TDI Bio

I've been looking around at pumps, and have found contradictory advice. Some homebio enthusiasts swear by the 1" Chicago Electric clear water pump at Harbor Freight, as a reliable and cheap solution for a home processor, while other websites say it's underpowered. Fortunately, Biodiesel guru Girl Mark clears the waters and says that this pump is suitable for Appleseed processors of up to 100 liters, but advises a bigger pump or 1" plumbing to process larger batches. Sold! I found one at Harbor Freight tonight on sale for $25, and only $20 after 20% coupon.

Since I have 1" plumbing, thanks to a great deal on 1" ball valves at Home Depot ($3.90 ea), and am planning on using an agitator in my processing tank, I figure this pump will be sufficient for batches up to 40 gallons, if I should so choose. Of course, this is pure conjecture, and I doubt I'll often make batches over 20 gallons, but it's comforting to think that I should be able to go to near capacity on my 55-gallon drum, since I'm not just relying on the pump for agitation.

I also found a deal on 8 330-lb capacity wheels, which should combine nicely with the 10 scrap 2x4's i nmy garage to make a dandy processing platform

I also discovered that a) if you wear flip-flops to get the b) afore-mentioned 1" ball valves out of your trunk, noting that c) said ball valves weigh about a pound each, and then d) the bag rips, then e) you'll dance up and down on the other foot and be tempted to use foul language.