Biodiesel's topics - tribe.net

Algae: The Biofuel Revolution

2009-11-28T23:16:21Z

Algae: The Biofuel Revolution

"The sustainable energy age has begun. It was recently announced that a company in Florida called Green Flight International (GFI) has plans to construct a $100-million, algae biofuel plant aimed at making fuel for the aviation industry as well as for ground-based transportation

GFI has also completed the world's first jet-aircraft flight powered by 100% biofuel. GFI president and CEO Douglas Rodante says that "algae-based biofuel would be able to replace petroleum without alterations to engines or infrastructure, and could be used for all sorts of transportation."

The potential of algae biofuel for both vehicles and air travel is so promising that it will play a large role in helping America finally become energy independent. Biofuel from algae completely eliminates the food vs. fuel concerns of other biofuels, and CO2 will be significantly reduced. Algae are the fastest growing plants in the world, and that fact translates into 20,000 gallons of biofuel per acre! Soybean, corn, switchgrass and other biofuels cannot even compete......."

Read the full blog:

http://solargreenenergy.blogspot.com/2008/11/algae-biofuel-revolution.html

http://solargreenenergy.blogspot.com

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

dodge sprinter

2009-08-29T23:10:45Z

dodge has a new van out with an impresive 25 mpg and a pretty huge cargo area.

I was wondering if anyone know how the dodge sprinter soes with biodiesel and svo/ wvo?

posted in Biodiesel - 21 replies

FREE JET FUEL! Runs Great in diesel cars.

2009-04-14T17:29:00Z

Take advantage of a great opportunity. I have a friend who flies helicopters out of Sausalito. He has some jet fuel that they can't put into the helicopters. It makes a great diesel fuel and at $7/gallon original cost you know this is the good stuff. Run a tank thru and give your tank, pump and injectors a nice cleaning and help a company dispose of this fuel in a good way. e-mail me at tokata@verizon.net and I can help you. I can't post their contact info or it will just get to crazy up their. Please be courteous to their schedule and no messes :-)

posted in Biodiesel - 21 replies

Pickens Plan Action Alert

2009-03-21T15:00:55Z

Pickens Plan Action Alert

"Contact Congress about The American Renewal and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1) One version of H.R. 1 has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now another has passed the Senate. Critical elements of the wind piece of the Pickens Plan are in one or both versions of the bill, which now goes to Conference to create a final version.

We need to make one final push on the stimulus package to ensure our pieces are included. Please fill in the following form to send your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives an email asking them to support the Pickens Plan components of the Stimulus Package. Even if you already emailed your Senators last week, please send an email again today to ensure your U.S. Representative also receives the message."

http://capwiz.com/pickensplan/issues/alert/?alertid=12648356&type=CO

;

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

Sheik Says Biofuels Are Prohibited by Islam

2009-02-27T15:42:40Z

Sheik Says Biofuels Are Prohibited by Islam

Feb 20th, 2009

"Biofuels may have hit an unexpected roadblock with a pronouncement by Sheik Mohamed al-Najimi of the Saudi Islamic Jurisprudence Academy that the fuel may be prohibited by Islam. According to al-Najimi, the prophet Muhammad prohibited the buying, selling, transporting, drinking, and manufacturing of alcohol - including the ethyl alcohol present in ethanol.

If other religious leaders take al-Najimi’s opinion seriously, biofuel could be banned in Muslim countries that currently disallow alcohol. That means Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, and Sudan could potentially become biofuel-free zones.

While al-Najimi says that his recommendation should not be considered a fatwa (a legal pronouncement in Islam), he does believe that restriction of biofuels should go beyond Muslim countries to include Muslims around the world.

http://cleantechnica.com/2009/02/20/sheik-says-biofuels-are-prohibited-by-islam/#comment-49760

Muslim cleric decries biofuels as sinful
February 20, 2009

http://www.cleantech.com/news/4196/muslim-cleric-says-biofuels-are-sin

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

traveling to Mexico?

2009-02-20T22:44:04Z

We would like to host some folks with biodiesel here to learn about the process.
If you are someone with a biodiesal powered vehicle planning a trip to Mexico, please come visit us!

We also host volunteers and personal retreaters.

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

BioD in a CDI; long term data needed

2009-02-20T21:39:39Z

I read a thread here last year about the R320-CDI biodiesel question but apparently there's no further activity or long term follow-up to see how this fellow's CDI tolerated the biodiesel.

So I'll start another:

Any new info on burning spec 20-40% biodiesel in the CDI? I'd like to know how many miles driven and any problems encountered.

