I’ve been lurking on this forum for some time so I thought it was time to show myself, say hi and most importantly say thanks.
I am a teetotaller who loves cars, metalwork and solving problems. Although I don’t drink, I have the upmost respect for your craft, the skill set required to make potable spirits and the engineering that is involved. So why am I here?
I am a long-term biodiesel maker (12 years) and have recently built another machine that turns used engine oil into no.2 diesel. In theory, it is also capable of turning plastic into fuel with the right preparation. The reason I am here is that I have found this site as useful (if not more) than some fuel sites in how to operate distillation equipment.
My design is part pyrolysis, part pot still but operates most like the latter. I learned a great deal here like listening to the still, watching for rate of changes rather than actual temperatures and not to expect massive outputs all at once. I get sulphurous foreshots, diesel hearts and gaseous tails haha!
I am happy to post pictures for your interest / amusement and although I am not an artisan crafter, I might possibly be able to provide another point of view for problem solving.
My next project will be a well overdue Methanol recovery rig for the biodiesel plant which will also serve as an Ethanol fuel still. It will be similar to a column design but with disproportionate dimensions because my wash is glycerin based. From reading your comments in the fuel section and making my own calculations, I am fully aware it is not economically viable to make fuel Ethanol. However, I’m going to try it because I enjoy the process. Beats sitting around on an Xbox I suppose
Once again, thanks very much and hello!
. I can ‘just about’ save money making bio these days, nowhere near as much when waste oil was everywhere but I mostly do it for hobby reasons.