User talk:Biodiesel junkie

COSHH IN BIODIESEL

Learning more about the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
I have never used Wikipedia before, but everytime I search something about Biodiesel online, I come across something frightening. It seems there is either, a lack of understanding or a sheer disrespect of the chemicals used when producing Biodiesel.

I have only been working with Biodiesel for just over a year, but during that time, I have learned alot. The first lesson taught to me, was that of COSHH. (Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health). It was immediately brought to my attention, the dangers of working with chemicals such as Methanol, Pottassium/Sodium Hydroxide and the two combined 'Methoxide'.

I was initially employed as a 'Fitter' of Biodiesel processors. Manufacturing the processors from scratch. As each Biodiesel processor is modified to the manufacturers own desires, it was obvious that I would have to learn more about Biodiesel itself, in order to get a true understanding of how our processors worked.

It was at this point during my employment that 'ATEX' was introduced to me. The word 'ATEX' popped up alot. As a fitter, I needed to know what it was I was fitting. It seemed that everything, from switches to heaters to pumps had the 'ATEX APPROVED' stamp on them. ATEX guarantees a vapour/moisture proof seal on anything electrical. On questioning this, I discovered just how explosive Methanol is.

This is exactly the reason I am writing this post. I have discovered posts online that speak of methoxide mixing using drills etc... Drills are ELECTRICAL and NON-ATEX. One tiny spark introduced to a small ammount of Methanol/methoxide vapour is enough to cause a deadly explosion. In fact, if you do some online research, stories will reveal themselves about people who have quite literally blown themselves up using electrical tools to mix chemicals.

Our processors have been specifically modified in order to maintain explosive vapour within the processor OR to be vented off AWAY from anything non-atex. We use 'Paddle-Motors' ATEX APPROVED to mix the chemicals, ATEX APPROVED Emmersion Heaters to heat the WVO and ATEX APPROVED Centrifugal Pumps to circulate chemicals/WVO during the Transesterification process.

I ADVISE ALL WHO DEALS WITH BIODIESEL TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COSSH AND TO USE ATEX APPROVED EQUIPMENT ANYWHERE NECESSARY. YOUR LIVES DEPEND UPON IT.

Thankyou for reading.

Biodiesel junkie (talk) 12:19, 25 November 2008 (UTC)Biodiesel JunkieBiodiesel junkie (talk) 12:19, 25 November 2008 (UTC)