I've got an 07 ML CDI (not a BluTec) and want to run ASTM grade BD. Ofcourse I've read many stories and posts on the TDI club and MB forums about the dangers of using higher percentages (>50%) BD. Scary stuff; one poster whom I admire much that frequents these forums says he's seens several disasters; RME, SME, FAMEs all causing varnish build-up and coatings on injectors and rail surfaces, warranties voided, etc. WIllie Nelson's CDI apparently had problems burning high percentage BD also. But the Europeans seem to get away with using BD in their CDI's all the time. What's different about the US common rail diesel that it can't tolerate BD?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

GSH

posted in Biodiesel - 10 replies

year old 55gl drum

2009-02-18T21:59:37Z

i have a 55 g drum, that I used last year, would you still use it with out worry about bacteria?
I worked in south fl last year, left this barrel behind and was going to refill it, it was closed up tight, with tarp over barrel as well.
i opened up the barrel and it didn't smell. Or is there any additive i should add to the barrel?
thanks

posted in Biodiesel - 4 replies

Advanced Topics biodiesel classes- Bay Area and PA

2009-02-13T20:12:46Z

I am teaching an Advanced Topics class in Concord, CA (SF Bay Area suburbs) on Sat-Sun April 18-19, with a one-day optional Introduction To Biodiesel Production class the day before on Friday, Apr 17th:

There is a more hands-on version of this happening in March in Mifflinburg, PA, at an organic farm with a few years' worth of farm-scale biodiesel experience. See website for details.

Advanced Topics requires prior experience or attendance at Introduction class or similar class taught by myself or Jennifer Radtke, Andrew Morris, or other instructors, please see website for more info.

Registration info is at www.girlmark.com/tour

there's an early-bird discount- $95 for the weekend class if registering before Feb 15, and $108 if registering before April 1.
Regular registration is $140 for the weekend Advanced class and $75 for the one-day Introduction class.

*********************
Topics covered in Advanced Topics class:

working with high-free-fatty-acid oil

working with high-water feedstocks

acidulating glycerine and wash water for easier disposal and cost savings

testing biodiesel, glycerine, and wash water for soap

producing biodiesel from oils recovered from glycerine

acid-catalyzed esterification options

methanol recovery from biodiesel (GL-1 process) and glycerine.

using glycerine as a solvent in various stages of the process

There will be an extensive hands-on section of the class devoted to techniques for making biodiesel using ethanol instead of methanol, and we will discuss small-scale fuel ethanol production.

We will also discuss water-free soap removal such as the use of the GL-1 process and ion exchange resins.

Introduction class: there is a hands-on, introductory class for those with no prior experience, on the Friday before the Advanced Class.

Registration info is posted at www.girlmark.com/tour

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

back up power generators

2009-02-12T00:11:47Z

I'm looking for opinions, advice and suggestions that will help me choose a 6000 - 8000 watt, single cylinder, air ( or water ) cooled unit that will run well on:

SVO

WVO

100% bio diesel

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Air New Zealand tests jatropha biofuel blend

2009-01-03T05:05:31Z

Air New Zealand tests jatropha biofuel blend
By Susanne Retka Schill

Air New Zealand successfully tested jatropha-based biofuel Dec. 30 in a jet flight around Auckland, New Zealand. The flight was a joint initiative between Air New Zealand, The Boeing Co., Rolls-Royce PLC and UOP LLC, a Honeywell company. One of four Rolls-Royce engines in an Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 was powered by a biofuel blend.

The biofuel-flight partnership set three criteria for the test flight. The fuel source had to be environmentally sustainable and not compete with existing food resources. Secondly, the jet fuel had to be a drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel and technically be at least as good as the fuel ordinarily used by the airline industry. And finally, the fuel should be cost competitive with existing fuel supplies and be readily available.

India-based Terasol Energy sourced the jatropha from southeastern Africa and India and certified the oil met the partners’ sustainability criteria which included: the land where the jatropha was grown was neither forest land nor virgin grassland within the previous two decades; the quality of the soil and climate was not suitable for the vast majority of food crops; and the crop was rain fed and not mechanically irrigated.

The crude jatropha oil was processed using UOP’s proprietary hydro-processing technology, which creates a hydrocarbon similar in properties to petroleum-based jet fuel. The biofuel was then blended with conventional jet fuel to create a 50 percent blend which was tested over several days by both Rolls-Royce and scientists at the Sunbury Technology Center in the United Kingdom.

The flight test schedule included testing engine parameters in one engine running on biofuel compared to the other three engines running on conventional jet fuel. The high and low power tests included a full thrust take off, varying climb power settings, engine acceleration tests, as well as shut down and relights in flight and on the ground. The tests will confirm the fuel’s energy levels, specific gravity, economic value and fuel use per mile flown.

The flight was initially scheduled for Dec. 3, but was postponed after a Nov. 27 crash of an Air New Zealand A320 Airbus off the south coast of France.

