your BioPro a thorough visual inspection after a prolonged period of storage (ask us about the Cutter Bees).
Performing a Water Test
In addition, Springboard Biodiesel recommends that you perform a quick water test, prior to resuming production. Connect everything back up as if you were going to process a batch of biodiesel, but instead fill the methoxide and methanol tanks with water. Fill your main tank with water and vinegar again, fill to a few inches over the main motor's propeller. At this point, turn the machine on by pressing the start button. The machine will now perform all of the functions it would during biodiesel processing and will allow you to make sure everything is working properly After a few minutes the methanol side will pour its water into the main tank, leave in process for about 30 minutes. Then press the jog button, press this button twelve times until you hear the methoxide pump turn on and the water pumping in from that side. By doing this you will be able to test that your machine is working correctly and that your pumps are in good condition.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare a BioPro biodiesel processor for long-term storage?
Empty the BioPro of all biodiesel and chemicals, then remove residual water and clean the methoxide system before putting it away. The recommended sequence is: clear the water-in pump and line, pump any remaining water out of the main tank, drain and inspect the water-out strainer, and clean the methoxide tank and main tank with vinegar and water.
Finish by draining off any excess fluids from the main tank. Following these steps helps avoid problems caused by neglect or poor storage and makes the return to production easier.
How do I clear water from the BioPro water-in pump without running it dry?
Disconnect the water-in pump from its water source, remove the clear suction tube from the static barrel if you use one, and manually switch on the water-in pump from the front of the machine. Watch the water mist into the machine until it turns into drops, which usually takes less than 15 seconds, then switch the pump off immediately.
Watch closely during this step, because running the pump dry can damage it. Once you see droplets, both sides of the water-in line have been cleared.
How do I drain and clean the water-out strainer on a BioPro?
The water-out strainer is on the back of the BioPro and protects the water-out pump, so it can hold water even after the tank is empty. You can either remove the small knob on the bottom of the strainer to drain it, or remove the entire bottom of the strainer housing.
Removing the bottom also lets you check the strainer screen and clear out particulates that have built up over time. Periodically rinsing the strainer under warm water is also part of routine BioPro maintenance, not just storage prep.
How do I remove methoxide slush from the bottom of the BioPro methoxide tank?
Flush the methoxide tank with vinegar. Remove the 3-inch camlock cover, pour in about half a gallon of vinegar, reinstall the cap, and run the pre-mix motor for 1 to 2 minutes. Then remove the main tank lid and turn on the manual methoxide-in switch so the tank empties into the main tank.
The stream will start out white and yellow and should turn clearer; if it does not, add more vinegar and repeat until it runs clear. This liquid contains traces of catalyst and methanol, so handle it with care and wear protective equipment.
How often should the BioPro methoxide system be flushed during regular use?
Check the methoxide tank for catalyst slush every 5 or 6 batches, and flush the methoxide pumping system roughly every 5 to 10 batches. Built-up, undissolved catalyst at the bottom of the methoxide tank can reach the pumps, so regular flushing protects them and keeps processing trouble-free.
For routine maintenance, a quart of vinegar and a half gallon of hot water is enough to remove the buildup. Always do a full vinegar cleaning before putting the machine into storage.
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