These materials present an inherent fire risk, as oily rags or sawdust can easily spontaneously combust. An ideal fire-safe biodiesel plant will use metal tanks supported on secure metal stands. Methanol fumes will also be present when glycerol is drained from the reactor, and when raw biodiesel is pumped from the reactor to wash tanks, especially if these fluids are drained while hot. Overexposure to methanol can cause neurological damage and other health problems. It is essential that the facility not be located immediately adjacent to waterways that could be impacted by spills of chemicals, oil, or biodiesel. 1 0 obj A comprehensive approach to safety begins with a whole-system consideration of all potential areas for risk, followed by thorough plans for accident prevention. r�������$J�hS6��X��q ��П��(v�BX�/��rI�����9�$F�Y��la�rqZ�����M̷��̾l��Q�/N�M��A WE6��?�I��oAUs��u���w How will they be handled? �|B�0���)+�1�����>�}OX ��>�R���>:|Ѧ��_��1�;�O�E �=���2U�ȫ��Ƃ#Zc�h���yjx���� +��0�\ ���u0ގ�+2 .��wdL2y=N���0�v���qt&Ep,XY#��Eg|`t��p�LzJ��,�u�#��G�z�+����l�tc�����u`3B:>�G]��7�K�>w�ɰ?� ��&w)*�q�b�c����$v@AbO;}j'�ܺ:��s{3x۟�`�'h�1���\�� ���.B�S_��nj
In the event of a fire in or near the processing space, any plastic tanks will likely rupture and release their contents, potentially adding fuel to the fire.
Prospective biodiesel producers are also encouraged to use this information as they decide whether … endobj Plastic tanks are not recommended because they do not conduct electricity and cannot be properly grounded.
Knowledge, attention to safety, and advanced planning are the best approaches to preventing serious accidents. While the obvious goal of all producers should be to minimize mistakes, it is also important to know how to deal with these mistakes and respond appropriately. The water heater reactor uses a centrally located pump for recirculation of the reacting biodiesel. A twenty-pound ABC fire extinguisher is recommended. In the event of a fire in the plant, a wooden, oil-soaked stand will likely burn, dumping whatever liquid is in the tank it supports into the fire. 2503 NaOH, KOH, and concentrated solutions should never contact aluminum as they will create explosive hydrogen gas. Methanol will readily dissolve into water and if released without proper treatment, can get into the water table. Accidental release measures 6.1. A sealed system based on a metal tank also allows for the recovery of excess methanol from biodiesel fuel and the glycerol by-product, which saves money and reduces handling and environmental complications after processing. Both methanol and lye can cause eye damage or blindness. 4 0 obj
Heating elements used in processing fuel should be regulated by appropriate thermostats. Oily rags should be kept in an air-tight metal container, a bucket of water, or sealed in evacuated plastic bags and properly disposed of in the trash. Basic processing equipment developed in the home or farm shop can become complicated with multiple valves and switches for various purposes. Although the biodiesel manufacturing process is fairly straightforward, there are several aspects of biodiesel production that need careful attention to detail for a productive, safe, and environmentally sound practice. Inhalation of the solid NaOH or KOH is possible if the material is reduced to dust-sized particles. Bonding physically connects two conductive objects together with a wire to eliminate the difference in static charge potential between them. Producers are advised to alter any processing activity that results in perceptible methanol odors.