WVO Filter System - 1

Here is my home made system :

I have a really simple, but really efficient method of filtering.  I cut the top and bottom out of a 3lb. coffee can.  This cylinder will hold a 5 micron filter bag.  (go to McMasterCarr or similar location for filter bags), The filter bags have a 7" plastic or metal collar on them that sets down over the top of the coffee can and won't fall through.  I then took a plastic 5 gal bucket and cut a hole in the lid just large enough so the coffee can would Not fall through, but rest on the lid.  Then I used bathroom caulking sealer to glue the can to the lid.  Now my 12" - 16" filter bag will dangle from the collar catching on the top of the coffee can down into the 5 gal plastic bucket.  I had to make a way for the oil to flow out of the bucket.  I cut a hole and purchased a drain attachment from Home depot that pinches itself onto the bucket with a 2" hole in the bottom section. (can't remember what they called this plumbing piece).  I had to get a coupler and plastic valve, then a barbed hose attachment to fit on this bucket drain. I attached a section of 3/4" vinyl hose that goes back into one of the plastic totes I started with.  (later, I started draining into a 55 gal plastic barrel.  Then, I have 4 people using my filtered oil in the co-op and the same 5 gal bucket drains into a 250 gallon container!).

I collect my oil from a deli dept in the 5 gallon jugs they buy it in. It is HOT when I pick it up and then I pour the WVO through a  medium mesh screen (to collect the chunks), into the filter bag resting inside the coffee can that rests atop the 5 gallon plastic paint bucket that drains into the holding tank.  My holding tank started off being the same 5 gallon plastic totes, but is now a huge plastic 250 liquid tank.  These are commonly used for diesel fuel, farm liquids, biodiesel etc.

This system works real well, but my oil is hot when I pour it in.  If my oil is cold it will still work, but it takes about 2-4 hours for 5 gallons to go through the filter bag!  Hot Oil is Good Oil.

WARNING about using those flimsy 5 gallon plastic totes that the oil originally comes in:  They do degrade, they don't last long.  I discovered what degrading is; the plastic "flakes" away.  You end up with tiny flakes of plastic in your filtered oil, then in your fuel tank, then in your fuel system, then it clogs up your fuel filter and you are STUCK on the side of the road!  don't use these totes as a storage method for your oil, but if you Do, simply make Sure to pour the oil through a fairly fine mesh screen into your tank to catch those flakes!!

 The New Grease Grotto - Filter System # 2

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