More information is available on the Air New Zealand flight at: www.airnewzealand.co.nz/aboutus/biofuel-test/default.htm
( http://tinyurl.com/93vjlt )

The Air New Zealand flight is one of a series of test flights being undertaken by various airlines. Japan Airline has a test flight scheduled for Jan. 30 using a biofuel blend, with camelina comprising 84 percent of the biofuel, along with jatropha and a small amount of algae oil. JAL’s partners in the tests include Boeing and UOP. The flight will use Pratt & Whitney jet engines in a JAL-owned Boeing 747-300.

Web exclusive posted Dec. 30, 2008, at 2:08 p.m. CST
http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=3110

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

WVO Yellow Grease price drops

2008-11-28T06:50:23Z

The price of Yellow Grease (WVO) from rendering companies has dropped to a new low.
It is now eleven cents a pound. There are seven and one half pounds oil per gallon so the price is down to $.83 a gallon.
Renderers typically dewater and filter the oil from restaurants etc before selling it as yellow grease. I got 200 gallons from our local rendering company. Just saying. Jimmie Martin Reno NV

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

1979 Mercedes Diesel Hearse For Sale

2008-11-27T05:23:17Z

We just posted our 1979 Mercedes 240 Diesel Hearse on ebay.com. The item number is 230309549939. Check it out. If it doesn't sell online this week, we may be open to offers. The car is located near Nelson, BC - 9 hours drive from Vancouver or Calgary and 4 hours north of Spokane, WA.
Thanks for looking.

Heather and Frank

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Oregon Recycled Biodiesel under $4

2008-11-17T15:42:20Z

We finally got rid of the last expensive tank at a loss, and found some Oregon-recycled biodiesel for under $4.
We're 24 hours with your credit card, and 50 cent off-road discount during store hours.

Just thought I'd put the word out. Its been a rough year for local businesses and we need all your support for a local biodegredable recycled fuel for your diesel vehicles. Thanks for all those customers who got us through this year of price gouging. We only charge the bare minimum markup required to pay back our loan. We do not pay a single employee, owner, or manager. I know its kinda crazy, but we feel good about what we're doing, otherwise the business plan is pretty much unprofitable (in terms of money).

So spread the word, buy a diesel, and wean yourself from foreign oil by driving less, using public transpo. more, and using local fuels to get there.

Peace and Justice,
David
www.oregonb99.com
Rising Phoenix Biofuels
4543 S. Pacific Hwy.
Phoenix, Or. 97535
(541)535-1134

Oregon's First Biodiesel Station

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Looking for gillig, thomas or bluebird for veterans green job alliance

2008-11-14T00:57:53Z

http://www.veteransgreenjobs.org

Hello, we are setting up three pilot projects to teach veterans green job skills in Louisiana, Colorado, and Washington State with goals of expanding the project nation wide. Our mission is to teach veterans how to build green homes, learn about solar and geothermal system installation and how to collect WVO, filter it for grease cars, trucks and buses. We are also teaching vets and community organizations on how to make biodiesel.

The VGA wants to set up at least three school buses to run on WVO and Bio Diesel in the next year.

We have a couple of questions:

Can you provide information on availability of grease conversion kits for school buses?

Would you be willing to assist The Veterans Green Job Alliance in converting these buses to run on WVO? If so, we would like to discus our plans that offer significant exposure to companies that are supporting the efforts of veterans to get green jobs to rebuild America sustainably.

Thank you for your time,

Gordon Soderberg
gordon@veteransgreenjobs.org
985-640-1801

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Hands-on Biodiesel Class in Wilmington, North Carolina

2008-11-06T12:03:20Z

Biodiesel Production Crash Course: Beyond the Minibatch hands-on class (new format!)

with Maria 'girl Mark' Alovert
December 6-7, 2008

Wilmington, NC
sponsored by Cape Fear Biofuels Co-operative
$140 /$108 early registration before Nov 7th

For more information and to register, please see www.girlmark.com/tour

This is a fast-paced class designed to quickly teach the skills needed for safely making high quality biodiesel, using a unique and truly hands-on format. After learning basic theory, practicing titration, making mini-batches, and learning quality testing, students will spend a full day solidifying what they learned by making biodiesel in realistic "Processor Stations', practicing every step used in a full-size home biodiesel production system. Student teams will operate realistic, tabletop 5-gallon processor systems- a miniature version of the common Appleseed Processor/wash tank/dry tank found around the world- and the tabletop reactor will familiarize them with every valve, tank, pump, switch, and interconnect that would be found in a full-size system. The goal of the class format is to take the hands-on learning experience a big step beyond the '1-liter mini-batch' equipment used in most biodiesel classes. There will also be a full-size reactor system on a trailer at the class, including GL-1 and pot still-type methanol recovery systems.

