Biofuels That Look Like Gasoline
April 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Alternative Energy, Alternative Fuel, BioFuels, BioMass, Ethanol, Featured, Hybrid Cars
The offspring of Jay Keasling’s synthetic biology research and vision, Emeryville, CA-based Amyris Biotechnologies has made a double impact. First, the company, with more than $40 million of backing from the Bill Gates’ Institute for One World Health charity, developed a microbial route to the anti-malarial compound artemisinin. In and of itself this work was a stunningly successful scientific achievement, and the resulting process has been licensed to Sanofi-Aventis for low-cost manufacturing and distribution in the third world.
But how does that relate to biofuels? Well, producing the anti-malarial drug relied on the engineering of a metabolic pathway to produce a key intermediate that is in the class of chemicals called terpenes. Chemically, terpenes are hydrocarbons, similar to diesel or gasoline, and are therefore very good fuel compounds. Thus, the same basic science that led to artemisinin can be applied, with appropriate tweaking, to produce fuels based on terpenes. And according to the company, a desired fuel compound can be selected based on its properties (flash point, cloud point, boiling point, density, fuel value, etc), and then the pathway to produce it can be designed. Voila! You have a designer fuel. And being hydrocarbons with properties similar to gasoline, terpenes do not suffer from the limitations that alcohols (particularly ethanol) have as fuels. If you want to put something into your gas tank or jet engine, a designer hydrocarbon is likely to be superior to any alcohol. At least that is what Amyris argues.
Amyris has the backing of a well-heeled group of VCs: Kleiner Perkins, TPG Biotech, and DAG Ventures. In the area of bio-based production of gasoline-like fuels, Amyris is at the head of the class. Economics remain to be proven, but Amyris has formed a joint venture with the second largest Brazilian sugar producer, Crystalsev, to get access to inexpensive sugar feedstock, and the first demonstration plant is scheduled to be built right on the sugar plantation in Brazil by 2010. It will produce a biodiesel (with the interesting name of “No CompromiseTM”), currently being piloted at Amyris’ Emerville facility. Amyris promises that a bio-gasoline and a bio-aviation fuel are not far behind. If any company can make terpene-based fuels successfully, Amyris appears to be that company.
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David Rozzell maintains a web site and blog dedicated to the latest developments and news in biofuels, biocatalysis, and industrial biotechnology. For informative, sometimes amusing, always opinionated analysis go to http://www.bio-catalyst.com He has 25 years of experience in biocatalysis and industrial biotechnology, and speaks frequently at international symposia. He is available for consulting projects. Contact him at david@bio-catalyst.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Rozzell
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Is BioDiesel Good or Bad for the Environment?
December 20, 2008 by admin
Filed under Alternative Energy, Alternative Fuel, BioDiesel, BioFuels
The Biofuel Debate – What’s all the fuss about?
There has been much talk of biofuels and in particular biodiesel being touted as a more carbon friendly alternative to traditional petroleum based fuel…
- Because biodiesel is made from renewable resources (unlike fossil fuels) and it has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel
- Because it is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar
- Because it is made entirely from renewable resources such as soybeans, sunflowers, rapeseed and palm oil as well as waste vegetable oil (used cooking oils)
it surely follows biodiesel must be better for the environment…or is it?
Over the last few years through the Kyoto Protocol, governments have discussed the global issue of climate change with a view to setting targets to reduce greenhouse gases. Whilst there has been general agreement that something needs to be done and targets have been set, the United States is the only developed country that has not ratified the treaty and yet it is one of the significant greenhouse gas emitters.
The dilemma seems to be that biodiesel is undoubtedly greener than traditional petroleum based fuel. On the other hand however, as there is no stipulation how and where this fuel is produced, could this ‘green’ fuel actually be doing more harm to our environment than good?
