Homemade Biodiesel is easy. You need a few simple supplies and they are readily available at your hardware stores. All you need to do is to gather up 1 liter of vegetable oil, antifreeze, and lye. As for the equipment, you need a blender, scales, a few plastic containers, funnels, empty water bottles, thermometer, and a duct tape.
Make sure that you clean and thoroughly dry all the equipment that you plan to use. They have to be clean and dry and you should make sure that you are careful as you handle the ingredients.
First, start by measuring out 200 ml of antifreeze and placing it in a half liter plastic container through a funnel, then quickly mix in the lye. Note that Lye absorbs water rapidly, so when you mix it with the antifreeze, work fast. If you work too slowly, it will absorb water from the air and that can definitely interfere with the biodiesel reaction. A good way is to mix the two ingredients is to cover the container and shake the contents rapidly until you feel the container getting warm. The lye will rapidly dissolve into the antifreeze, foaming up as sodium methoxide. When the sodium methoxide is clear and there are no particles floating in it, it is ready for the next step.
Using a blender, (make sure that it is strictly for the fuel, don't use it for food!) mix the vegetable oil that has been heated to 130 degrees Fahrenheit with the sodium methoxide. The cover must be tight and blend the mixture on a low speed for about twenty minutes.
As soon as you are done processing the mixture, remove the content from the blender. Take a funnel, pour it into an empty, 2 liter water or soda bottle and cap tightly. Allow the contents to settle for at least eight hours.
Once the product settles, a dark colored layer will form at the bottom of the bottle with a distinct line of separation from the pale liquid at the top of the bottle. The dark layer is glycerin, and the top layer is biodiesel. Remove the biodiesel with care to a glass jar or clean water bottle.
Now prepare two wash bottles by piercing a small hole in the corner of two cleaned water bottles and cover the holes with duct tape. Pour the newly created biodiesel into one of the wash bottles, add a half liter of fresh water and then screw the cap on tightly. Turn the bottle on its side and roll it about with your hands until oil and water are well mixed. Remove the duct tape so that you can drain out the water from the biodiesel. Make sure that when the water has drained out, you block the hole so that the biodiesel remains.
Once the biodiesel is clear, the process is complete and it is ready to use. It can take up a week for the biodiesel to clear and ready to use.
About the Author
Get to know more about Biodiesel and how you can make it at home. Visit us at http://www.biodieselathome.net/sales.html
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Biodiesel And Its Producing Alternatives by Daniel Roshard
In a world where people rely heavily on diesel-powered engines to perform many functions for both agriculture and other known industries, it no longer comes as a surprise if there is a limited supply of derivatives of diesel fuels with traces of petroleum.
Besides the (over)exhaustion of reserves of petroleum fuels, improbability in petroleum sources and supply because of certain economic and political reasons inspired many to look for alternative resources for petroleum-based fuel sources like diesel.
You've heard of vegetable oil, animal fat, and recycled cooking oil being used as fuel nowadays. These are what you call Biodiesel.
From the word itself, biodiesel is an alternative to diesel fuel made from renewable or organic sources such as the ones already mentioned above. Biodiesel is produced by means of a reaction between an animal fat or vegetable oil and ethanol or methanol with a certain catalyst. Biodiesel appears as and used as either in its pure form or can be mixed with diesel to be utilized by diesel engines - a petroleum-based biodiesel. Both have yields of glycerin and biodiesel, which are chemically known as asters of methanol and ethanol.
The following presents the major advantages of using biodiesel:
1. It is non-hazardous and biodegradable. 2. It can readily be used in modern types of diesel engines. 3. It is a much more efficient as compared to fuel cells. 4. Thus, it can eliminate the huge allocation of reconstructing major fuel distribution factories and companies.
On the note of producing biodiesel extracts on a macro scale basis, two steps are usually considered:
1. Growing of alternative feed stocks.
Oilseed crops (and animal lipids) are well known sources of biodiesel because of their oil content.
Interestingly, recent programs have been funded to research on the feasibility of using algal species as feedstocks for biodiesel extracts. In fact, there are noted species of algae from which you can extract larger amounts of oil. The same species also grow at very fast rates so production would definitely be efficient. Moreover, most of these species use less water for cultivation, unlike oilseed crops.
Another advantage of using algae as a source of biodiesel is that the species also grow best in salty water, so farms could be built near the ocean without desalinating seawater.
With recent development regarding algae research, that concern is completely obliterated since it was noted that algae could survive in either a hot desert or within areas near waste streams.
Processing the feedstock into biodiesel. This step would be best accomplished by present oil refineries around the world, which are being converted to biodiesel refineries and by new companies building state-of-the-art plants.
Environmentally speaking, the use of biodiesel is basically not alarming. However, further researches regarding on biodiesel producing alternatives should be ventured upon to facilitate a more feasible large-scale biodiesel production.
About the Author
Alternative fuel is what that the market needs, consumers environmentally activists are searching for healthy and clean solution for energy. BioDiesel Fuel is a popular fuel solution, more Biodiesel facts http://biodiesel.zupatips.com
Besides the (over)exhaustion of reserves of petroleum fuels, improbability in petroleum sources and supply because of certain economic and political reasons inspired many to look for alternative resources for petroleum-based fuel sources like diesel.
You've heard of vegetable oil, animal fat, and recycled cooking oil being used as fuel nowadays. These are what you call Biodiesel.
From the word itself, biodiesel is an alternative to diesel fuel made from renewable or organic sources such as the ones already mentioned above. Biodiesel is produced by means of a reaction between an animal fat or vegetable oil and ethanol or methanol with a certain catalyst. Biodiesel appears as and used as either in its pure form or can be mixed with diesel to be utilized by diesel engines - a petroleum-based biodiesel. Both have yields of glycerin and biodiesel, which are chemically known as asters of methanol and ethanol.
The following presents the major advantages of using biodiesel:
1. It is non-hazardous and biodegradable. 2. It can readily be used in modern types of diesel engines. 3. It is a much more efficient as compared to fuel cells. 4. Thus, it can eliminate the huge allocation of reconstructing major fuel distribution factories and companies.