Background:

In most biodiesel workshops (including my own Biodiesel Essentials), "hands-on time" usually means a few hours of lab work involving titration and shaking 1-liter soda bottle batches, or, at best, a demonstration by the instructor of some pre-arranged steps in a full-size reactor, performed once, with the students just watching. Neither of these is an ideal learning method for the complexity involved in using a 'real' biodiesel reactor on your own for the first time at home. People who are hands-on learners sometimes need more time on "realistic" equipment operation in addition to the 1-liter shaken soda bottle batch method.

Operating your own processors in class would be more realistic than 1-liter glassware batches- but is very difficult to arrange as a class for 20 people. Operating a full system can also make it easier to understand equipment choices that face you as you design your own home system after the class, or help decide on one to purchase.

Format:
In the crash course, you will first learn the basic theory using a standard one-day mini-batch class, then spend the next day actually operating (with a team of 5-8) your own 'realistic' 5-gallon mini-reactor and processing system. You and your team will make decisions and mistakes, with constant personalized guidance to ensure that you understand why every step is done as well as when. Teams may choose from several variations on the basic process, and we will focus on quality control and equipment/process decisions needed to make high quality biodiesel, safe processing methods, and efficient system design.

Equipment Building:
We can also build some processors at the end of the first day, for those students who wish to purchase a parts kit and water heater tank in advance. This is not mandatory and everyone can help build the systems. We will not use these large reactors in the hands-on class, so they can be transported home without mess. Please purchase your parts kit from the instructor or from www.utahbiodieselsupply.com. Because we are trying to fit a lot into the weekend, we don't have time to assemble your own 'store-bought' parts, and can only work from the kit. The kit sold by the instructor is similar to that formerly sold by www.b100supply.com and if they get them in stock again, please feel free to purchase theirs. If you are building a system, you will also need to bring a new or used electric water heater of any size.

Preparation and reading:

Because this is a fast-paced class, it is highly recommended that you purchase an inexpensive test batch kit from www.utahbiodieselsupply.com and try to make and wash a test batch, using storebought, new oil not requiring titration, before the class. This is not mandatory but the preparation will enhance your class experience.

To make the class run smoothly, please read the www.biodieselcommunity.org website before the class, so that you have some idea of the basic process. Copies of Biodiesel Homebrew Guide will also be available for sale fpr $15 at the class: www.localb100.com/book.html , and there will be a short handout with some basic formulas for later reference.

About the instructor:
Maria 'girl Mark' Alovert is a biodiesel production technology consultant based in North Carolina. She is the author of The Biodiesel Homebrew Guide, a manual on biodiesel production (http://localb100.com), the founder of the community-written biodiesel homebrewing tutorial site http://biodieselcommunity.org and is the inventor of the Appleseed Processor, an 'open source' design now used by thousands of people around the world to produce biodiesel on a 'homebrew' scale. She has been involved in home-scale biodiesel technology development since 2000. She frequently teaches beginning and advanced biodiesel production classes around the country and is a an active participant in biodiesel production discussion forums such as http://biodiesel.infopop.cc

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

the myth about OIL

2008-10-27T19:44:54Z

I have heard people talking about the OIL shortage leading to disater coming 2012. This post is to help people get more ideas and realize yet another lie.

If this massive deception were to be busted,
> it would:
>
> 1. remove the reason that many wars are fought today
>
> 2. revitalize the world economy, especially in rural area
>
> 3. instantly increase the wealth and health of every
> person on earth
>
> The fraud is this: We need gasoline.
>
> The truth is we don't now - and we never did.
>
> Here's a continuation of a series of videos
> from the creator of PermaCulture.org:
>
> http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/432.html
>
> - Brasscheck
>
> P.S. I guarantee you will NEVER see this
> information in the mass media, including
> so-called public broadcasting.
>
> If you believe it's important, please share
> it with your friends and colleagues.
>
> The info in this video is being very actively
> censored.
> - Brasscheck
>
> P.S. Please share Brasscheck TV e-mails and
> videos with friends and colleagues.
>
> That's how we grow. Thanks.
>
> ==============================
>
>
>
> Brasscheck TV
> 2380 California St.
> San Francisco, CA 94115

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Dewatering BD & WVO

2008-09-14T05:30:04Z

So I've decided that I've had enough of disposable filters and whatnot for cleaning my oil. And I've been doing a little casual research into either building or buying a centrifuge to separate out particulates and water from my base waste oil.

I decided to flip through YouTube as it seems to be an endless source of ppl with hairbrained ideas on just about anything you can type into the search box.