Let’s look at some of the contributing factors to this debate…
Biodiesel – The Good
As an alternative fuel, biodiesel would seem to be a very good alternative to fossil based fuels:-
- Mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions
- Making best use of the remaining limited supplies of fossil fuels
- Reducing air pollution along with the associated health risks to the public
- Benefiting domestic economies by reducing the dependence on importing foreign petroleum
- Relatively easy to produce in small or large volumes
Biodiesel – The Bad
The main problem with bio-fuels today is the source of the raw materials:-
- Biodiesel and ethanol are produced from plant oils and from edible crops meaning competition for basic foodstuffs, food or oil?
- Rain forests are being converted to palm oil production (palm oil is a key ingredient of food and other consumables…it can also be used to produce biodiesel)
- Current crops cannot keep pace with the bio-materials needed for producing biodiesel
Does this mean if we replace traditional petroleum based diesel with biodiesel we’ll compromise our supply of foodstuffs?
Biodiesel – The Future
The Biotech Industry has begun to help with the need to find alternative fuel sources for the future by looking at how to get more from less:-
- Increased production of more plants
- Improving crop yields – corn, a common biofuel crop in the USA, yields under 200 barrels (per square mile per year) whereas Jatropha for instance can yield over 2,000 barrels
- Use of marginal land – look at crops (see below) that can be grown on arid land rather than take away arable farmland needed for essential food production. Using arid land in the poorer regions could provide social and economic benefits for that region
New sources that lessen the threat of environmental impact include:-
- Algae – grows quickly, renews quickly but to be a viable option cost effective harvesting remains a challenge
- Jatropha – can be grown in arid climates, has a high yield compared with traditional biocrops, has the potential to increase fertility of the land
- Camalina – Researchers say the Camelina plant is an excellent source of biofuel; it can be grown in arid land, with less water, fertilizer and pesticides
Biodiesel – Many Complex Issues
Diesel engines were in fact originally designed in the early 1900′s to run on biodiesel made from oil seed crops and not to run on petroleum-based diesel. Was it a mistake not to encourage the development and take up of biodiesel back then instead of depending almost solely on petroleum?
Despite agreement in principle that biodiesel has a role to play in helping to reduce emissions unless politicians give clear guidelines about the future of renewable fuels there will continue to be a haphazard take up around the world. Most governments have been proceeding with caution and rightly so but mixed messages from governments around the world have only added to the uncertainty around the use biodiesel fuel. What should be the governments role be in promoting the use of biodiesel?
We live in a world today that has largely grown up in a throw away society without due regard to the consequences of waste. This wasteful attitude has been exacerbated by the lack of proper education in the basic skills of survival. It is only relatively recently that modern day governments have begun to encourage large scale recycling.
The challenge we face is to educate the public about the issues surrounding biofuels and what is good or bad. Honest debate not influenced by individual hidden agenda’s is the only way to arrive at political choices that embrace all the issues surrounding the use of biofuel.
So, is biodiesel good or bad for the environment?
One thing is for sure, first generation biofuels once thought to be the alternative fuel source of the future, have come under increased scrutiny recently. It is becoming clear that more information is needed about the potentially destructive elements of first-generation biofuels and the impact they have on the environment.
Environmentalists are concerned that the inadvertent consequence of using biodiesel fuel is unrecoverable damage to the environment. Furthermore, developing a dependence on traditional first generation biocrops may result in food competing with fuel over the use of land. We need to determine what the true balance is between good and bad from an environmental perspective.
Clearly governments need to further embrace the concept of reducing greenhouse gas emissions but should they be more proactive in finding a green source for our fuel as well?
Instead of destroying forests maybe we should look to new more “green” raw materials for producing biofuels. We must embrace the promotion of second and third-generation biofuels in an effort to help solve many of the current problems surrounding the use of first generation biodiesel.