On the note of producing biodiesel extracts on a macro scale basis, two steps are usually considered:
1. Growing of alternative feed stocks.
Oilseed crops (and animal lipids) are well known sources of biodiesel because of their oil content.
Interestingly, recent programs have been funded to research on the feasibility of using algal species as feedstocks for biodiesel extracts. In fact, there are noted species of algae from which you can extract larger amounts of oil. The same species also grow at very fast rates so production would definitely be efficient. Moreover, most of these species use less water for cultivation, unlike oilseed crops.
Another advantage of using algae as a source of biodiesel is that the species also grow best in salty water, so farms could be built near the ocean without desalinating seawater.
With recent development regarding algae research, that concern is completely obliterated since it was noted that algae could survive in either a hot desert or within areas near waste streams.
Processing the feedstock into biodiesel. This step would be best accomplished by present oil refineries around the world, which are being converted to biodiesel refineries and by new companies building state-of-the-art plants.
Environmentally speaking, the use of biodiesel is basically not alarming. However, further researches regarding on biodiesel producing alternatives should be ventured upon to facilitate a more feasible large-scale biodiesel production.
About the Author
Alternative fuel is what that the market needs, consumers environmentally activists are searching for healthy and clean solution for energy. BioDiesel Fuel is a popular fuel solution, more Biodiesel facts http://biodiesel.zupatips.com
How To Make Biodiesel To Save The Environment And Your Wallet by IPRWire Staff Writer
It is a rare night that the evening news is not telling viewers about a new horrible effect that pollution is having on people, animals, and the environment. From cancer to acid rain and famine to smog, the culprit to blame is fossil fuels. Would it not be great if there was a viable, clean alternative fuel? There is. By learning how to make biodiesel fuel, people can provide themselves with all the energy they require and not harm the environment or their health.
Yet it is not just the environment that fossil fuels are harming. Year after year the fuel costs are on the rise, and each time they increase by a steeper percentage. These increases have hit merchants hard, and consumers even harder. Airlines have had to add fuel surcharges, shipping companies have increased their rates, and even taxis have felt the pinch. Of course, as shipping rates increase the price of goods also goes up. This means that consumers' dollars don't go as far and they are unable to purchase as many products. It is clear that this is bad news for the economy.
Of course, learning how to make biodiesel can solve this problem as well. By switching just one car to biodiesel fuel, the driver can save $30 per fill up. Considering that the average household owns two cars, and that each car is filled at least three times per month, this can lead to outstanding savings. In addition, heating a home with biodiesel rather than oil saves $75 per 500 liters. Consider how many more Christmas presents could be purchased next winter. Finally, using a diesel generator for peak electricity can save the average household $500 per year, which could be used for better food, nicer clothing, or even a much needed vacation.
When we consider the amount of money that could be saved, it is amazing that anyone would not want to discover how to make biodiesel. Instead of that money going straight to the coffer of an oil company, it would be dispersed throughout the global economy. The money would circulate and encourage growth, creating all the benefits of a healthy economy such as improved social services, increased productivity, and advancements in technology.
The production of biodiesel is not as complicated as it may sound. This technology has been used on farms around the world for many generations, but is only now gaining popularity in the mainstream. With the right information, this process can be easily established and anyone can start reaping the financial benefits of producing their own fuel. Using simple tools, easy to find ingredients, and uncomplicated techniques, learning how to make biodiesel is a lesson anyone can master.
A good place to get all the information you need is at http://www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com. Ultimate Biodiesel Guide is currently providing a comprehensive manual and over 200 pages of bonus material at a discounted price. While visiting the site, you can also subscribe to the informative newsletter, "Alternative Energy," that provides ongoing updates on the world of alternative fuels.
About the Author
Excitement Limited (www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com) is a company that seeks to empower consumers through knowledge and simple, well-written publications about how to make biodiesel.
Yet it is not just the environment that fossil fuels are harming. Year after year the fuel costs are on the rise, and each time they increase by a steeper percentage. These increases have hit merchants hard, and consumers even harder. Airlines have had to add fuel surcharges, shipping companies have increased their rates, and even taxis have felt the pinch. Of course, as shipping rates increase the price of goods also goes up. This means that consumers' dollars don't go as far and they are unable to purchase as many products. It is clear that this is bad news for the economy.
Of course, learning how to make biodiesel can solve this problem as well. By switching just one car to biodiesel fuel, the driver can save $30 per fill up. Considering that the average household owns two cars, and that each car is filled at least three times per month, this can lead to outstanding savings. In addition, heating a home with biodiesel rather than oil saves $75 per 500 liters. Consider how many more Christmas presents could be purchased next winter. Finally, using a diesel generator for peak electricity can save the average household $500 per year, which could be used for better food, nicer clothing, or even a much needed vacation.
When we consider the amount of money that could be saved, it is amazing that anyone would not want to discover how to make biodiesel. Instead of that money going straight to the coffer of an oil company, it would be dispersed throughout the global economy. The money would circulate and encourage growth, creating all the benefits of a healthy economy such as improved social services, increased productivity, and advancements in technology.
The production of biodiesel is not as complicated as it may sound. This technology has been used on farms around the world for many generations, but is only now gaining popularity in the mainstream. With the right information, this process can be easily established and anyone can start reaping the financial benefits of producing their own fuel. Using simple tools, easy to find ingredients, and uncomplicated techniques, learning how to make biodiesel is a lesson anyone can master.
A good place to get all the information you need is at http://www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com. Ultimate Biodiesel Guide is currently providing a comprehensive manual and over 200 pages of bonus material at a discounted price. While visiting the site, you can also subscribe to the informative newsletter, "Alternative Energy," that provides ongoing updates on the world of alternative fuels.
About the Author
Excitement Limited (www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com) is a company that seeks to empower consumers through knowledge and simple, well-written publications about how to make biodiesel.
