55 Gallon steel drums ?

[MrMoMo]

How many of you folks are using plastic barrels vs steel barrels? I have a plastic one for collecting my "1st stage" filtered oil into, but I would like to use a steel one for my 2nd stage, where I will heat it. I'm wondering where the best (or any) place to get one would be? I'm near kingston, ON, so any local sources would be appreceated.

Thanks.

[M John Galt]

I use both. Steel drums from the local 'quick lube' and plastic drums from the local car wash

[MrMoMo]

Was the local "quick lube" giving them away, or did you have to buy it from them? -If purchasing what should I expect one to cost?

Oh, and what is the best thing to clean barrels with, and after cleaning, getting ALL the water out?

Did you paint or otherwise coat the inside of your steel ones to prevent rusting (or is that not really a concern since most of what will be in there is oil, without water (hopefully)

Thanks.

[M John Galt]

"Quick Lube" gives them away. There's a bit of motor oil in the bottom, but otherwise bare oiled steel inside, so I just use them as-is.

[Greg H.]

Originally Posted by MrMoMo

How many of you folks are using plastic barrels vs steel barrels? I have a plastic one for collecting my "1st stage" filtered oil into, but I would like to use a steel one for my 2nd stage, where I will heat it. I'm wondering where the best (or any) place to get one would be? I'm near kingston, ON, so any local sources would be appreceated.

Thanks.

Are you insisting on using 55 barrels?

If not, you might look for de-rated propane tanks that are going to be junked / scr*aped.

I walked away from a local propane dealer, with 7 100 lb, 1 40 lb, and 5 30 lb propane tanks and all it cost me was my signature on a waiver, that said that I would hold the company blaimless for anything that might happen with using the de-rated tanks.

( Make sure they are steel and not aluminium ).

I have found all sorts of projects for s*rap propane tanks - even built a BBQ / smoker out of one of the 100 lb and one of the 30 lb tanks.

[MrMoMo]

Cool idea... I managed to locate one - in a few weeks from now! I know the owner of the local VW dealer, and he orders his synthetic oil in drums. A few days ago I could have had one, but he just tossed it - he is going to save the next one for me..

[euclid]

I use plastic. I use cubbies to collect, and let the oil settle in there. I heat my oil to filter in winter, but in summer I filter strait from the cubbie to the plastic drum through a 5 micron bag filter. Pump it back through another filter just for good measure then pump it into my tank.

[M John Galt]

Originally Posted by euclid

I use plastic. I use cubbies to collect, and let the oil settle in there. I heat my oil to filter in winter, but in summer I filter strait from the cubbie to the plastic drum through a 5 micron bag filter. Pump it back through another filter just for good measure then pump it into my tank.

That's a good way to destroy an IP. If you don't dewater the oil and test it for dryness, you're asking for trouble. Search google for Hot Pan Test to learn more.

[euclid]

Originally Posted by M John Galt

That's a good way to destroy an IP. If you don't dewater the oil and test it for dryness, you're asking for trouble. Search google for Hot Pan Test to learn more.

Familiar with hot pan test. I have a very consistent WVO source that doesn't use water to wash their friers with water. They hot filter for me the night before oil change, then put the oil back in cubies from the portable dumpster. I have hot pan tested randomly a couple of times just for good measure. Never found water.