RC India

RC Equipments => Fuel and Engines => Topic started by: AEROVISHWA on August 04, 2011, 01:30:59 PM

Title: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: AEROVISHWA on August 04, 2011, 01:30:59 PM
seniors help please...!

how can we check the purity of methnol... ??

any simple test for it...!  :salute:
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: prateek13 on August 04, 2011, 01:47:25 PM
I think if a layman would answer (like me! ;D) it would be-

By checking the R.D (relative density) or the Density of it

correct me if I am wrong  :headscratch:


Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: ujjwaana on August 04, 2011, 01:50:25 PM
You can use a Hydrometer and a  Thermometer to test the purity of Methanol by comparing its Specific Gravity.

http://www.make-biodiesel.org/Quality-Testing/testing-methanol-for-purity.html


You need buy a good Thermometer and an appropriate Hydrometer
http://utahbiodieselsupply.com/methanoltestkit.php


The best way to avoid this overhead is to always buy Lab-Grade Methanol and Castor Oil, and save the mixture (esp Castor Oil) from exposure to humidity (always store in an Air tight can, preferably Aluminium)
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: flyingbaba on August 04, 2011, 03:15:47 PM

Best would be to locate a analytical test lab nearby and get it tested on GC, incase of any doubt on the purity. Should not cost you more then 300/-.,

This will give you a fairly accurate purity.

http://www.reliablelabs.org/Contactus.htm  in thane

you will find many more http://www.fda-mah.com/publiclaboratery.aspx

Hiren
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: AEROVISHWA on August 04, 2011, 03:31:03 PM
actually i found a person who gave me loose meth..! for  :Rs: 50 per liter

physically it is like the meth we were using..

should test for some impurities... i think i will get the Sg and density meter at the petrol pump...

will keep updated..! :salute:

and thanks for the reply
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: flyingbaba on August 04, 2011, 03:41:17 PM
Hi,

If you want to try DIY way then boiling point is one more way to check.

Boiling point of methanol is 64.5- 65 C. If you have thermometer you can try this.

Thanks,

Hiren   
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: ujjwaana on August 04, 2011, 04:24:24 PM
Quote from: flyingbaba on August 04, 2011, 03:41:17 PM
If you want to try DIY way then boiling point is one more way to check.
Boiling point of methanol is 64.5- 65 C. If you have thermometer you can try this.

Then you need Barometer to compensate for the Atmospheric pressure. Try to get the Hydrometer locally, may be shops sellign equipment/Supplies for Physic labs. Getting the sample tested at lab would not be cost effective (as in Hindi: "Jitne ka Nahi Munna, utne Ka Jhun Junna" - English equivalent: Penny Wise, Pound Foolish )
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: flyingbaba on August 04, 2011, 04:48:24 PM
QuoteGetting the sample tested at lab would not be cost effective (as in Hindi: "Jitne ka Nahi Munna, utne Ka Jhun Junna" - English equivalent: Penny Wise, Pound Foolish )

Yes I agree with you Ujwaana, I was not aware that we are talking about some loose quantity of methanol.

I am used to buying methanol in ton loads (for manufacturing process, not for RC) and hence my reply. Please pardon me.

QuoteThen you need Barometer to compensate for the Atmospheric pressure.

dint get this  :headscratch:

I thought 65 C is the boiling point at ambient condition (STP).

Hiren 
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: avijit17basu on August 16, 2011, 07:58:01 PM
Methanol is hygroscopic absorbs atmospheric moisture- not castor oil.
Upto 5-7 % water does not matter.
its relative density is 0.79 and as it absorbs water it gets denser.
you do not need lab grade methanol to fly model plane/ drive model cars. the comercial grade- 95%pure is more than adequate.
Fuel gets cloudy if there is too much water.
Then the engine won't run.
I have washed out old fuel tanks with water  emptied out as much of the water as i could and filled up with fuel without waiting for the water to dry off. works fine.

Also comercial nitro works as well as lab grade nitro for glow engines
regards
Avijit
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: avijit17basu on August 16, 2011, 08:04:47 PM
Quote from: R/C vish on August 04, 2011, 03:31:03 PM
actually i found a person who gave me loose meth..! for  :Rs: 50 per liter
physically it is like the meth we were using. should test for some impurities...
The methanol you are getting is fine. In pune it costs around Rs. 40 per liter.
adequate for your engine
regards
Avijit
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: netsecrets00 on August 16, 2011, 08:10:54 PM
In Pune 97% pure methenol cost Rs.40/- lit. Nitro(Lab grade) Rs.900/- 500ml
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: AEROVISHWA on August 16, 2011, 08:44:09 PM
forgot to post my inferences...! mixed some fuel form the meth... and allowed it to stand for a week..!

fuel turns pink .. which is good sign...!

adding more it gives 700 RPM more than the previous fuel we were using...! ( that was also got from pune)

we even get lab grade here (NICE) costs  :Rs: 400 for 2.5L
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: sushil_anand on August 16, 2011, 09:26:59 PM
Quote from: R/C vish on August 16, 2011, 08:44:09 PM

fuel turns pink .. which is good sign...!

adding more it gives 700 RPM more than the previous fuel we were using...! ( that was also got from pune)


Never experienced fuel turning pink. And I would be a little concerned if it did. Maybe I am missing out on something and would like you to clarify this.

"adding more". More what?

Anwar. My apologies for using the "quote" button but "reply" was not working even after a few tries.
Title: Re: purity of methnol.... ???
Post by: AEROVISHWA on August 16, 2011, 09:39:27 PM
Quote from: sushil_anand on August 16, 2011, 09:26:59 PM
"adding more". More what?

by that i ment adding more to the quality..!

and turning pink is a good sign as it is a sign of a blend between meth and castor, if it turns green there is a impurity in meth...! if turns white impurity in castor..!

normally it takes 3-4 weeks for a fuel mixture to blend nicely...