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Alan Folkard is an avid devotee and follower of all things Biodiesel and supports the adoption of biodiesel as an alternative fuel provided a way can be found to balance the good and bad from an environmental perspective. Learn more about what biodiesel is. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Folkard |
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Facts and Myths about Biodiesel
December 16, 2008 by admin
Filed under Alternative Fuel, BioDiesel, BioFuels, BioMass
Most of the rumours spread about biodiesel damage is started by bandwagon jumpers who have never used biodiesel and sometimes may never even own a diesel car!. These people just love to use the internet to spread rumours, add their weight to the latest negative issues and start their own chinese whispers!.
Many people are also just perhaps passing on the experiences of a friend of a friend or even just repeating information given by other mis-informed individuals!. If you read the various motoring forums, then there is always somebody who has had a ‘negative’ experience of biodiesel. The again, if you read that closely there are people who have had fuel pump problems, engine damage, turbo failures on cars which have never even had a sniff of biodiesel!.
However, as with most things in life, there are some exceptions, and so a small risk, and so any owners venturing down the alternative fuel route will have to accept that all batches of biodiesel are different, and what may work for some will not work well for others.
Biodiesel will not damage your engine – however BAD biodiesel can!
Most of the genuine biodiesel problems occur when people have been careless about the quality of biodiesel which they pour into their cars. Well made and washed biodiesel will work in nearly all pre 2006 model cars without significant loss of power or any risk of damage. However there are suppliers out there who are not making biodiesel correctly, and those who are just selling Vegetable oil and thinners – which is NOT biodiesel.
Some people are also unaware that when first using biodiesel, it does clean out the fuel system and engine which can in turn, lead to blocked fuel filters. Although these are cheap and easy to replace, the effects of a blocked fuel filter (poor idle, sluggish, lack of power, limp home mode triggered in ECUs) are often confused with damage from Biodiesel, and reported as such!. However these are, in fact, perfectly normal signs of a blocked fuel filter and unlikely to cause damage.
Using biodiesel which hasn’t been filtered or washed properly, can cause fuel pump failure and injector problems and these are expensive to repair and replace. You do need to ensure that you buy from a reputable biodiesel supplier and read the feedback on forums (or ebay) to see the opinions of those who have bought from the biodiesel supplier before.
Owners forums and places like Pistonheads or TDICLUB can be a great source of information for biodiesel use – also have a look to see if there is a forum for owners of your particular make and model of car.
Myth:- Just pour in Vegetable Oil – its just the same as biodiesel but cheaper!
This statement is not only misleading, but it can also cause you expensive damage to your car!. Biodiesel is NOT the same as Vegetable oil.
There is no way that you should be just pouring new or used vegetable oil into your fuel tank without doing some serious research first, and possibly investing in a twin tank conversion for Veg Oil use!. If your car is a Direct Injection or Common Rail engined car, or manufactured after 2001, then there is a very good chance that your car will NOT run on Vegetable Oil and the risk of damage will result. Properly made Biodiesel will run in nearly all cars, and all types of engine including DI, TDI, HDI, CDI, TDDCI – however Vegetable Oil will only run in a fraction of much older types of car.
Vegetable oil is far thicker than Biodiesel, and so is more likely to not only clog up your fuel system, but also damage your fuel pump and clog up your injectors. Newer common rail diesel cars have extremely small, high pressure injection systems which will be quickly damaged by vegetable use, even when mixed with regular diesel!.
It is true that Biodiesel IS made from vegetable oil, often waste vegetable oil, and this is where the confusion often begins, however that is also where the connection between biodiesel and veg oil ends. To produce biodiesel, the waste oil has to be heated, dewatered, filtered and then mixed with other chemicals in a process called transestification, this process is then followed by more filtering, washing (to remove glycerine and methanol) and then polished – only then can it be called well made biodiesel, and only then should it find its way into your fuel tank!.
