How to remove epoxy resin from diesel fuel? A/B extraction? Distill?

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    Diesel Extraction
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around methods for removing epoxy resin from diesel fuel, exploring various chemical and physical separation techniques. Participants consider approaches such as A/B extraction, distillation, and freeze distillation, while discussing the properties of the resin and its interaction with diesel fuel.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the resin may dissolve or emulsify in diesel, proposing to try acid and base treatments as well as freeze distillation to separate the components.
  • Another participant notes that while the polymer may behave unpredictably, the monomer could react under acidic or basic conditions, potentially forming water-soluble products.
  • A different participant shares their intent to experiment with small samples and emphasizes the importance of safety precautions when handling chemicals.
  • One suggestion involves adding water to the mixture to allow for separation, drawing on a method used for cleaning kerosene contaminated with sugar, though caution is advised due to the flammability and irritant nature of the materials.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of extraction, recommending distillation as a more viable option if the necessary equipment is available.
  • An organic chemist contributes that contaminants could partition into the oil phase if water is added, and suggests using activated alumina or silica for filtration, while also noting the potential loss of performance additives in the process.
  • Concerns are raised about the cost of filtration materials, with one participant suggesting that disposal might be more economical than recycling the fuel.
  • Another participant mentions that freeze distillation may yield mixed results, but considers it the best option available.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a range of opinions on the best method for separating epoxy resin from diesel fuel, with no consensus reached. Some advocate for distillation, while others suggest freeze distillation or water addition, indicating ongoing debate and uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of these methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the unpredictability of chemical reactions involved and the potential hazards associated with the proposed methods. Limitations include the need for proper equipment and safety measures, as well as the possibility of losing valuable additives during the separation process.

Zxerja
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Hi,

I have been using diesel fuel and gasoline to rinse out surplus 5gal epoxy resin jugs. They are great for projects. The resin seems to dissolve or at least emulsify into the diesel. I'm wondering if there is a way to extract/separate the diesel from the resin. The resin is not soluble in water, and is comprised of the following. When I have a little time I'm going to try adding acid and base to samples. As well as freezing it. Freeze distillation is my current thinking. Obviously I'll let it settle and see what happens, it may separate on it's own.

Oxirane, 2,2'-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(4,1-phenyleneoxymethylene)]bis-, homopolymer

Benzyl alcohol

Phenol, polymer with formaldehyde, glycidyl ether
 
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I dont know how the polymer acts but the monomer would open in acidic or basic conditions. I imagine basic conditions would result in a water soluble product, but be aware that phenol can also react. Epoxides are generally reactive with hydroxides.

As always, practice extreme care adding strong reagents to household chemicals as the behavior can be unpredictable.
 
Interesting.

I'll be experimenting with small sample.

My educational background is in physics and I'm pretty good at being careful.
 
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Zxerja said:
Interesting.

I'll be experimenting with small sample.

My educational background is in physics and I'm pretty good at being careful.
Fine by me. Chemistry PPE is mandatory even for small samples, though. Please report back what happens!
 
It is a 'long shot' but, IIRC, the classic way to cleanse kerosene or diesel sabotaged by addition of sugar or corn syrup --Which, dissolved in trace water content, fouled valves, injectors etc-- was to add a generous portion of water, shake very well and allow to stand.

With luck, some of the resin degradation components will transfer to the water layer, which may be run off, allowed to evaporate to residue...
Separation may need multiple passes, and return of 'borderline' layer to earlier stages...

As you are dealing with potentially flammable and probably skin / eye irritant material, 'Due Care, Please' ??
 
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I don’t think that extraction will work, even for the ring-opened product. Distillation is your best bet if you have the equipment to do it.

Don’t try running an engine with the distillate. Should be good for cleaning out those epoxy containers.
 
Organic chemist here.

All of these contaminants would partition into the oil phase if you added water. They are however more polar than the gasoline or diesel, and would be selectively retained if you filtered the fuel through a column of activated alumina or silica powder.

At some point the powder will become saturated, and/or the contaminants will eventually be carried through to the end of the column, so you'll need a way to detect this. In the lab, we'd use TLC (thin layer chromatography) plates. (You can buy alumina, silica, and TLC plates from numerous sources, directly or via Amazon.) I imagine that the amount of residue in a 5-gallon jug is on the order of an ounce or more, so it would be a good idea to first rinse once or twice with small amounts of solvent, and dispose of that as waste, greatly reducing the amount of alumina or silica needed.
Be aware that the process may remove performance additives as well as the resin contaminants. The filtered material can be re-used as a solvent, but I wouldn't use it in an engine.

Depending on how rapidly the contaminants "break through" the filtration media, you could easily spend more on this process than the recovered solvent is worth. You might consider mixing small amounts (1 gal/500 gal) into home heating oil as an economical disposal method. If you go this route, I suggest handling the "A" and "B" resin wastes separately, to avoid creating dissolved epoxy polymers that might gum up the pump and/or burner.

I should point out that while distillation is an option if you have the proper equipment, it's still a dangerous business, and Murphy's law has a way of intruding (at the worst possible moment.) A well-ventilated space, in a location that won't burn down your house, is mandatory.
 
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Activated alumina or silica would be quite expensive. Might as well not recycle at all and just toss it.

His concept of “freeze distillation” (probably fractional freezing) may have mixed results. Still, that’s his best path forward as I see it.