Using vacuum from benz for wvo sucker tank - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

uneasysunday · #1 07-26-2013, 03:57 AM

My 79 240D runs on WVO, and while some may say this post should be in the alt fuels forum, my question has nothing to do with WVO.

I would like to build a WVO vacuum tank (sucker tank). Ideally would be a 20 gallon tank in the trunk that utilizes the benz vacuum system to pull vacuum on the tank while driving, and once at the collection site- close one valve and open another sucking the oil into the tank.

Is this a feasible plan? Has anyone used their vacuum systems for anything other than car functions.

Little unsure of my plan. Actually not my idea, read this idea on a wvo forum a few years ago. Always thought it was a slick idea.

Any responses greatly appreciated

mach4 · #2 07-26-2013, 09:09 AM

Not a good idea. Here's what vacuum does to tanks.

What happens when a tank vent gets clogged.

vstech · #3 07-26-2013, 09:48 AM

that's what happens to tanks not designed for vacuum when vacuum is applied... cylindrical containers are MUCH more durable to vacuum.

the MB vacuum pump is not sufficient to use for a vacuum vessel evacuator. it'd take a LONG time to get the pump sucking that volume, plus, if you underestimate your storage size, you could suck that junk into your vacuum system... nasty.

a better choice would be to bring a battery powered shop vac or a standard shop vac and an inverter.

Fattyman · #4 07-26-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Not a good idea. Here's what vacuum does to tanks.

What happens when a tank vent gets clogged.

psaboic · #5 07-26-2013, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Not a good idea. Here's what vacuum does to tanks.

What happens when a tank vent gets clogged.

WOW!! I take it the fuel tank vent was plugged on this car!

charmalu · #6 07-26-2013, 11:27 AM

[QUOTE=vstech;3182330]that's what happens to tanks not designed for vacuum when vacuum is applied... cylindrical containers are MUCH more durable to vacuum.

Not always.

Railroad tank car vacuum implosion - YouTube

Charlie

eatont9999 · #7 07-26-2013, 12:36 PM

It could be done but the problems I see are that it would take a long time to vac down a 20 gallon tank and during that time, your vac system would not function properly. VStech is on to something with the shop vac idea. You need something that can move a large volume of air quickly. A shop vac won't pull a very deep vacuum but it may be enough to draw the WVO into your storage vessel.

mach4 · #8 07-26-2013, 01:14 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this be a good application to just use a good old fashioned, cheap fluid pump?

I'm thinking something like this "cheap little sucker" would do the job without expensive reinforced cylindrical vacuum-resistant custom tanks, not to mention shop vacs, inverters and other stuff not designed for the task at hand.

eatont9999 · #9 07-26-2013, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this be a good application to just use a good old fashioned, cheap fluid pump?

I'm thinking something like this "cheap little sucker" would do the job without expensive reinforced cylindrical vacuum-resistant custom tanks, not to mention shop vacs, inverters and other stuff not designed for the task at hand.

That is an option and a common way of transferring the oil for some people. I think the OP wants to use pneumatics because it is faster and eliminates a pump that will break down/burn out. Also, no need to prime the pump.

capflya · #10 07-26-2013, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this be a good application to just use a good old fashioned, cheap fluid pump?

I'm thinking something like this "cheap little sucker" would do the job without expensive reinforced cylindrical vacuum-resistant custom tanks, not to mention shop vacs, inverters and other stuff not designed for the task at hand.

Even though it lists WVO in the title of that ad I wouldn't say that was designed for the task either. Those are pretty small light duty pumps and do not last all that well when pumping WVO since it's thick and those are just water pumps. Yes that would work, but for how long? I've been collecting oil for a while now and vacuum is the way to go IMO. I've used pumps but it's hard to find a good one that will hold up and isn't super loud. Many electric pumps are noisy, and the ones that arent that bad are pretty expensive. Super suckers can be built pretty cheap, just depends on parts availability and your ability to weld it all together.