Well it turns out that a apparently popular way to dewater veggie oil has been heat the oil up. Now while this is a crude and quasi-effective means of evaporating water out of oil, it really is just taking one form of carbon savings and transferring it to another. (But I'll save the carbon emissions spiel for another occassion)

I'm going to tell you my top 2 runners up for the Biodiesel Darwin Awards and leave you with links for your personal viewing pleasure. Just in case you havent figured this out. DONT DO THIS!

High among my fave videos are of one subgenius using 12,000 kilowatt hours to heat his oil in a barrell. He had tapped a hot water heater into the side of his barrel. Besides the fact that these heaters will glow red hot if not completely covered with liquid, it just seems incredible to me that this guy would think it was a good idea to use so much energy to dewater his veggie oil. He was however very proud of the fact that he used toilet paper tubes to keep his gloves open so they could dry out while he wasnt using them. He also seemed rather proud of the negative ventilation unit that he built out of bathroom fan and some sort of flexible vent tube to sit over the bung hole. This was "to keep the smell down".... I'm not sure what that means but the fact that the water that he had trapped in the closed barrel was likely to just recondense on the sides and lid and drip back into the oil seems to have escaped him.

Points for the toilet paper tubes, but minus those points for the fire marshals investigation into why he burned down his garage and scorched the neighbors house with the biggest grease fire since the one at the pit bbq 30 years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8DWsB8CAGQ
-----------------------------------

My next fave comes from the timeless problem of how to dewater oil if you live in a apartment. This gentleman is limited by the fact that he has moved into a place with no garage. So he has decided to place a plastic barrel next to the laundry equipment and to heat the oil in a 5 gallon pot that he proceeds to heat up on his stove to "around 300 degrees" then he lets it cool down to "150 degrees", then he uses one pot to pour it into another pot and then pours that pot through a rudimentary metal strainer (sized to catch french fries and rat tails) and also a sock filter ONCE and lets it cool. Points for at least having a strainer / sock filter combo. Minus points for pouring scorching oil into a plastic container.

My major complaint about this video is that you dont actually get to see this rocket surgeon potentially heating up the oil to its flash point in the largest canning vat he could find at the flea market. Thus causing him time in jail and his neighbors in a red cross supplied hotel because they didnt have renters insurance and didnt know their neighbor was heating up and had stored enough oil to cause the fire dept to call for the foam unit two counties away.

The fact that he goes through all this labor JUST to pour the oil into his diesel Ford, tickles me. Besides being an enormous waste of energy heating the oil on a stove top the labor intensive process this guy invented leaves no doubt as to why the USA is #21 in the world for science.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCJqwK_aHFg
----------------------------------------------

I'm curious to hear how folks are dewatering their oil and if by chance you have any videos up on YouTube of your methodology.

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Poutine Power!

2008-08-13T20:05:54Z

For those of you out at the burn with year with grease powered vehicles I'd like to give you something. I'm cooking up the French Canadian delicacy poutine this year and at the end of the week am going to have several litres of used canola oil. If this'll help you run your rig I'm happy to bring it over at the end of the week. Better than dumping it in Reno on the way out.

Send me a message.

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Advanced Topics Biodiesel Classes this fall- New York and Florida

2008-08-12T22:40:48Z

Biodiesel Production Classes

Biodiesel Essentials: Sept 18-19, 10-5 pm

Advanced Topics in Biodiesel Production: Sept 20-21, 10-5 pm. (Must have prior experience or attend the Essentials class first)

Riverhead, NY
early bird registration before 8/16 $108 per class
After 8/16: $120 per class
www.girlmark.com/tour

This class also offered in Florida in October, and elsewhere during the fall.

Biodiesel is a clean-burning diesel alternative made from any natural oil or fat. It can be made easily in a backyard or garage environment. We are offering two classes at a home in Riverhead, LI, covering beginning or advanced topics, on September 18-19 or 21-22.

The Biodiesel Essentials class is a comprehensive, hands-on workshop that teaches you everything you need to know to make high quality biodiesel, use your system more efficiently, and make informed decisions about shortcuts. This class is geared to both beginning and more advanced students and we encourage discussion of questions you may have, as appropriate.

There are extensive hands-on 'lab' portions in the class during which you will get individual attention to make sure you understand the process fully and can do the techniques on your own at home. We will run a full-sized system but also do 'lab'-scale batches so that you really learn the underlying concepts and techniques, and we will make some 'engineered failures' so you learn what not to do and what causes it.

The Advanced Topics class covers many more techniques beyond basic production, and will be more discussion-based, with some experienced regional homebrewers and farm-scale biodiesel producers attending, who will share their experience (if you have experience in biodiesel, please bring a short presentation about your system, or photos to share). There will be some hands-on lab work in the Advanced Topics class as well (soap testing and water/glycerine neutralization, ethanol-based biodiesel production techniques, and acid-base two-stage biodiesel will all be done as a lab exercise). Advanced Topics will also cover regulatory issues with small-scale production, composting or boiler fuel use of glycerine and advanced treatment of spent wash water, taxes, and more.