Myth:- Diesel Cars get better MPG from Biodiesel use
Opinions on this are mixed!, however in my own personal experience, there is a slight loss of MPG when using biodiesel instead of regular diesel. This is because Biodiesel has less energy than fossil diesel during the injection and combustion process, and so the fuel system needs to use slightly more fuel in order to produce the same amount of power compared to that needed on regular diesel.
It does however depend on the type of car, the type of fuel injection system and the types of journeys that you do!. There are some diesel owners who do get the same or slightly more MPG when running on biodiesel, however these tend to be older cars and on longer runs – if you do mainly short journeys where the engine does not reach normal operating temperature then the drop in MPG on biodiesel may be considerable.
Always factor in the price of biodiesel, compared to the loss experience in MPG. Sadly, some drivers are still filling up with biodiesel which only costs a few pence les than regular diesel, yet getting 5 – 10 mpg less on the same journeys. Obviously in these cases, it can cost you more in real terms than sticking with regular forecourt diesel, so always do the math!.
Myth:- Biodiesel cannot be used in new cars
Biodiesel can be used in any car which has a diesel engine!. However cars which have diesel particulate filters (DPF) should only be used on lower blends of biodiesel. This is because the DPF additive which is injected by the fuel system reacts adversely with biodiesel.
However, if you car does not have a DPF (Most pre 2006 models) then you can use well made biodiesel in any diesel engine, including IDI, DI, TDI, HDI, CDI, TDCI models.
If you have a warranty on a car, then you are not advised to use biodiesel in quantities above those which the manufacturers may recommend. However this doesn’t mean that your car will not run on biodiesel, or that damage will result. It is just common sense, because should the dealer note that your car is full of biodiesel during routine servicing, then it may be noted, and used as an excuse to get out of any warranty work in the future, even the non related fuel claims!.
Myth:- Using Biodiesel has more risks than benefits
If you are going to put homemade or untested commercially produced biodiesel into your car, then you have to accept that there are going to be some risks!. However these risks are on a par as other non manufacturer approved actions, such as fitting non manufacturer approved parts, fitting a tuning chip or other aftermarket accessories.
The main risk, is of course assessing the quality of the biodiesel, and making sure that it is of the highest quality. Diesel owners have successfully run many thousands of miles without any problems on biodiesel.
I have found that the cost savings of using biodiesel, coupled with much smoother running, cleaner emissions and the satisfaction of using a waste product that would be otherwise clogging up a sewer as a useful fuel, far outweigh the small risk of any long term damage.
Myth:- Biodiesel causes more wear and tear on your engine
Biodiesel is actually BETTER at lubricating diesel fuel pumps and engine components. If you are still concerned then I recommend the addition of Millers Power Plus 4 which will increase the cetane rating of your biodiesel making it combust more efficiently and also lubricate and clean the fuel system. Biodiesel also creates less soot when it burns, and so this should decrease the amount of soot, and carbon gunk in emissions control system such as EGR Valves and intercoolers.
Myth:- Biodiesel is easy to source
Biodiesel is actually getting harder to find in my experience, and sadly you may need to travel a fair distance in order to find a reliable source, or pay over the odds to a local supplier, as competition is few and far between. Sadly part of the reason that biodiesel is so scarce, is the lack of financial incentive given to them by the Government!.
Did you know that despite being an environmentally friendly fuel, Biodiesel only gets a small rebate in duty!. In the UK all commercial suppliers pay 30p of duty and VAT on each litre of biodiesel they produce.
So from every litre of biodiesel that you buy – 30p + VAT goes to the government in some form of Tax! and in most cases the Government actually earn more per litre of biodiesel produced than the actual producer. Given this point, it is hardly surprising that there is little biodiesel industry in the UK, and many biodiesel suppliers going out of business all of the time. However Biodiesel availability in Europe and especially the United States seems to be gaining ground, and in most U.S states, biodiesel is generally available in variations from B5 (5% biodiesel content) to B20 (20% biodiesel content) and even B99 (99% biodiesel content)
Myth:- Biodiesel is easy to make
Biodiesel is quite straightforward to make, requires care and attention to detail!. There are also some cautions which the glossy biodiesel processor brochures may not get across!.