Making Biodiesel To Solve The Fossil Fuel Problem by IPRWire Staff Writer
Have you ever considered making biodiesel? Well now is the time to start considering it. Anyone who reads the papers knows that fossil fuels are hurting our environment. Increased emissions of greenhouse gases are polluting the atmosphere and creating the effect of global warming. The effects are already seen in rising temperatures, poor air quality, acid rain, and failing health.
An additional dilemma with fossil fuels is that the resources are becoming fast depleted. Although technically renewable, nature fills fossil fuel reserves at a very slow rate, and companies tap them very quickly. With the combined effect of fossil fuels being required, they are also bad for the environment and soon to be gone as the world is finding itself in an awful dilemma. Yet this dilemma may be solvable by making biodiesel fuel as an affordable and clean alternative.
In the past, we have attempted to solve the fossil fuel problem using a combination of two methods. The first method has been to encourage people to use less fuel through education. This is ineffective and unnecessary. Although some people may be excessive in their fuel consumption, our society's dependence upon technology has created a system in which that consumption is necessary.
A second solution has been to increase the cost. Although rising prices are a side effect of increased demand and decreased supply, they also serve to limit the amount of fuel people can afford to consume. Unfortunately, this means the wealthy can still use just as much, while everyone else cannot. If everyone was making biodiesel, there would be no limit, allowing people to drive their vehicles to work and heat their homes in the winter easily.
It is bad enough that fossil fuels and the oil companies that peddle them should be polluting the water, air, and land. Now that those resources are almost gone, should society stand by paying exorbitant prices, waging wars to secure more resources, and denying people much needed comforts? Instead of limiting pollution and saving fossil fuel reserves at the expense of ethics and quality of life, people can have it all by making biodiesel fuel.
Although it may sound complicated, the production of this alternative fuel source is actually quite simple. All it takes is a desire to make the change, a little dedication, and the right information. Unfortunately, as with every new and alternative technology, there is plenty of false information and companies wanting to exploit consumers.
Anyone interested in saving themselves money while saving the environment should seek online information that is fact based and backed by a reputable website. When conducting your own research, start with http://www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com. This site not only offers a comprehensive manual, but also a complete site with additional resources, newsletter subscription, and a lot of free bonuses. In addition, the brilliant minds behind the site are always available to answer any questions or concerns about biodiesel fuel. They can be reached directly using the site's interactive contact page.
About the Author
Excitement Limited (www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com) is a London-based company that seeks to empower consumers through knowledge and simple, well-written publications about making biodiesel.
An additional dilemma with fossil fuels is that the resources are becoming fast depleted. Although technically renewable, nature fills fossil fuel reserves at a very slow rate, and companies tap them very quickly. With the combined effect of fossil fuels being required, they are also bad for the environment and soon to be gone as the world is finding itself in an awful dilemma. Yet this dilemma may be solvable by making biodiesel fuel as an affordable and clean alternative.
In the past, we have attempted to solve the fossil fuel problem using a combination of two methods. The first method has been to encourage people to use less fuel through education. This is ineffective and unnecessary. Although some people may be excessive in their fuel consumption, our society's dependence upon technology has created a system in which that consumption is necessary.
A second solution has been to increase the cost. Although rising prices are a side effect of increased demand and decreased supply, they also serve to limit the amount of fuel people can afford to consume. Unfortunately, this means the wealthy can still use just as much, while everyone else cannot. If everyone was making biodiesel, there would be no limit, allowing people to drive their vehicles to work and heat their homes in the winter easily.
It is bad enough that fossil fuels and the oil companies that peddle them should be polluting the water, air, and land. Now that those resources are almost gone, should society stand by paying exorbitant prices, waging wars to secure more resources, and denying people much needed comforts? Instead of limiting pollution and saving fossil fuel reserves at the expense of ethics and quality of life, people can have it all by making biodiesel fuel.
Although it may sound complicated, the production of this alternative fuel source is actually quite simple. All it takes is a desire to make the change, a little dedication, and the right information. Unfortunately, as with every new and alternative technology, there is plenty of false information and companies wanting to exploit consumers.
Anyone interested in saving themselves money while saving the environment should seek online information that is fact based and backed by a reputable website. When conducting your own research, start with http://www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com. This site not only offers a comprehensive manual, but also a complete site with additional resources, newsletter subscription, and a lot of free bonuses. In addition, the brilliant minds behind the site are always available to answer any questions or concerns about biodiesel fuel. They can be reached directly using the site's interactive contact page.
About the Author
Excitement Limited (www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com) is a London-based company that seeks to empower consumers through knowledge and simple, well-written publications about making biodiesel.
Biodiesel Making Course Review - Must Read Now!! by Charles Hamel
Gas prices continue to rise during the holiday shopping season. The national average as of December 1st 2006 is $2.27 regular, $2.28 diesel. With the popularity of Hybrid cars and the approaching re-interest in Electric cars the public is clearly fed up with not only the prices of fuel but also the dependency on foreign countries for our energy sources. Depending on foreign countries for our fuel source is not only ridiculous but unnecessary.
The latest quarterly pricing survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers and eurocarprice.com finds that diesels accounted for 49% (7,415,198 units) of the total European car market at the end of 2005. That represents a 7% increase in annual sales volume over the prior period. Diesel is now set to overtake gasoline as the primary fuel for new passenger vehicles in Europe during 2006 as buyers look for more fuel-efficient options. After years of fighting among automakers, oil companies and regulators, technology and the demand for better fuel economy have progressed enough to make diesels more attractive. Every major automaker is committed to build more diesel-powered models or is studying their feasibility for the United States. A few hinted at future plans during the Detroit auto show.
Now let me give you a little information about the diesel engine. Rudolf Diesel developed the idea for the diesel engine and obtained the German patent for it in 1892. His goal was to create an engine with high efficiency. Gasoline engines had been invented in 1876 and, especially at that time, were not very efficient. Rudolf Diesel intended the diesel engine to use a variety of fuels including coal dust and peanut oil. He demonstrated it at the 1900 Exposition Universelle (Worlds Fair) using peanut oil. Vegetable oils were used in diesel engines until the 1920's when an alteration was made to the engine, enabling it to use a residue of petroleum - what is now known as diesel #2. Despite the fact that men such as Henry Ford, Rudolph Diesel, and subsequent manufacturers of diesel engines saw the future of renewable resource fuels, a political and economic struggle doomed the industry. Manufacturing industrialists made modifications to the diesel engines so they could take advantage of the extremely low prices of the residual, low-grade fuel now offered by the petroleum industry. The petroleum companies wanted control of the fuel supplies in the United States and, despite the benefits of biomass fuel verses the fossil fuels, they moved ahead to eliminate all competition in the 1940's.
Now in 2006 as the gas prices climbed to over $3.00 a gallon in April, China going through the biggest Industrial Boom of it's history the demand for fossil fuels have skyrocketed. We are being told there is an impending shortage, thus the move to search for alternative fuels. In the news there is talk of ethanol, hydrogen and bio-fuels, and bio-fuels is what brings me to this article. For those of you who own diesel vehicles did you know that it is possible to make biodiesel for as little as 50-60 cents per gallon. And the big kicker, it is a very easy process and can be done in your garage with easily obtainable ingredients.
I was fortunate to obtain a copy of Jay Talton's "Biodiesel Making Course". I was fully impressed with the amount of information it contains, and the way Jay guides newbies step by step in the methods of obtaining the ingredients, and then holding you by the hand and walking you through the process of making your very own biodiesel. Anyone can do this with easily obtained household items, and ingredients that can be found at your local auto parts and grocery store.
The "Biodiesel Making Course" goes in depth for beginners on the history of bio-fuels, handling and safety instructions, and the step by step of making and storing biodiesel. I was very impressed also with the amount of extras that you get free with the course, including a video of Jay explaining the different resources on the subject of biodiesel and biodiesel making supplies, an audio course entitled the "Ultimate Fuel Saving" course, "Using Unmodified Vegetable Oils as a Diesel Extender" and "The Art of Making Soap and Candles" out of a glycerin which is a by product of biodiesel.
Jay Talton's "Biodiesel Making Course" is a must read for anyone who owns or is thinking of buying a diesel vehicle. I run Biodiesel in my 2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and I have never seen a difference in performance. Don't let the automakers tell you that it won't work in your diesel engine, because the truth is most of them don't know anything about it. Take it from someone with experience, it works well and is more lubricating and cleansing than regular diesel. If you are remotely interested in saving $1.75 to $1.85 per gallon then don't miss this course. Click Here!
About the Author
Charles Hamel lives near Houston, Texas with his wife and two children. He makes his living freelance writing and blogging. His hobby's include cooking and music. He is a vegetarian, environmentalist, and an entrepreneur. He has always been a non-follower, always marching to the beat of his own drum, intuitive, easy going, technology geek.
The latest quarterly pricing survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers and eurocarprice.com finds that diesels accounted for 49% (7,415,198 units) of the total European car market at the end of 2005. That represents a 7% increase in annual sales volume over the prior period. Diesel is now set to overtake gasoline as the primary fuel for new passenger vehicles in Europe during 2006 as buyers look for more fuel-efficient options. After years of fighting among automakers, oil companies and regulators, technology and the demand for better fuel economy have progressed enough to make diesels more attractive. Every major automaker is committed to build more diesel-powered models or is studying their feasibility for the United States. A few hinted at future plans during the Detroit auto show.
Now let me give you a little information about the diesel engine. Rudolf Diesel developed the idea for the diesel engine and obtained the German patent for it in 1892. His goal was to create an engine with high efficiency. Gasoline engines had been invented in 1876 and, especially at that time, were not very efficient. Rudolf Diesel intended the diesel engine to use a variety of fuels including coal dust and peanut oil. He demonstrated it at the 1900 Exposition Universelle (Worlds Fair) using peanut oil. Vegetable oils were used in diesel engines until the 1920's when an alteration was made to the engine, enabling it to use a residue of petroleum - what is now known as diesel #2. Despite the fact that men such as Henry Ford, Rudolph Diesel, and subsequent manufacturers of diesel engines saw the future of renewable resource fuels, a political and economic struggle doomed the industry. Manufacturing industrialists made modifications to the diesel engines so they could take advantage of the extremely low prices of the residual, low-grade fuel now offered by the petroleum industry. The petroleum companies wanted control of the fuel supplies in the United States and, despite the benefits of biomass fuel verses the fossil fuels, they moved ahead to eliminate all competition in the 1940's.
Now in 2006 as the gas prices climbed to over $3.00 a gallon in April, China going through the biggest Industrial Boom of it's history the demand for fossil fuels have skyrocketed. We are being told there is an impending shortage, thus the move to search for alternative fuels. In the news there is talk of ethanol, hydrogen and bio-fuels, and bio-fuels is what brings me to this article. For those of you who own diesel vehicles did you know that it is possible to make biodiesel for as little as 50-60 cents per gallon. And the big kicker, it is a very easy process and can be done in your garage with easily obtainable ingredients.
I was fortunate to obtain a copy of Jay Talton's "Biodiesel Making Course". I was fully impressed with the amount of information it contains, and the way Jay guides newbies step by step in the methods of obtaining the ingredients, and then holding you by the hand and walking you through the process of making your very own biodiesel. Anyone can do this with easily obtained household items, and ingredients that can be found at your local auto parts and grocery store.
The "Biodiesel Making Course" goes in depth for beginners on the history of bio-fuels, handling and safety instructions, and the step by step of making and storing biodiesel. I was very impressed also with the amount of extras that you get free with the course, including a video of Jay explaining the different resources on the subject of biodiesel and biodiesel making supplies, an audio course entitled the "Ultimate Fuel Saving" course, "Using Unmodified Vegetable Oils as a Diesel Extender" and "The Art of Making Soap and Candles" out of a glycerin which is a by product of biodiesel.
