Hotplate coolant/SVO heat exchanger?

[CHPMustang]

Currently I'm running a blend but would like to add a heat exchanger to the fuel system but am concerned about the coolant temp being too high for the #2/WVO blend since I have the 203 thermo on our PSD.

Possible to add a temperature gauge and ball valve to meter the coolant temp?

Richard,JOAT,Rick?

 

[JOAT]

If you mean a fuel line heat exchanger, don't worry about it. You can heat diesel rather hot in the lines to improve combustion. I think I read it's been tested up to something like 300 degrees

If you are talking about the fuel tank, you could probably use some sort of thermostat to regulate the heat. I know there are some out there used for regulated coolant heat of truck fuel filters. May be able to improvise something. Otherwise just limit the coolant flow manually with a valve

I ran #2 in my WVO tank the first few tanks while testing the system. Didn't really notice any diesel fumes coming out. I would think with a blend that would be even less of an issue. Maybe build a mini still and try heating your mixture? See if anything condenses out of it.

 

[hheynow]

Here's my heat exchanger which is on the coolant loop.

Can't comment on running your blend of #2 and WVO , but adding only a heat exchanger will not heat your oil as hot as a fully heated system will. Do you have a coolant loop already set up to heat the heat exchanger? On my fully heated system I see WVO temps from 160*F to 210*F. My WVO mechanical gauge sender is housed in a 1/2" brass tee which is spliced into the 3/8" fuel line (1/2 X 3/8 hose barbs) after the last heater and just before it enters the metal fuel lines. I too have the 203*F t-stat...and guess what my EOT is? Yup, 200-204*F My water sender is housed in a 1/2" brass tee too and spliced into the 3/8" bypass coolant hose from the head which feeds my coolant bypass filter.

 

[CHPMustang]

I haven't set up a coolant loop as I was going to do it at the same time the heat exchanger went in.

My other concern is will my blend of #2 with WVO harm the internal metal linings of the exchanger or can my blended fuel become contaminated by the metal surfaces reacting to the blend?

 

[hheynow]

I haven't set up a coolant loop as I was going to do it at the same time the heat exchanger went in.

My other concern is will my blend of #2 with WVO harm the internal metal linings of the exchanger or can my blended fuel become contaminated by the metal surfaces reacting to the blend?

Click the link over the photo and you'll see that it's stainless steel and nickel and the hose barbs are brass.

 

[CHPMustang]

Click the link over the photo and you'll see that it's stainless steel and nickel and the hose barbs are brass.

I'll take that as a yes as the metals are safe for the blend to run thru

Just have to select the right location for the exchanger,think the 26 plate will be enough to hold the oil temps in the 100-up degree range?

 

[Tbar]

How will the heat exchanger work on cold start up or is that a concern???


Tbar

 

[CHPMustang]

With the heat exchanger in the system I'll have to use the block heater this winter which will help heat up the fuel more quickly than depending on the fuel filter bowl heater and the engines natural heat produced within the heads.
Heck having straight up Diesel fuel heated up during the winter will have positive effects I'll suspect.
This will be only part of the upgrades being done to the fuel system so the WVO will have a complete and proper burn.-popcorn

 

[hheynow]

think the 26 plate will be enough to hold the oil temps in the 100-up degree range?

Yeah, on a broiling hot Texas summer afternoon (ambient and tank fuel temp 95*F).

 

[CHPMustang]

Maybe I should go for a larger exchanger possibly?