Firstly, biodiesel production requires the use and handling of some nasty, corrosive and poisonous chemicals. Methanol poisoning can blind, maim and in sufficent quantities, even KILL. Equally, Lye powder is very corrosive and can burn down to the bone if it makes contact with unprotected skin.
When handling these chemicals, it is vitally important that you wear protective clothing, chemical gloves and also a full face mask. Also work in a well ventilated area, away from children and pets. When you mix the Lye and Methanol together, extremely poisonous and flammable fumes are produced and ideally the mixing should be done outside, and take place in a sealed container. Despite some websites refering to it, I wouldn’t be making biodiesel in my kitchen!
When buying a biodiesel processor, it is advisable to buy one which has a top mounted vent, allowing a hose to be fed from the processor to the outside in order to vent the processor whilst the reaction takes place. Never use an electric drill to mix the Meth and lye together as the sparks from the drill brushes may ignite the explosive vapours.
About the Author
A wide variety of Biodiesel equipment and chemicals can be purchased from the many suppliers listed at http://www.make-biodiesel.co.uk ( UK Visitors) and also http://usa.biodieselreactor.org/ (U.S Visitors)
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Ethanol and E85
December 6, 2008 by admin
Filed under Alternative Energy, Alternative Fuel, BioFuels, Ethanol
Pure ethanol or E100 is also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol. It is made when corn, grain, or other agricultural products are fermented, distilled, and denatured and because of this, it is a continually renewable resource, a true benefit in the world of alternative fuels. Another benefit is the fact that, unlike many other, mainly petroleum based, fuels, it contributes nothing to the build-up of greenhouse gases. Because of its renewable nature, it is possible to extensively reduce a nation’s dependence on foreign oil products.
Pure ethanol is never used as an alternative fuel, but ethanol blends are. For example, E10 is a fuel made of 10 percent ethanol and blended with 90 percent gasoline. The most common blend is E85, a fuel made of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E85 is officially classified by the U.S. Department of Energy as an alternative energy fuel. It could be used in most cars today that are run on gasoline with some modification, and new, flexible fuel vehicles, are being developed that could use E85. Recently, lobbyists have been pushing for its use in FFVs or flexible fuel vehicles, alternative vehicles that have a lesser impact on the environment than today’s gas guzzling cars.
E85 Properties
Why is E85 gaining in popularity to the point that lines of vehicles are being developed that will run on it alone? Compare it to the properties of gasoline, and see for yourself:
It is a renewable resource
Reduces dependence on foreign oil
Reduces smog and emissions
96 octane to 86-94 octane in gasoline
12,500 lower heating value to 18,000-19,000 lower heating value of gasoline
1.4 gallons of E85 is equal to 1 gallon gasoline
Per gallon, E85 gets 72% of the miles that gasoline gets
Holding tank is 1.4 times larger than a gasoline holding tank
In cold weather, E85 starts the car as well as gasoline
Vehicle power is increased 3-5% with E85
Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV)
A flexible fuel vehicle is a car that runs on any ethanol blend, E85 or less, and can also run on regular unleaded gas. They have been in production for almost a decade and continue to be built by some major car manufacturers including Ford, GM, Mercury, Isuzu, and more. Over 2 million of today’s vehicles are flexible fuel vehicles, which can run on ethanol, gasoline, or a mixture of the two. You may own one of these FFV’s without even being aware of it. Some of the benefits of flexible fuel vehicles include:
Emissions that create smog are reduced 25 percent
Cost effectiveness is equal to that of cars run on gasoline
Similar warranties and original equipment are manufactured as they are for gasoline run vehicles
Emissions that create greenhouse gases are reduced 35 to 40 percent
Vehicle horsepower increased up to 5 percent
Fuel is renewable
New vehicles can be ordered with a flexible fuel engine option
More and more E85 pumps are springing up all over the country
Gasoline can be mixed with any amount of E85 if E85 is not available
Hybrid Vehicles And Ethanol
Most cars, including hybrid cars have no problems with a 10 percent ethanol blend. However, at this time, the combination of E85 and the hybrid car is only slowly making its way from the drawing board to the highway. Some instances have occurred where the two have been combined, but these are primarily in fleet situations and concept cars so far. However, it shouldn’t be too long before you can buy a hybrid car that will run on E85.