Jay Talton's "Biodiesel Making Course" is a must read for anyone who owns or is thinking of buying a diesel vehicle. I run Biodiesel in my 2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and I have never seen a difference in performance. Don't let the automakers tell you that it won't work in your diesel engine, because the truth is most of them don't know anything about it. Take it from someone with experience, it works well and is more lubricating and cleansing than regular diesel. If you are remotely interested in saving $1.75 to $1.85 per gallon then don't miss this course. Click Here!
About the Author
Charles Hamel lives near Houston, Texas with his wife and two children. He makes his living freelance writing and blogging. His hobby's include cooking and music. He is a vegetarian, environmentalist, and an entrepreneur. He has always been a non-follower, always marching to the beat of his own drum, intuitive, easy going, technology geek.
LPG: an assessment of alternative fuels by Daniel Muir
Availability of alternative fuels by number of stations (www.energysavingstrust.co.uk):
LPG- 1228 Biodiesel-138 Natural gas- 31 Electricity-12 Bioethanol-10 Hydrogen-0
LPG is by far the most available alternative fuel. This enables more customers to be targeted and more customers are also more able to reach the fuel stations making it a more attractive option for customers. LPG is best suited to 'thirsty' fuel consuming cars or cars which have a high annual mileage. LPG cars bring many benefits i.e. less toxic emissions, cost savings per mile and congestion zone discounts.
Another option is biodiesel, which is biodegradable and better for the environment. It doesn't really affect vehicles in a bad way and could make the engine run more smoothly. It is about the same price as diesel and generally believed to be better for the environment.
Natural gas is mainly used in trucks and buses etc, and includes benefits including being much quieter than diesel cars, less toxic emissions and a congestion zone discount. Drawbacks include low availability and large storage is needed.
Electricity is thought of as the ideal sustainable transport solution but in order to be 'zero emission' must be produced using a renewable energy source. Performance is similar or improved but barriers include high cost, lack of investment and large storage tanks are needed.
Bioethanol is again much better for the environment but running costs are similar to petrol and there is very limited availability.
Lastly, hydrogen is almost pollution-free but is still at an early stage in development and can cost up to 20 times more than petrol. There is currently no availability but there is potential for growth.
Undoubtedly, at the moment, LPG appears to be the best option due to its availability and benefits and will be looking to become even more widely known and used in the future.
About the Author
This Article was written by Daniel Muir for Fuelture Ltd. Fuelture Ltd is a UK based alternative fuel company with a national LPG conversion service. Fuelture Ltd aspires to build a unique network of state-of-the-art LPG Stations and to launch a unique
The answer is Anaerobic Digestion for all the organic waste feedstocks suitable for it.
The process of anaerobic digestion (composting without air (oxygen)) uses organic waste materials to produce methane gas. The methane gas produced is a sustainable fuel for direct burning for power generation.
Doing this is carbon positive, it uses only renewable resources, it replaces fossil fuel use. It will reduce climate change.
Put this all together and you have real sustainability. A way of living without climate change, and without jeopardising the lives of later generations from global warming.
About the Author
To buy sustainable (peat free) compost visit the compost for sale web site and also see this anaerobic digestion web site for more information about AD.
LPG- 1228 Biodiesel-138 Natural gas- 31 Electricity-12 Bioethanol-10 Hydrogen-0
LPG is by far the most available alternative fuel. This enables more customers to be targeted and more customers are also more able to reach the fuel stations making it a more attractive option for customers. LPG is best suited to 'thirsty' fuel consuming cars or cars which have a high annual mileage. LPG cars bring many benefits i.e. less toxic emissions, cost savings per mile and congestion zone discounts.
Another option is biodiesel, which is biodegradable and better for the environment. It doesn't really affect vehicles in a bad way and could make the engine run more smoothly. It is about the same price as diesel and generally believed to be better for the environment.
Natural gas is mainly used in trucks and buses etc, and includes benefits including being much quieter than diesel cars, less toxic emissions and a congestion zone discount. Drawbacks include low availability and large storage is needed.
Electricity is thought of as the ideal sustainable transport solution but in order to be 'zero emission' must be produced using a renewable energy source. Performance is similar or improved but barriers include high cost, lack of investment and large storage tanks are needed.
Bioethanol is again much better for the environment but running costs are similar to petrol and there is very limited availability.
Lastly, hydrogen is almost pollution-free but is still at an early stage in development and can cost up to 20 times more than petrol. There is currently no availability but there is potential for growth.
Undoubtedly, at the moment, LPG appears to be the best option due to its availability and benefits and will be looking to become even more widely known and used in the future.
About the Author
This Article was written by Daniel Muir for Fuelture Ltd. Fuelture Ltd is a UK based alternative fuel company with a national LPG conversion service. Fuelture Ltd aspires to build a unique network of state-of-the-art LPG Stations and to launch a unique
 to divert as much of our organic waste as possible away from landfill. This is a high priority for the United Kingdom if we are to reach Government recycling targets which are designed to ensure we comply with required landfill diversion rates as set by the EU Landfill Directive.<br /><br />What is the easiest way to divert organic waste away from landfill, and close a lot of landfills for good?<br /><br />The answer to this is composting. Composting is the natural way to bring left-over organic material back into the nutrient cycle. It also replaces chemical fertilisers and improves the quality of the soil, reducing crop pests, and retaining more moisture in the soil which then means that less watering is needed.<br /><br />So composting is a good way to divert waste from landfill, but is there real demand for the huge quantities that could be made from the very large proportion of our municipal solid waste which is organic?<br /><br />No, there are good reasons for concluding that there will never be a large enough demand for it from farmers and gardeners, because there is a huge amount of organic waste in our rubbish from potato peelings to newspapers, cardboard, and even our old non-synthetic clothes.<br /><br />Composting can also be the first stage toward more sophisticated waste processing technologies such as Anaerobic Digestion, and take us toward a much more sustainable carbon economy which many see as the intermediate step civilisation needs to go through before entering the age of the hydrogen economy.<br /><br />The vision of a carbon economy leads us toward a need to increase methane production. This is because there will be a demand to produce a lot of methane which can then be processed further into biofuel such as biomethanol and biodiesel - away from dependency on oil as our fuel source - and toward a marvelous new freedom from fossil fuels.<br /><br />However, just as in most scientific and commercial advances, they work best through evolution rather than revolution, and so it will be with composting. Many nations including the UK, are now composting very successfully, but we appreciate that composting alone will not bring us to the point where we become sustainable.<br /><br />We realise that we need sustainable renewable fuels very urgently to stop using fossil fuels and reduce the rate of climate change. By building on our success with household green waste and by beginning to compost commercial waste, and food wastes too, we are developing a culture which begins to accept organic waste processing, and not landfilling as the norm. Many successful new businesses have been created to process compost in the UK, and those businesses will naturally seek to develop and diversify.<br /><br />Composting requires energy, it is a net carbon emitter and it is still not very sustainable for Municipal Solid Wastes. It is not the best use of waste organic matter which can contain a lot of contaminating materials.<br /><br />So, how can we adapt composting to be a net carbon emissions reducer, or ){kind=link}
The answer is Anaerobic Digestion for all the organic waste feedstocks suitable for it.
