Methanol denitrators

[Cory]

Id like to know if I can use a different carbon source in a methanol denitrator? How much more energy does methanol provide than say vodka?

A methanol denitrator is basically a batch processor for nitrate removal. A container is filled with tank water, methanol is dosed. Its let sit for 4 hours or so until the methanol is consumed, then a pump turns on flusing the system with new tank water leaving usually 0 no3 water. Im planning to make one.

 

[Dan_P]

Id like to know if I can use a different carbon source in a methanol denitrator? How much more energy does methanol provide than say vodka?

A methanol denitrator is basically a batch processor for nitrate removal. A container is filled with tank water, methanol is dosed. Its let sit for 4 hours or so until the methanol is consumed, then a pump turns on flusing the system with new tank water leaving usually 0 no3 water. Im planning to make one.

On a per carbon basis, you may not find much difference with different carbon sources

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I see no reason one could not use vodka. Methanol was likely selected to avoid alcohol tax issues and other regulations on sales.

 

[Cory]

Thanks. Is methanol much more potent than vodka? Whats the best carbon source for this purpose?

 

[taricha]

Thanks. Is methanol much more potent than vodka? Whats the best carbon source for this purpose?

If you don't care what grows in it - you just want biomass, I wonder how glucose would work. It's pretty yummy to a lot of things.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks. Is methanol much more potent than vodka? Whats the best carbon source for this purpose?

I think methanol is a little less potent per unit of weight.

 

[Wolfw28]

according to the manual that came with my Nature Reef Denitrifie which used a chemical called nitragone nitrigone is nothing but methanol and water and according to the manual the methanol/Nitragone is not used as a food but as a way of extracting the oxygen out of the water to aid in growing the anaerobic bacteria that eats nitrates.

 

[Dennis Cartier]

Rather than use methanol, you can buy ethanol with a bit (10%) of methanol in it. Search for Captain Phab Marine Alcohol (E.g Alcohol for both pressurized and non pressurized stoves 1L)

I used it in the DIY NoPox recipe and it works fine. It is 90% ethanol and 10% methanol, with a hint of food safe blue food colouring. It is also much cheaper than pure ethanol.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree I see no reason to use methanol. I'd use ethanol too.