Washing Machines!

**SenatorKang** · 7th July 2008, 02:32 PM

Hi All

Does anybody out there know anything about washing machines? I need one for my veggie oil experiments.

The idea is this: get a washing machine. maybe cut some of the holes in the drum into slots. Put some filter material in there, like in the form of a sack or something like that, straight into the drum secured to the top somehow so it doesn't move but so you can get it out to clean it. Put veggie oil in the washing machine, turn it onto spin and watch the oil get filtered... from a safe distance. the now clean oil gets pumped by the washing machine's existing pump (maybe through another filter depending on the model of washing machine) into my holding tank where it will presumably sit for a while before going into the disco.

if i can get one with the filter after the pump then that would be better. the spin would get rid of the larger particles and the filter would get rid of the smaller ones.

my problem is: my other half won't like me using our existing washing machine for this. apparently it will make our clotehs smell, i dunno. anyway, i obviously need to get another washing machine to use for this purpose. an old second handy would do nicely. if i can get one that works properly then thats fine (as long as i can get it to stay on spin for the time it needs). but! they cost money, and the point of this excersise is that i don't like spending money....

... if i can get a freebie that has a broken circuit board or something, is there a way i can modify it so i just have a control for the motor and pump? like a knob on the side or something. i only need the spin cycle after all. i've been told that the motor is a sealed unit and it would be better to not screw around with it. i guess the knob would be good too because i could change the speed of the spinning, and wait to turn on the pump until there's actually stuff down there for it to pump.

it seems silly to go out and buy filters, a pump, hoses, fittings and all that junk when a washing machine can provide it all in a neat box.

any ideas?

EDIT: If there's anyone out there who wants to donate one, I can swap you for a 1040L fluid transporter... it would make a great rainwater tank. the stuff that was in there is completely biodegradable so shouldn't hurt your garden, but i wouldn't drink out of it. just to be safe i'll give it a good wash though.

**Xavie** · 7th July 2008, 02:41 PM

If you look around you should be able to pick one up for 50-200 bucks. I got an old maytag with out the computer stuff and it keeps going and going. I have modified it so it can do longer spin etc.. BUT- the motor will burn out. I have smelt it working over time and maytags would have to have one of the best motors in them so be careful.

I am wondering if it would spin fast enough but I suppose it would. But, the sort of weight that much veggie oil would have when you filled a drum may not be so good. I.E. my 7 kg washer doesn't like more then 7 kgs. And that ain't much oil.

Actually yes, on thinking about it I think the weight is the biggest issue.

Xav

**Lucus** · 7th July 2008, 02:54 PM

Where abouts in perth are you?

**SenatorKang** · 7th July 2008, 02:56 PM

I guess, I hadn't thought of that. But still, 7kg of veggie oil is going to be a tiny bit more than 7kg of water, right? And what's water, a kilo a litre or something. so about 7 litres per go... well, maybe later i could work out a continuous system but until i get that working, i've only got 200L to do at the moment as i don't have a continuous supply yet. That's only 28.57 runs! i can fit that into a weekend surely!

**SenatorKang** · 7th July 2008, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Lucus

Where abouts in perth are you?

oops, didnt see your reply there. i'm in quinns rocks, way up north.

PS: Xavie, you are not the Xavier that used to work for Guest and Puddey who moved up north, are you?

**crash** · 7th July 2008, 03:14 PM

Nature strips - especially hard garbage week are a great source of all kinds of wonderful things, heck you might even pick up a machine that is in better nick than the one you currently have.
alos check with teh local washing machine repair man - you never know what is sitting out back ready to go to the recyclers.
Have you thought of using a cream seperator?
Weight would be an issue.

**Bigbjorn** · 7th July 2008, 04:36 PM

You can usually find unwanted washing machines at the top of the front steps of Housing Commission renters next to the partially dismantled outboard motor clamped to the verandah rail.

**adm333** · 7th July 2008, 04:44 PM

I'm not sure how much benefit you're going to get from using a washine machine versus just pouring the oil through the filter.

I am sure our (top loading) machine pumps out all of the water (we don't use oil) before it starts to spin. The spin helps extract the last bit of water from the actual clothes.

Therefore, as I see it, the liquid is not being centrifugally filtered until the very last bit.

Could be different between brands, I dunno.

Dave

**Blknight.aus** · 7th July 2008, 04:47 PM

youd be after a double size pillow case and an old twin tub....

the double size pillow case nicely lines the tub of it and the circutry is dead simple to bodge....

all you need is a plastic pallet strap to secure the pillow case in place or a big elastic band and conveniently a 12r20 tube cut into bands does that nicely on most of them.

**81stubee** · 7th July 2008, 04:51 PM

An old twin tub would be ideal. I've seen these used for vegie oil before. If you were woried about the weight you could just cut a hole in the lid and pour in as it was spinning. Some even have heaters.

You would probably need to change the hoses etc, because they would probably perish with the oil.

Stu

Thread: Washing Machines!

Thread Tools

Washing Machines!

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions