Technical Specifications for the BioPro 380/380EX
Processing Capacity
- One 100 gallon batch every 48 hours (or 23 hours with BioPro™ 380EX)
- (Short batches of 50 and 75 gallons may be run)
Ingredients
- 100 gallons of vegetable oil (feedstock)
- 20 gallons methanol
- 3040 grams (6.7 lbs) NaOH (lye or 4700 grams (10.4 lbs) KOH (caustic potash)
- 380 mL (1.6 cups) sulfuric acid
- 64 gallons standing fresh water or pressurized source (spigot)
Power Requirements
- Outlet for 230 VAC, 20 Amp, 60 Hz.
- 50 Hz units available for outside the U.S. country-region
Reaction Method
- acid catalyzed esterification/base catalyzed transesterification
Wash Method
Three stage water wash
- Spray wash.
- Turbulent wash.
- Turbulent wash, followed by evaporative drying cycle Operation PLC controlled automated mode, with switch actuated manual overrides.
Weight (crated) 680 lbs
Frequently asked questions
How many gallons of biodiesel can the BioPro 380 make, and how often?
The BioPro 380 makes one 100-gallon batch every 48 hours, or every 23 hours with the BioPro 380EX. Shorter batches of 50 or 75 gallons can also be run when less feedstock is available.
Pairing the machine with a SpringPro T76 dry-wash system shortens the cycle further, to roughly 11.5 to 13 hours, because the fuel is purified in the T76 instead of through the water wash.
What ingredients does a 100-gallon BioPro 380 batch require?
A full 100-gallon batch in the BioPro 380 uses:
- 100 gallons of vegetable oil feedstock
- 20 gallons of methanol
- 3,040 grams (6.7 lbs) of NaOH (lye) or 4,700 grams (10.4 lbs) of KOH (caustic potash)
- 380 mL (1.6 cups) of sulfuric acid
- 64 gallons of fresh water for washing
What electrical service does the BioPro 380 need?
The BioPro 380 requires a 230 VAC, 20 amp, 60 Hz outlet, so most sites need a dedicated 220/230-volt circuit rather than a standard household receptacle. Units configured for 50 Hz power are available for use outside the United States.
Have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit before installation. The smaller BioPro 190 runs on standard 115-volt power if a 230-volt circuit is not practical.
How much does the BioPro 380 weigh and how much floor space does it need?
The BioPro 380 weighs 680 lbs crated and has a footprint of about 42 by 33 inches, a bit larger than a typical vending machine. It is fully self-contained, with no separate settling or wash tanks.
Springboard Biodiesel recommends a space of at least 10 by 8 feet, with a ceiling height of 8.5 feet or higher for the BioPro 380. Plan for access to the fill ports, glycerin drain and a water supply.
What wash method does the BioPro 380 use, and what water supply does it need?
The BioPro 380 uses a three-stage water wash: a spray wash, then two turbulent washes, followed by an evaporative drying cycle. It needs about 64 gallons of fresh water per batch, supplied either as standing water or from a pressurized source such as a spigot.
All steps are PLC-controlled in automated mode, with switch-actuated manual overrides. Sites that want to avoid water washing can pair the machine with a SpringPro T76 dry-wash system.
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