Drawbacks of E85
There are a few disadvantages to E85 at this point in the game, though they hardly outweigh the benefits. Some of these include:
The cost of E85 is formidable due to the cost of the fermentation process but research has already begun to develop a new and cheaper fermentation process that utilizes lower-grade feed stocks.
Ethanol is quite a bit more corrosive than gasoline, which could lead to engine problems.
Issues of things like vapor lock, flame visibility, and cold starts have experts concerned.
The miles per gallon of E85 is less efficient than the miles per gallons of gasoline.
It’s not easy to find E85 gasoline tanks because distribution is difficult.
One present disadvantage that DOES outweigh the ecological value for the consumer is the scarcity of locations selling E85. This will probably continue to change over time however. For those in the military, there are some military bases where E85 can be found.
Despite the limitations, ethanol based alternative fuels like E85 are an incredible improvement over the use of gasoline. Some car manufacturers are offering to upgrade regular engines to E85 capability for no cost, and the fact that flexible fuel vehicles are not reliant upon E85 but can use gasoline in any combination with the ethanol blend makes it a simple choice. Scientists and researchers are working on ways to fix the remaining issues. This new technology is more than a trend but the direction in which the future is taking drivers.
You can learn more about alternative fuels and flexible fuel vehicles, including what vehicles are flexible fuel vehicles, and where to find E85, at the United States Government’s Alternative Fuel Data Center. You can locate them online at http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/fuel_inf.html
The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He is keenly interested in the fuels of the future, America’s dependence on foreign oil, the physical limits of stores of petroleum based products, and the futures of his grandchildren.
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Alternative Fuels
November 24, 2008 by admin
Filed under
There is a difference between fuels such as petroleum, coal, natural gas and alternative fuels. Most fuels are potential sources of chemical energy that can be used to power engines or heat buildings. A fuel is actually a way to store potential stable energy that can be easily transported from its place of production to its place of use.
There are many reasons why conventional fossil fuels are falling into disfavor. The demand for these fuels is falling and so the search for alternative fuels is rising high. One of the main disadvantages of fossil fuels is their scarceness. Also, the burning of these fuels releases greenhouse gases resulting in global warming.
According to a research, the demand for conventional fuels will outstrip supplies within the next couple of decades. The main source fossil fuels are the volatile regions of Middle East and so, this is another reason for the quest of alternatives.
Alternative fuels are not standard form of fossil fuel. From an environmental point of view, alternative fuels refer to some renewable source of power which is environmentally and economically benign.
Most alternative fuels are made from materials that can be readily found and are in abundance or easily renewable There are various types of alternative fuels such as biodiesel and water. When we think of water as an alternative fuel, it is not water but a subcomponent of water that can be used as an alternative. There are water hybrid conversion kits that utilize the current from the cars battery to break down the water into HHO or brown gas. This gas is used to fuel the vehicle.
Nowadays biodiesel is the best choice as an alternative fuel. It is made from vegetable oil; it produces less pollution and is safe to humans. Interestingly, glycerin is produced as a by-product which, in turn, is used in soaps.
With an increase in demand for conventional fuels, alternative fuels will serve as a boon to industries and technology.
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About Author: Pauline Go is a professional writer for many websites. She also writes other great articles like Crude Oil Usage In USA, Do Fuel Savers Work? Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go |