Sylvie Willis
Filtering WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil) is an essential step before using it as fuel to ensure that contaminants are removed and that the oil is fuel-ready. WVO often contains food particles, water, and other impurities that can damage engines. There are various methods for filtering WVO, from simple settling techniques that separate water from oil to more advanced systems like centrifugal filters and spinners that can effectively remove contaminants. The chosen method depends on factors such as budget, time, and desired level of cleanliness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine requirements | No particles larger than 10 microns |
| Water in oil | Can be separated by settling, but requires keeping still for at least a week |
| Centrifugal filter | Requires equipment, chemicals, and precision |
| Multi-tank settling system | Requires two tanks, with oil settling in the first tank for a few weeks before being passed through filter socks into the second barrel |
| Advanced multi-tank settling system | Uses four tanks to produce clean oil |
| Continuous flow centrifuge | Pulls out common contaminants in WVO |
| Spinner | Requires heating and filtering to 5 microns |
| Elsbett one-tank conversion | Uses the Racor 1000 series diesel filter/water-separator with a 10-micron filter |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of filtering WVO before use
Filtering WVO is an important step in preparing waste vegetable oil for use as fuel. WVO contains contaminants such as food particles, water, and animal, trans-, saturated fats, and hydrogenated oils, which can wreak havoc on a fuel system and damage the engine. Therefore, it is necessary to refine the oil before using it as fuel.
The process of filtering WVO can vary depending on the equipment and methods used. Some common methods include the use of settling tanks, centrifuges, and filter socks. For example, in a two-tank settling system, roughly filtered WVO is poured into the first tank and allowed to settle for several weeks. The settled oil is then passed through filter socks into the second tank, producing usable oil that has been dewatered and filtered.
The quality of WVO can vary depending on the source, with used oil from Asian restaurants typically being cleaner due to the type of breading used. Water is a common contaminant in WVO, and while it can be separated by settling, this process can take at least a week, which may not be practical for some. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the WVO is properly filtered and de-watered to prevent damage to the vehicle's fuel system.
Additionally, the type of oil used for WVO fuel is not as important as the quality of the oil. While the viscosity of plant oils may require additional steps for use in diesel engines, the process of filtering and preparing the WVO for fuel remains crucial. Proper filtration ensures that the WVO is free of contaminants and water, which can affect the performance and longevity of the vehicle.
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Using a multi-tank settling system
To begin, you'll need to stockpile your WVO until you have enough to add to your first settling tank. When ready, you can ""rough filter" the WVO by pouring it through a cone-shaped sieve into the barrel. It's important to do this slowly as the waste oil tends to get nastier towards the bottom of the container with more debris and fats. You can then let this oil settle for a few weeks, allowing gravity to pull out the fats, water, and debris.
After the settling period, you can draw off the settled oil and pass it through a couple of filter socks into the second settling tank. Here, you'll let the oil sit for a little longer, allowing it to dewater and become even cleaner. The number of settling tanks you use is up to you, but each additional tank will further improve the quality of the filtered oil.
The conical tank is a critical component of this system. It holds a balanced amount of settled oil, typically around 120 litres. By slowly introducing oil into the bottom of the conical tank from the header tank, you can cause the conical tank to overflow into the next tank, pushing out the cleanest oil from the top. This process ensures that the settled oil in the conical tank remains undisturbed, minimizing agitation.
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Using a continuous flow centrifuge
Centrifuges are an effective way to filter WVO (waste vegetable oil) for fuel. Centrifugal separation involves spinning the oil inside the centrifuge, creating a force of gravity much stronger than the standard force of gravity (one g). This force can be as high as 4000g or more, allowing for quick settling of the WVO. The centrifugal force pushes the filtered-out debris against the sides of the device, and when the pump is turned off, the debris falls back into the oil. Thus, it is important to catch the debris in a small bowl or container before it falls back into the oil.
The Raw Power Centrifuge is a popular option for those looking to filter WVO, with a flow rate of 5-25 gallons per hour and the ability to handle various fluids, including water, diesel, WVO, motor oil, biodiesel, and gear oil. It is a cost-effective solution, with thousands of units in service and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Dieselcraft also offers Waste Oil Centrifuge kits for those who want to build their own system or purchase a complete "Fuel Factory" system. Their centrifuges generate a centrifugal force 2000 times greater than gravity at 7500 RPM and can clean oil ten times more efficiently than any filter.