To attend the weekend Advanced Topics class, you must have prior experience making biodiesel, or attend the Thur-Fri Essentials class first.

Location:

We are meeting in a private home a few miles from Riverhead, NY, with many 'green building' and recycled building materials technologies on display (photo below is from last winter's Biodiesel Essentials class). The address will be emailed out to registered participants two weeks before the class. We can help arrange transportation from LIRR in advance.

There is a working, functional homebrewing system on a trailer that we will operate during the Essentials class.

Some topics covered in the Biodiesel Essentials class:
biodiesel/SVO/solvent thinning (ie DSE etc) options and history
biodiesel chemistry
testing oil (titration and water testing)
removing water from oil
making test batches
an overview of equipment
Equipment build- help build a reactor at the end of Sunday's class
quality control factors
quality testing
mistwashing and other water washing options
breaking emulsion
two-stage base biodiesel
waste water and glycerine treatment and disposal
reuse
waterless soap removal with Amberlite and GL's process
common pitfalls
hands-on experience recovering from failed batches and emulsion
special considerations for biodiesel made with ethanol instead of methanol
safety

The Advanced Topics class covers topics that include:

Quality control
analysis of real-world problems with offspec biodiesel
"ASTM testing" for those considering commercial production
gas chromatography versus other options for testing for conversion
acid-base biodiesel process
advanced topics in dewatering of oil
using glycerine in your process for various benefits
testing for soap
methanol recovery and equipment design
testing recovered methanol for purity
zeolite and other methods for improving methanol purity
issues to avoid when "waterless washing" with ion exchange resin
acid-base chemistry and safety
testing for residual soap
acidulation of soap in glycerine, special equipment considerations
Recapturing oils or biodiesel trapped in glycerine or wash water
dealing with high-water-content oils
Graham Laming-type vapor control system
spill-proofing your system
regulatory issues
taxes
larger-scale equipment design (for co-ops or small farms)
treating wash water and glycerine for disposal or other uses
commercial tests for wash water- BOD, COD, FOG, etc
real-world test results related to biodegradability/safety of sidestream disposal
burning glycerine safely for energy
hydronic/solar applications for biodiesel and wash water heating
disaster prevention scenarios exercises for larger-scale processor systems
discussion of regulatory topics for non-commercial producers larger than homebrew
solar heating options
very through discussion/demonstration of several different options in washing, including drawbacks and advantages
greywater systems for wash water recycling

I strongly recommend that you read this website first: http://www.biodieselcommunity.org to get a background for this subject.

To register for the class:

see www.girlmark.com/tour

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Want to run 2003 VW Golf GLS TDI on biodiesel

2008-08-12T16:51:09Z

Hello!

I just purchased a 2003 VW Golf GLS TDI in excellent condition and want to run it on biodiesel as soon as possible.

What to I need to do, if anything special, to do this?

Can I go back and forth beetween regualr and bio diesel if necessary?

Thanks in advance for your help!

posted in Biodiesel - 8 replies

1971 220d for Sale (a real Head-Turner)

2008-08-04T21:58:40Z

I bought my '71 in Napa two years ago and it's been a great ride. Now I am moving to D.C. where I won't need a car (and where the sleet and snow would gnaw away at my vintage benz). So, it's time to sell.

This is a dependable car that runs strong. At 34 years old, there is always a little more work to be done, so I'm selling at a reasonable price. The car is in LA, but we can work something out if you live up north. More info here:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/782673019.html

cheers!

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

About to buy a biodiesel...any suggestions?

2008-07-29T07:09:14Z

Hello all,
I am about to buy a 80's 240D Mercedes biodiesel.
I have researched it somewhat a while ago and then the opportunity to acutally buy one
sprung up last night. Does anyone have any suggestions, tips, or possible warnings before i
buy it?

Thanks

posted in Biodiesel - 11 replies

BioFuel Bad IDEA!!! One tank of Biofuel could feed a family for a year!

2008-07-19T18:34:26Z

Did you know that one tank............... yes........... one tank of bio fuel is enough grain to feed a entire family for a year!
BioFuel is a joke and not the answer! Growing our energy , now the world doesn't have enough food to eat. One problem to the next.
Lets get it right!

posted in Biodiesel - 20 replies

Biodiesel and food

2008-07-18T19:19:14Z

The actual number is that 25 gallons of bioethanol destroys enough calories to keep one person barely alive for a year. A cow consumes enough calories to feed a family well for a year. When I talk about ethanol, I'm talking about the ethanol that is mixed with gasoline all over the country from 10% to 85% by volume.

