2 tank mixing system for Methanol?

Faredo · 07-02-2018, 11:49 AM

has anyone implemented or considered a two tank system for methanol? I have 100% Methanol available at a pump near me and would like to fill one tank with meth and the other with water. T them into one line and let the pump do the mixing. I realize these two fluids will not flow exactly the same but it couldn't be off by much.
I could install a low fluid level switch with dash LED for each and fill as nessisary

Tanks im looking at:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-1-3GL-5L...AAAOSwywRaSZmU

NoQuarter · 07-02-2018, 11:09 PM

Interesting idea.

Now capture the AC condensation and put the water into the water tank!

RocketSurgeon · 07-03-2018, 12:36 AM

Getting the pumps synchronized would be quite difficult. I suspect you would get wild fluctuations in mix just as the pumps run. Just think about the significantly different density and viscosity of meth and water. The possibility of getting 100% water would scare me off. Plus you have the flammability concerns of carrying 100% methanol. 50/50 isn't flammable at ambient temperatures. Perhaps there are special dual-pump head designs that would keep things in sync, but they probably aren't methanol compatible.
I'd rather just pre-mix a bunch of 50/50 and top off at home.

Faredo · 07-03-2018, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon

Getting the pumps synchronized would be quite difficult. I suspect you would get wild fluctuations in mix just as the pumps run. Just think about the significantly different density and viscosity of meth and water. The possibility of getting 100% water would scare me off. Plus you have the flammability concerns of carrying 100% methanol. 50/50 isn't flammable at ambient temperatures. Perhaps there are special dual-pump head designs that would keep things in sync, but they probably aren't methanol compatible.
I'd rather just pre-mix a bunch of 50/50 and top off at home.

I would use 1 pump. just T both tanks into one line. Your fireball concerns are legitimated. I've carried Jerry cans on my expo Toyota but those are all outside. i may still use one of these tanks though. dedicated meth tanks are ridiculous.

RocketSurgeon · 07-04-2018, 01:05 PM

I suspect the gas can would stand up to the methanol just fine, though the seals and gaskets almost certainly won't. Methanol will attack and swell most gasoline rated gaskets, so make sure everything in your system is specifically methanol rated, leaks would be scary.

As far as 2 tanks/one pump, keep in mind that methanol is half the viscosity of water, with 5 times the vapor pressure.

That vapor pressure is part of why methanol systems are expensive. The system needs to both withstand the solvent, and contain a pretty decent amount of pressure. I'm picturing a gas can left out in the sun here. I'm not really sure they're rated for pressure. By my math, 100% methanol will pressurize to about 12.5psi at hot trunk temperatures.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 07-06-2018, 11:49 AM

Just grab a 3rd jug and do the mixing in there. I feel like over complicating something as simple as mixing methanol and water may be more of a hassle.

cruizinmax · 07-06-2018, 12:27 PM

Seems easier to just run winter mix washer fluid or straight meth.

07-02-2018, 11:49 AM	#1
Faredo Lieutenant 320 Rep 404 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (0)	2 tank mixing system for Methanol? has anyone implemented or considered a two tank system for methanol? I have 100% Methanol available at a pump near me and would like to fill one tank with meth and the other with water. T them into one line and let the pump do the mixing. I realize these two fluids will not flow exactly the same but it couldn't be off by much. I could install a low fluid level switch with dash LED for each and fill as nessisary Tanks im looking at: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-1-3GL-5L...AAAOSwywRaSZmU __________________ Mods related to trouble shooting posts: Stock Turbos, MHD OTS V7 stage 2+ 93 oct, VRSF Downpipes, VRSF Relocated inlets, CTS Turbo 7" Intercooler, Tial BOV with upgraded line 5.56mm, index 12 injectors, A/T OEM Flash.
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07-02-2018, 11:09 PM	#2
NoQuarter Captain 168 Rep 906 Posts Drives: 2008 535xi / 2011 Z4 35Is Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Indiana iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X2 [0.00] 2008 535xi [0.00] 2011 Z4 35is [0.00]	Interesting idea. Now capture the AC condensation and put the water into the water tank!
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07-03-2018, 12:36 AM	#3
RocketSurgeon Lieutenant 268 Rep 459 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Manual, CBR650F Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Getting the pumps synchronized would be quite difficult. I suspect you would get wild fluctuations in mix just as the pumps run. Just think about the significantly different density and viscosity of meth and water. The possibility of getting 100% water would scare me off. Plus you have the flammability concerns of carrying 100% methanol. 50/50 isn't flammable at ambient temperatures. Perhaps there are special dual-pump head designs that would keep things in sync, but they probably aren't methanol compatible. I'd rather just pre-mix a bunch of 50/50 and top off at home.
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07-04-2018, 01:05 PM	#5
RocketSurgeon Lieutenant 268 Rep 459 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Manual, CBR650F Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I suspect the gas can would stand up to the methanol just fine, though the seals and gaskets almost certainly won't. Methanol will attack and swell most gasoline rated gaskets, so make sure everything in your system is specifically methanol rated, leaks would be scary. As far as 2 tanks/one pump, keep in mind that methanol is half the viscosity of water, with 5 times the vapor pressure. That vapor pressure is part of why methanol systems are expensive. The system needs to both withstand the solvent, and contain a pretty decent amount of pressure. I'm picturing a gas can left out in the sun here. I'm not really sure they're rated for pressure. By my math, 100% methanol will pressurize to about 12.5psi at hot trunk temperatures.
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07-06-2018, 11:49 AM	#6
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3482 Rep 79,210 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	Just grab a 3rd jug and do the mixing in there. I feel like over complicating something as simple as mixing methanol and water may be more of a hassle.
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07-06-2018, 12:27 PM	#7
cruizinmax Private First Class 33 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 99 Civic, 09 335i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Springfield, MO iTrader: (0)	Seems easier to just run winter mix washer fluid or straight meth.
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