I have a 60gal air compressor tank turned in to a super sucker. It's vacuum source is a 12v Thomas pump and it setup with four valves. I can pressurize the tank and blow the oil out when I get home (or use my shop compressor with an attachment I setup). With vacuum suckers the important thing to note is hose size and where the oil goes in. You don't want the oil to be "sucked through" the oil in the tank. In other words, put your "inlet" on the top of the tank so the oil is basically poured in to the tank.

You can use water heater tanks for super suckers as well, a lot of times you can find them for free on craigslist so that may be an option for you. Find a small 20-30 gallon one and convert to a sucker tank. Keep in mind you wont be able to fill it up 100% since the tank has to have some air space to keep vacuum in order to continue to pull the oil in to the tank.

I also setup an "over flow" tank in case it gets full so I don't suck oil through my pump. I used a whole home water filter housing without the filter and it works great.

GregMN · #11 07-26-2013, 02:17 PM

I have been doing this for years.

Use a suitable tank (water heater tank, water pressure tank).

"T" into the vacuum line (DO NOT tap into the line that goes to the brake booster). Control the flow to the sucker tank with a valve. I use an electric controlled valve. Run 1/4" poly line to the tank's location (in the trunk).

It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to pull the vacuum down to 25hg on the tank. I do not pull a vacuum while sucking VO. I charge the tank then turn off the vacuum at the tank so there is no possibility of sucking VO into the vacuum system. If the tank needs a recharge to complete the filling, I turn off the valve to the sucker hose before I add more vacuum to the tank. You could put a sight glass in the vacuum line at the tank to see, and hopefully catch in time, any VO that would be sucked upstream.

When it is time to unload, I just pressurize the tank.
I have a manifold pressure/vacuum gauge on the tank. 25Hg - ready to suck, 20psi - plenty to empty.

uneasysunday · #12 07-28-2013, 04:52 PM

Thanks for the responses.

I am really trying to make my WVO collection less labor intensive. Vacuum is the only way to go. I was gonna use an old air compressor tank.

Greg- Do your power brakes work when you are "charging" your tank? Which vacuum line is best to tap into?

GregMN · #13 07-28-2013, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregMN

"T" into the vacuum line (DO NOT tap into the line that goes to the brake booster).

...

funola · #14 07-29-2013, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

that's what happens to tanks not designed for vacuum when vacuum is applied... cylindrical containers are MUCH more durable to vacuum.

the MB vacuum pump is not sufficient to use for a vacuum vessel evacuator. it'd take a LONG time to get the pump sucking that volume, plus, if you underestimate your storage size, you could suck that junk into your vacuum system... nasty.

a better choice would be to bring a battery powered shop vac or a standard shop vac and an inverter.

Would you call a few minutes a long time? Shop vac? It will leak all over the trunk. The motor won't last very long with wvo all over it.

funola · #15 07-29-2013, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uneasysunday

Thanks for the responses.

I am really trying to make my WVO collection less labor intensive. Vacuum is the only way to go. I was gonna use an old air compressor tank.

Greg- Do your power brakes work when you are "charging" your tank? Which vacuum line is best to tap into?

20 gal air compressor tank is perfect if that's the size you are looking for.. Tap as close to vac pump suction as you can. Use 3/16 id thick wall clear vinyl lines from Home Depot. I used a small clear catch jar (mason jar) and keep the vac going to fill the tank 100%. There's lot's of warning when it's full and will sputter into the jar before it fills slowly so you have plenty of time to shut the vacuum. Don't use anything smaller than 1 inch ID for the wvo suction hose. You want something that's flexible but vacuum rated ( don't use on hot oil it will collapse). Pressurize tank to pump out. Things can get messy real quick if you mess up. It's the best way to get it out of a dumpster. Cons is that you have this big contraption in the trunk. The wvo suction hose can leak a lot of oil if you don't take precautions. Overall, I'd say getting oil in cubies is less time and work. 20 gal is 4 cubies. I think vacuum is more practical on a large scale like 50 gal or more. But then you need a truck.