Vegetable oil is produced by mashing the oils out of food. This process DOES NOT DESTROY FOOD, and has been done to produce fryer oils we have consumed our entire lives. If you have a bottle of olive oil, corn oil, soy oil, or products with a mixture of oil in them, you haven't contributed to the food shortage in any way. When you buy a package of tofu, the oil that was in the soybeans that made that tofu has already been extracted. It would be foolish beyond belief for a vegetable oil producer to throw away the mash after extracting oil. Why dump something that food companies are lining up to buy?

Biodiesel currently destroy a small amount of food. It takes a 10% mixture of ethanol to make biodiesel out of vegetable oil. Half of that alcohol can be recovered after the process is complete. This recovery process is becoming better as time goes on, because the high cost of alcohol, when mixed with nearly free used cooking oil, causes biodiesel to be more expensive than regular diesel.

Biodiesel is a bridge technology with the ability to prove to the masses that our cars can be fueled by a farm product without dramatically affecting food supplies. Biodiesel will soon be made entirely from non-food sources such as fish guts, beef carcasses and algae. This won't be done so much to reduce the affect on food as to increase profit. Making food into fuel simply isn't profitable. If you don't believe me, go see what a gallon of Wesson Oil costs. It's around $8 while biodiesel needs to be at or below $5 to convince anyone to use it.

A little over a hundred years ago, the main use for liquid fuel was lamps for light, and the main source of that fuel was whales. People didn't stop using whale oil because they felt bad for whales, they made the switch to petroleum oil because whale oil became very expensive. Many people sat in the dark or went to sleep early during that transition period, and we are having to make sacrifices as we learn to be independent from oil.

Biodiesel currently uses about 5% alcohol by volume to produce (after recovery). This does reduce the world's food supply. By buying biodiesel, however, we increase the profitability of US farmers, which enables them to improve their farms, increase productivity, and reduces the need for them to continue to send more than their share of sons and daughters to fight in wars to protect our oil supply. The reduction in carbon emissions is good for the global climate, which helps protect the lives of everyone on this fragile planet. The reduction in toxins also increases the quality of life for all.

1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 = a better life: One third of our energy consumption could be offset by taking public transit, another third by developing geothermal, wind and solar power, and the last third can come from using sustainable biofuels. Biodiesel isn't the complete answer to our energy dependence, but it is part of the bigger solution. We need to buy sustainably produced fuels, paper products, homes, cars, and clothes. We also need to buy things that last instead of things we know will end up in the trash.

We don't need to ask our government to save us. We can save ourselves by making careful choices.

Sources:
Biodiesel America (book by Josh Tickell)
King Corn (film available to watch online at Netflix.com)
The Story of Stuff (website)

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

For Sale: New 330 gallon plastic tote & hand pump

2008-07-09T01:47:12Z

New 330 gallon plastic tote. A little dusty, but never used. Includes hand pump, hose, and other accessories (see pics). Some assembly required.

Approximate dimensions: 3.5W x 3.5L x 4.5H
Tote does not weight very much - two people can carry it easily.

I bought this from Pacific Biofuel when it went out of business.

$550.00 & you pick it up.

Pics here: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/for/747682818.html

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

BIOBUS(space)SHUTTLE2008: Seats now available between RNO-BRC and BRC-RNO!

2008-06-23T20:01:05Z

BIOBUS (space) SHUTTLE 2008. That’s right…WE’RE BACK FOR YEAR 2!!!

Meet new lifelong friends on the BIOBUS (space) SHUTTLE to Black Rock City. You will be scooped up at Reno International and whisked to Whole Foods for a quick grocery run and then on to the playa!!! This is our second year in a pilot program to lessen our cumulative impact of travel to the greatest city on Mama Earth.

A $60-$75 donation to Burn Clean Project will reserve a One Way ride to or from the playa, helping you to avoid burning petroleum, the cost of a car rental, and the worst part of all—scrubbing the rental car thoroughly enough so they don’t charge you a playa-sized cleaning fee!

Lets get on the bus! For more information, go to the Burn Clean Project's website at:
www.burncleanproject.org/

Thank you and tons of loves!
Ryan and 1LUV
the Burn Clean Project's co-ordinatricies

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

B100 in cold weather

2008-06-15T07:22:55Z

I was told by the person i just purchased B100 from that it had a 45 degree gel temp. So are we forced to use less then B100 in the winter or can i do something to the car t continue using B100. I live in centeral VA so winters aren't too harsh, but diffenently below 45.
He also mention 17 degrees for the B20. So while up in NY working i've tried to guess arund B40, by cutting the B100 i brouhgt on th eroad with me with some regular deisel. BTW in Bufalo NY, last night i drove around for a half hour trying to find deisel, when i found it.........
$3.59 a gallon, WTF..i am glad as hell it isn't that expensive in VA. although it may be before long.

posted in Biodiesel - 14 replies

Escape From Berkeley (by any non-petroleum means necessary)

2008-05-31T20:20:29Z

October 10th – 13th 2008, a variety of vehicle entries will compete in a road rally from Berkeley, CA to Las Vegas, NV. The three day course will take contestants from the Pacific Coast, over the Sierra Mountains, down through Death Valley to the finish line across the Las Vegas strip.

