Alternative Fuels - Let's talk about Biodiesel

Tombstone · 03-14-2005, 12:58 PM

Biodiesel is getting more press lately. Could this be a way to lessen our dependence on OPEC?

What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

How is biodiesel made?
Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and other products).

http://www.biodiesel.org/

koan · 03-14-2005, 07:51 PM

What would be really great is if they could come up with a converter so all the existing cars could switch fuel type.

koan · 03-14-2005, 08:46 PM

We could just use magnets like the spaceships do. It's all done with magnets, you know.

Lon · 03-14-2005, 08:49 PM

Is it expensive to mass produce?

koan · 03-14-2005, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lon

Is it expensive to mass produce?

Magnets? Not really.

koan · 03-14-2005, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kensloft

I've thought that before because it is probably the only energy that you would be able to follow the trail or signature of a certain magnetic wave.

Or we'd all crash into Mr T.

koan · 03-14-2005, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kensloft

Mr. T as in terra?

As in The A Team and Rocky III. OK NOW WE'RE REALLY OFF TOPIC. Sorry, Tombstone.

Tombstone · 03-15-2005, 10:28 AM

Here are some additional stories and sites found - one is in reference to Kensloft post:

Biodiesel Boosters Plan Co-Ops

Biodiesel Boom Well-Timed

Automakers Give Biodiesel a Boost

Diesels, Hybrids Fated to Wed

Energy Blog

Backroom Tussling Over Biodiesel

Piedmont Biofuels

Veggie Avenger

Tombstone · 03-15-2005, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kensloft

More information than most people have ever seen on the subject in one place. Good post. Maybe we should open up a car dealership?

I'd rather produce fuel!

Anastrophe pointed out a counter-argument site:

http://denbeste.nu/cd_log_entries/20...ysources.shtml

My counter-counter argument is that this is why there are *local co-ops. Biodiesel will not run the world's energy needs. It allows a local alternative for people who need fuel to run their farms and for the truckers to get their goods to market.

Just like in early America, the farm co-op members ate while the rugged loners starved.

03-14-2005, 12:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tombstone Little did I know... Supporting Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Idaho Panhandle Posts: 3,496	Alternative Fuels - Let's talk about Biodiesel Biodiesel is getting more press lately. Could this be a way to lessen our dependence on OPEC? What is biodiesel? Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. How is biodiesel made? Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and other products). http://www.biodiesel.org/
Local Time: 09:20 PM Local Date: 11-20-2008

03-14-2005, 07:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
koan anomaly Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 12,658	Re: Alternative Fuels - Let's talk about Biodiesel What would be really great is if they could come up with a converter so all the existing cars could switch fuel type. __________________ Having the right to an opinion does not make your opinion right.
Local Time: 09:20 PM Local Date: 11-20-2008

03-14-2005, 08:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
koan anomaly Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 12,658	Re: Alternative Fuels - Let's talk about Biodiesel We could just use magnets like the spaceships do. It's all done with magnets, you know. __________________ Having the right to an opinion does not make your opinion right.
Local Time: 09:20 PM Local Date: 11-20-2008

03-14-2005, 08:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lon Senior Member Supporting Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Christchurch Posts: 5,712	Re: Alternative Fuels - Let's talk about Biodiesel Is it expensive to mass produce?
Local Time: 09:20 PM Local Date: 11-20-2008

03-15-2005, 10:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
Tombstone Little did I know... Supporting Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Idaho Panhandle Posts: 3,496	Re: Alternative Fuels - Let's talk about Biodiesel Here are some additional stories and sites found - one is in reference to Kensloft post: Biodiesel Boosters Plan Co-Ops Biodiesel Boom Well-Timed Automakers Give Biodiesel a Boost Diesels, Hybrids Fated to Wed Energy Blog Backroom Tussling Over Biodiesel Piedmont Biofuels Veggie Avenger
Local Time: 09:20 PM Local Date: 11-20-2008

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