Waste Oil Heater Forum - Your definitive source for burning waste oil for heat.

Quote from: Blaine on January 16, 2024, 09:58:47 pm

I use the heating element from a coffee maker. I regulate the temp with a PID, SSR, and a k type thermocouple. Spent maybe $30.

 It’s a shame this forum isn’t more active. I don’t do facebooks.

I'm probably going to have to pre heat my float tank.  I hear, if the temp gets below 40F, it's best to pre heat the float tank.  I haven't researched how to do it yet.  I'd like to see how you got yours wired and the parts you used.  What's a SSR?  Thanks.

  Sorry, i just saw your reply. I run my setup from a “pressure vessel” instead of the syphon method. It’s the same exact syphon nozzle, it’s just that the oil is supplied flow a pressurized tank with about 12psi and the fire runs continuously. i have a large drafty garage so that isn’t an issue.
I can however dial it back for lower heat output.

I use 2 PID controllers. One to regulate the oil preheater, and the other maintains a set burn temperature. There is a type k thermocouple attached to the preheater element (coffee maker element) to sense the temperature of the oil flowing through the element. The thermocouple provides feedback to the PID. The PID outputs a low voltage signal to the SSR and the SSR outputs 110v to the heating element when the PID commands it on.

 The other PID monitors flue temperature from a thermocouple in the stove pipe about 2 feet from the stove.  There are 2 valves plumbed in parallel in the oil line leading to the nozzle. One valve is adjusted to allow just enough oil through to maintain a small flame, sort of like a pilot setting. The other valve also has a solenoid plumbed in line with it. This solenoid is controlled by the fire temperature PID to allow more oil through to the nozzle until the flue temp set by the PID is reached. So when it’s up to temperature, this solenoid cycles on and off roughly every few seconds to maintain the temperature within +/- 10°… of the 1360°F of the flue temp.

The PID controllers are very inexpensive and have transformed my setup from a unpredictable, unsafe fire hazard into i safe, reliable, much cleaner burning source of free heat, and a lot of it.

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! $13.24 | Digital LCD PID REX-C100 Temperature Controller Set + K Thermocouple + Max.40A SSR Tools
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKtFzyW

I’ve seen hot water heater elements used to heat the tank in your type of setup, controlled by a PID. Years ago in my early experience with waste oil heat gravity drip feed method, i was using a crock pot as a preheater, but it took forever to warm up, and it gave off oil smell fumes. And just about the time, i’d have to fill it back up with cold oil. This coffee maker element is up to temp in less than a minute and it only heats as needed. It cycles on and off at around a 30% duty cycle, maybe a little more if it’s really cold out.

 Here’s a YouTube video of my setup in its most recent configuration. I used to use a propane tank and get about 6 hours burn time to a tank full, but I’ve upped the tank to a water tank that easily holds 15 gallons of oil and lasts for over 20 hours between fillings. I used to use a bunch of 1/4 turn ball valves for the air and oil circuits, but most have been replaced with solenoids with the plans to some day automate everything with an auduino with the flick of a switch.

 I’d probably reply faster to comments left on YouTube than this forum if you have any questions.
https://youtu.be/WoFPJMEt0yU?si=pT89pcTbGd6cNzeV