The process of anaerobic digestion (composting without air (oxygen)) uses organic waste materials to produce methane gas. The methane gas produced is a sustainable fuel for direct burning for power generation.
Doing this is carbon positive, it uses only renewable resources, it replaces fossil fuel use. It will reduce climate change.
Put this all together and you have real sustainability. A way of living without climate change, and without jeopardising the lives of later generations from global warming.
About the Author
To buy sustainable (peat free) compost visit the compost for sale web site and also see this anaerobic digestion web site for more information about AD.
Biodiesel v Ethanol Which is the Best Alternative Fuel by Mike Copinger
Everywhere I read, I read that ethanol is the next fuel to save us from a fossil fuel dependant, over heated, polluted future.
This emphasis seems to be the case particularly in the USA. That's understandable when you consider that the USA is the one great industrial nation that until recently never really embraced diesel engines like Europe. So you can understand their infatuation with ethanol - but that does not make it the right or the only choice.
In September Renault demonstrated its new hydrogen fuel cell powered 207 cabriolet, 28 bhp electric motor, 81 mph and an operating range of 218 miles, producing nothing but water as its sole emission. This month it was BMW with their new hydrogen power 7 series. They already have 3 fuel stations up and running in Germany with more planed. In October another manufacturer announced their hybrid system which converts braking energy not into electricity, but into compressed gas which is then used to help acceleration.
So clearly there are other options - however all of this is rather misses the point. None of these technologies help the power generation industry, nor do they meet the needs of the merchant navy, road hauliers or railway companies, all of whom, at least outside the USA, run on diesel.
Ethanol is a fuel which is complicated to make and thus easy to regulate, it continues to be cost effective only because of the massive government subsidies that it receives, it singularly fails to encourage the use of more fuel efficient diesel engines which simply delays the inevitable.
Which brings us neatly to the next point. The majority of ethanol in the USA is produced from corn - a food crop, a crop which requires good soil if it is to be grown in quantity. Do we face a future where we choose between fuel and food?
As all owners of a betmax video machine can testify, it is not always the best product that wins through. In the 80's Sony's betmax technology finally lost out to VHS, not because VHS was better but because it was better supported. With luminaries such as Bill Gates investing upwards of $84 million in ethanol production and distribution it is almost bound to be a success, if not an exclusive one.
In the US led fossil fuel replacement debate ethanol is clearly gaining ground steadily. However the world at large needs a diesel replacement, and the USA will sooner or later have to grasp the concept of fuel economy.
The only contender in this space is biodiesel, a clean fuel that can been made from crops like Jatropha, grown on the most marginal ground not suitable for food crops, and easily manufactured in plants small enough to fit into most peoples back yards.
What is certain is that whichever way this debate goes there is sure to be a rise in demand for a good, dependable supply of hardy, high yield crops whether for food or fuel production. Undoubtedly good news for Monsanto with their GM seeds.
About the Author
Mike Copinger is an alternative energy enthusiast. Between speaking engagements he runs a number of initiatives including www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com and www.biodiesel-secrets-revealed.com
This emphasis seems to be the case particularly in the USA. That's understandable when you consider that the USA is the one great industrial nation that until recently never really embraced diesel engines like Europe. So you can understand their infatuation with ethanol - but that does not make it the right or the only choice.
In September Renault demonstrated its new hydrogen fuel cell powered 207 cabriolet, 28 bhp electric motor, 81 mph and an operating range of 218 miles, producing nothing but water as its sole emission. This month it was BMW with their new hydrogen power 7 series. They already have 3 fuel stations up and running in Germany with more planed. In October another manufacturer announced their hybrid system which converts braking energy not into electricity, but into compressed gas which is then used to help acceleration.
So clearly there are other options - however all of this is rather misses the point. None of these technologies help the power generation industry, nor do they meet the needs of the merchant navy, road hauliers or railway companies, all of whom, at least outside the USA, run on diesel.
Ethanol is a fuel which is complicated to make and thus easy to regulate, it continues to be cost effective only because of the massive government subsidies that it receives, it singularly fails to encourage the use of more fuel efficient diesel engines which simply delays the inevitable.
Which brings us neatly to the next point. The majority of ethanol in the USA is produced from corn - a food crop, a crop which requires good soil if it is to be grown in quantity. Do we face a future where we choose between fuel and food?
As all owners of a betmax video machine can testify, it is not always the best product that wins through. In the 80's Sony's betmax technology finally lost out to VHS, not because VHS was better but because it was better supported. With luminaries such as Bill Gates investing upwards of $84 million in ethanol production and distribution it is almost bound to be a success, if not an exclusive one.
In the US led fossil fuel replacement debate ethanol is clearly gaining ground steadily. However the world at large needs a diesel replacement, and the USA will sooner or later have to grasp the concept of fuel economy.