It is important to note that centrifuges do not immediately clean WVO, and multiple passes may be required to ensure the oil is up to standard. Additionally, the oil must be pre-filtered before being introduced to the centrifuge, as heavy debris or animal fats can clog the fine holes in the base of the centrifuge. The oil should also be heated before spinning in the centrifuge to liquify any fats that need to be filtered out.
Overall, using a continuous flow centrifuge can be an effective way to filter WVO for fuel, but it may require a significant upfront investment and careful consideration of the filtration process.
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The cost of filtering equipment
Centrifugal Filter ("Fuge")
The Centrifugal Filter is a commonly discussed method for filtering WVO. It generates a centrifugal force 2,000 times greater than gravity at 7500 RPM, making it highly efficient at cleaning oil. However, it is also one of the most expensive options. In addition to the cost of the centrifuge itself, you will need to budget for pumps, fittings, piping, and gauges. The total cost for this setup can run into thousands of dollars.
Multi-Tank Settling System
A more cost-effective option is a multi-tank settling system. This method involves using two or more tanks to filter and settle the WVO over time. The initial cost is lower than the centrifugal filter, as you may only need to purchase additional tanks and some basic filtering materials. The exact cost will depend on the number and size of tanks required, but a basic setup can be achieved for a few hundred dollars or less.
Basic Upflow Filtering
Another inexpensive method is basic upflow filtering. This process involves heating the WVO in a drum and then filtering it through micron filter bags or other materials like nylon hose or cheesecloth. The cost of this setup is relatively low, as you may only need to purchase a drum, a pump, and the filtering material. A basic setup can be achieved for around $100 or less.
Commercial Filtration Kits
Several companies offer filtration kits specifically designed for filtering WVO. These kits typically include a centrifuge, pump, and other necessary components. The cost of these kits can vary, but they generally range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. For example, the Waste Oil Centrifuge 185 GPH Barrel Centrifuge Kit includes everything needed to filter and purify waste oil, except for an oil drum, and is priced accordingly.
It's important to note that the choice of equipment depends on individual preferences, the desired level of filtration, and the available budget. While some methods may be more expensive, they may also offer greater efficiency and effectiveness in filtering WVO for fuel.
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The process of converting WVO to biodiesel
Once the WVO has been collected, it needs to be pre-filtered to remove any large particles of food or other debris. This can be done using a variety of methods, including filter socks, settling tanks, or a centrifugal filter. The goal of this step is to remove particles larger than 10 microns to prevent damage to the engine. Some users have reported success with a multi-tank settling system, which involves allowing the WVO to settle in multiple tanks over several weeks to remove contaminants and water.
After the pre-filtering process, the WVO can be further refined using a finer filter to remove smaller particles. This step may involve the use of a spinner or a more advanced filtration system, such as the Racor 1000 series diesel filter/water separator, to achieve a filtration level of one micron or less. This step ensures that the WVO is clean and free of water, which can be harmful to the engine.
Finally, the filtered and refined WVO can be used as biodiesel fuel in diesel engines. However, it is important to note that not all diesel engines are compatible with WVO or biodiesel. Older diesel engines, such as those from the 1980s and 1990s, are generally more suitable for running on WVO. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the fuel system is properly modified to handle the thicker viscosity of WVO and biodiesel.
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Frequently asked questions
WVO stands for Waste Vegetable Oil. It is used as an alternative fuel for diesel vehicles.
There are multiple ways to filter WVO, but the most popular methods are the multi-tank settling system and the continuous flow centrifuge. The multi-tank settling system involves settling the oil in multiple tanks to progressively clean the oil. The continuous flow centrifuge method uses a centrifugal filter to pull out contaminants in the WVO.
The costs of filtering WVO depend on the method and equipment used. For example, the sock filters used in the multi-tank settling system cost around $24 for two sets, while the cost of the collection equipment is not included. The centrifugal filter method requires the purchase of a centrifuge machine, which can be expensive. Additionally, there may be costs associated with the fuel transfer pump and the electric motor required for the process.