The only contender in this space is biodiesel, a clean fuel that can been made from crops like Jatropha, grown on the most marginal ground not suitable for food crops, and easily manufactured in plants small enough to fit into most peoples back yards.
What is certain is that whichever way this debate goes there is sure to be a rise in demand for a good, dependable supply of hardy, high yield crops whether for food or fuel production. Undoubtedly good news for Monsanto with their GM seeds.
About the Author
Mike Copinger is an alternative energy enthusiast. Between speaking engagements he runs a number of initiatives including www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com and www.biodiesel-secrets-revealed.com
Composting To Reduce Landfill Sites, And The Path To Biofuel Sustainability by Steve Evans
Throughout Europe all nations are committed to the processing of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to divert as much of our organic waste as possible away from landfill. This is a high priority for the United Kingdom if we are to reach Government recycling targets which are designed to ensure we comply with required landfill diversion rates as set by the EU Landfill Directive.
What is the easiest way to divert organic waste away from landfill, and close a lot of landfills for good?
The answer to this is composting. Composting is the natural way to bring left-over organic material back into the nutrient cycle. It also replaces chemical fertilisers and improves the quality of the soil, reducing crop pests, and retaining more moisture in the soil which then means that less watering is needed.
So composting is a good way to divert waste from landfill, but is there real demand for the huge quantities that could be made from the very large proportion of our municipal solid waste which is organic?
No, there are good reasons for concluding that there will never be a large enough demand for it from farmers and gardeners, because there is a huge amount of organic waste in our rubbish from potato peelings to newspapers, cardboard, and even our old non-synthetic clothes.
Composting can also be the first stage toward more sophisticated waste processing technologies such as Anaerobic Digestion, and take us toward a much more sustainable carbon economy which many see as the intermediate step civilisation needs to go through before entering the age of the hydrogen economy.
The vision of a carbon economy leads us toward a need to increase methane production. This is because there will be a demand to produce a lot of methane which can then be processed further into biofuel such as biomethanol and biodiesel - away from dependency on oil as our fuel source - and toward a marvelous new freedom from fossil fuels.
However, just as in most scientific and commercial advances, they work best through evolution rather than revolution, and so it will be with composting. Many nations including the UK, are now composting very successfully, but we appreciate that composting alone will not bring us to the point where we become sustainable.
We realise that we need sustainable renewable fuels very urgently to stop using fossil fuels and reduce the rate of climate change. By building on our success with household green waste and by beginning to compost commercial waste, and food wastes too, we are developing a culture which begins to accept organic waste processing, and not landfilling as the norm. Many successful new businesses have been created to process compost in the UK, and those businesses will naturally seek to develop and diversify.
Composting requires energy, it is a net carbon emitter and it is still not very sustainable for Municipal Solid Wastes. It is not the best use of waste organic matter which can contain a lot of contaminating materials.
So, how can we adapt composting to be a net carbon emissions reducer, or "Carbon Negative" and allow these new business to expand their hard won skills in biowaste processing?
The answer is Anaerobic Digestion for all the organic waste feedstocks suitable for it.
The process of anaerobic digestion (composting without air (oxygen)) uses organic waste materials to produce methane gas. The methane gas produced is a sustainable fuel for direct burning for power generation.
Doing this is carbon positive, it uses only renewable resources, it replaces fossil fuel use. It will reduce climate change.
Put this all together and you have real sustainability. A way of living without climate change, and without jeopardising the lives of later generations from global warming.
To find out more about more about where you can buy sustainable (peat free) compost visit the compost for sale web site and for anaerobic digestion information visit anaerobic digestion
About the Author
Steve Evans is a waste management professional with wide interests in sustainable living.
What is the easiest way to divert organic waste away from landfill, and close a lot of landfills for good?
The answer to this is composting. Composting is the natural way to bring left-over organic material back into the nutrient cycle. It also replaces chemical fertilisers and improves the quality of the soil, reducing crop pests, and retaining more moisture in the soil which then means that less watering is needed.
So composting is a good way to divert waste from landfill, but is there real demand for the huge quantities that could be made from the very large proportion of our municipal solid waste which is organic?
No, there are good reasons for concluding that there will never be a large enough demand for it from farmers and gardeners, because there is a huge amount of organic waste in our rubbish from potato peelings to newspapers, cardboard, and even our old non-synthetic clothes.
Composting can also be the first stage toward more sophisticated waste processing technologies such as Anaerobic Digestion, and take us toward a much more sustainable carbon economy which many see as the intermediate step civilisation needs to go through before entering the age of the hydrogen economy.
The vision of a carbon economy leads us toward a need to increase methane production. This is because there will be a demand to produce a lot of methane which can then be processed further into biofuel such as biomethanol and biodiesel - away from dependency on oil as our fuel source - and toward a marvelous new freedom from fossil fuels.
However, just as in most scientific and commercial advances, they work best through evolution rather than revolution, and so it will be with composting. Many nations including the UK, are now composting very successfully, but we appreciate that composting alone will not bring us to the point where we become sustainable.
We realise that we need sustainable renewable fuels very urgently to stop using fossil fuels and reduce the rate of climate change. By building on our success with household green waste and by beginning to compost commercial waste, and food wastes too, we are developing a culture which begins to accept organic waste processing, and not landfilling as the norm. Many successful new businesses have been created to process compost in the UK, and those businesses will naturally seek to develop and diversify.
Composting requires energy, it is a net carbon emitter and it is still not very sustainable for Municipal Solid Wastes. It is not the best use of waste organic matter which can contain a lot of contaminating materials.
So, how can we adapt composting to be a net carbon emissions reducer, or "Carbon Negative" and allow these new business to expand their hard won skills in biowaste processing?
The answer is Anaerobic Digestion for all the organic waste feedstocks suitable for it.
The process of anaerobic digestion (composting without air (oxygen)) uses organic waste materials to produce methane gas. The methane gas produced is a sustainable fuel for direct burning for power generation.
Doing this is carbon positive, it uses only renewable resources, it replaces fossil fuel use. It will reduce climate change.
Put this all together and you have real sustainability. A way of living without climate change, and without jeopardising the lives of later generations from global warming.
To find out more about more about where you can buy sustainable (peat free) compost visit the compost for sale web site and for anaerobic digestion information visit anaerobic digestion
About the Author
Steve Evans is a waste management professional with wide interests in sustainable living.
Highlights On A Few Reputable Biodiesel Makers by Win Paulson
Biodiesel has recently been recognized as a viable alternative energy source and fuel additive by several international groups. Its many advantages over conventional petroleum based diesels include being environmentally friendly due to causing no harmful emissions, as well as being readily biodegradable. Biodiesel also enjoys a certain amount of sponsorship from environmental groups because certain types of biodiesel are made from waste cooking oils, allowing easy recycling of something that would otherwise go to waste after use.
Furthermore, it's performance specs initially show as much efficiency as normal diesel fuels, but it also gives the added advantage of increasing the lubrication of the engine parts it runs through, improving engine efficiency in the long run by as much as 30% as well as cleaning out the engines, making them run smoother, and prolonging their lifespan.
Several firms in recent years have placed research into producing biodiesel, and with funding from various investors and even government sponsors, these firms have come up with safe and effective fuels. Some reliable names in the biodiesel industry include the following companies:
NBB
This is not a manufacturing company per se, but merits first mention because it is the National Biodiesel Board. Its main goal is to promote the overall production, trade, and development of biodiesel in the United States. NBB subsidiaries and sponsored corporations have to pass strict standards, so they can assure the public of safe and effective forms of biodiesel.
Pacific Biodiesel
Situated in Hawaii, Pacific biodiesel specializes in the creation of fuel from cooking oil byproducts. Their approach is extremely environmentally friendly, employing used vegetable and animal cooking oils as their source of fuel production. Their manufacturing plant takes these used materials that would normally simply be discarded, and processes them into useable biodiesel. The unused portions of the oil are also used, and are converted in another facility into soap and detergent products.
Footprint Recycling
These manufacturers also specialize in the recycling of cooking oil into biodiesel. They make a distinction between conventional biodiesel and WVO, or Waste Vegetable Oil. Their definition of biodiesel is that is processed directly from soybeans and coconut oil, while waste vegetable oil (WVO) diesels are made especially from recycled vegetable-based cooking oils.
Minnesota Soybean Processors
Minnesota, together with its famous adjoining city St Paul, form the economic engine that drives the Upper Midwest of the United States. The Minnesota Soybean Processors are a conglomerate that specializes in the production of soybean related products. One of their main products is soybean-based biodiesel, and one of the strengths of this group is that they have tie-ins with other Minnesota based institutions to further their research and development, including the state sponsored University of Minnesota.
Biofuel Industries
Based in Texas, this company eschews the usual approach of other biodiesel manufacturers. Instead of utilizing waste vegetable oil or soybeans as a fuel source, they convert other plant oil into biodiesel. Actually, they originally focused on vegetable oil biodiesel, but as time went by this particular group made a point of branching out. Their specialty is in finding sources aside from WVO and soybeans to use as a base material for creating biodiesel. Currently, their research includes using coconut oil and palm oil, and they are continuously exploring other oilseed plants as viable options for alternative fuel.
About the Author
Win Paulson is editor of Info-Biodiesel.com where you will find information on biodiesel. Head to FlexFuel-Info.com for info on other biofuels and renewable energy.
Furthermore, it's performance specs initially show as much efficiency as normal diesel fuels, but it also gives the added advantage of increasing the lubrication of the engine parts it runs through, improving engine efficiency in the long run by as much as 30% as well as cleaning out the engines, making them run smoother, and prolonging their lifespan.
Several firms in recent years have placed research into producing biodiesel, and with funding from various investors and even government sponsors, these firms have come up with safe and effective fuels. Some reliable names in the biodiesel industry include the following companies:
NBB
This is not a manufacturing company per se, but merits first mention because it is the National Biodiesel Board. Its main goal is to promote the overall production, trade, and development of biodiesel in the United States. NBB subsidiaries and sponsored corporations have to pass strict standards, so they can assure the public of safe and effective forms of biodiesel.
Pacific Biodiesel
Situated in Hawaii, Pacific biodiesel specializes in the creation of fuel from cooking oil byproducts. Their approach is extremely environmentally friendly, employing used vegetable and animal cooking oils as their source of fuel production. Their manufacturing plant takes these used materials that would normally simply be discarded, and processes them into useable biodiesel. The unused portions of the oil are also used, and are converted in another facility into soap and detergent products.
Footprint Recycling
These manufacturers also specialize in the recycling of cooking oil into biodiesel. They make a distinction between conventional biodiesel and WVO, or Waste Vegetable Oil. Their definition of biodiesel is that is processed directly from soybeans and coconut oil, while waste vegetable oil (WVO) diesels are made especially from recycled vegetable-based cooking oils.
Minnesota Soybean Processors
Minnesota, together with its famous adjoining city St Paul, form the economic engine that drives the Upper Midwest of the United States. The Minnesota Soybean Processors are a conglomerate that specializes in the production of soybean related products. One of their main products is soybean-based biodiesel, and one of the strengths of this group is that they have tie-ins with other Minnesota based institutions to further their research and development, including the state sponsored University of Minnesota.
Biofuel Industries
Based in Texas, this company eschews the usual approach of other biodiesel manufacturers. Instead of utilizing waste vegetable oil or soybeans as a fuel source, they convert other plant oil into biodiesel. Actually, they originally focused on vegetable oil biodiesel, but as time went by this particular group made a point of branching out. Their specialty is in finding sources aside from WVO and soybeans to use as a base material for creating biodiesel. Currently, their research includes using coconut oil and palm oil, and they are continuously exploring other oilseed plants as viable options for alternative fuel.
About the Author
Win Paulson is editor of Info-Biodiesel.com where you will find information on biodiesel. Head to FlexFuel-Info.com for info on other biofuels and renewable energy.
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