Event rules allow the contestants to use any non-petroleum fuel or power source. However, all fuel must be scavenged along the route. Contestants cannot bring the fuel with them, nor buy it along the way. Rally organizers expect something like “Mad Max meets the DARPA Grand Challenge.” Cash prizes will be awarded to the rally time winner and for notable accomplishments in engineering and art.

Jim Mason, founder of Shipyard Labs, touts the event as an opportunity for, "NASA scientists to go head-to-head with junkyard fabricators in the perennial battle of engineering prowess vs. creative excess. This time, bragging rights for saving the world hang in the balance. Part engineering problem. Part artistic opportunity. All post-apocalyptic road trip adventure."

The rally will begin with an Energy Fair at Shipyard Labs in Berkeley, CA at which teams will discuss their vehicles with the public. Several checkpoints along the way, as well as overnight campsites will give the public a chance to interact with the teams and vehicles during the rally. The event will culminate with an awards ceremony in Las Vegas, NV at which a panel of industry leaders will grant awards to the rally winner and noteworthy vehicles.

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Oh no! My retirement grease!

2008-05-28T05:41:25Z

I don't sound like Groundskeeper Willy, but you get the point.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24729484/

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

biodiesel feed supply

2008-05-26T08:14:56Z

There's something else we need to consider when looking at our current food problem, as well as bioethanol, and biodiesel. The feed stocks that are used to produce biodiesel and bioethanol, as well as bread, tortillas, animal feeds and cooking oils were harvested way back in August of 2007. Most of the growth in the biofuel industry has happened since that time.

We have grown accustomed to the idea that all grains are available all year, and this is only because of huge silos that exist around the country for the storage of these grains. The current shortages reflect a drastic change in the way these feed stocks are used. Farmers are making adjustments to compensate for the shortages for economic reasons for next year, but have not largely benefited from the high price of biodiesel and bioethanol, the people who buy, sell and trade the grains sitting in silos have. Competition will drive down prices, and higher profits for farmers will drive up productivity.

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

100% Recycled Biodiesel Now Available 24 Hours in Southern Oregon (oregonb99.com)

2008-05-21T20:27:02Z

Travelling on the I-5 in Oregon this summer?

Rising Phoenix Biofuels (oregonb99.com) has extended their credit card hours to 24 hours. Between 8:30 and 5:30 you can pay cash, checks, and get 50 cent off-road discounts, but the rest of the time, you can buy biodiesel self-serve with a credit card.
Located at 4543 S. Pacific Hwy, we have the only 100% recycled fuel in the valley. Forget all those naysayers about carbon emmissions, ours is non-gmo, recycled from Oregon, and definitely helps our air, water, and earth.

Don't believe the hype, ask questions, and question answers. We are here to serve the community with renewable, biodegradable fuel, despite the ever-increasing prices and ever-diminishing profits for our company. We are committed to maintaining a bare minimum profit simply to keep the company going, so if you feel like paying 10% extra is too much, think of all the other items you pay 10% extra for, because you know it is higher quality.

10% is a small investment to make in energy independence, and you can even get a 10 cent off coupon from the website if that makes the difference.
http://www.phoenixorganics.com/4054/10CentCoupon.jpg

Peace and Blessings
David

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Biodiesel homebrewing class in Ohio May 17-18

2008-05-15T13:39:48Z

Biodiesel Essentials class in Marietta, OH May 17-18, 10-5 each day
With Maria 'Mark' Alovert, author, Biodiesel Homebrew Guide and co-founder of www.biodieselcommunity.org

at Washington State Community College Auto/Diesel Truck Systems department, room 121.
$120, no one turned away for lack of funds

Biodiesel fuel, which runs in any diesel engine and some heating equipment, can be made in your backyard or garage for under $1 a gallon with common ingredients, using very inexpensive equipment. Relatively little chemistry knowledge is needed to produce quality fuel that will run in any diesel engine, and thousands of people around the country have discovered homebrewing fuel to be an addictive hobby. Come learn what it takes to produce your own clean-burning biodiesel fuel, and to build the equipment to do so.

These classes are hands-on and fast-paced - you'll be making test batches of fuel, titrating and testing oil, and assessing quality of the finished product throughout the two day class. There will be a full-scale home biodiesel reactor and system at the class site, and we will make a batch of fuel in it to demonstrate the process, and will discuss equipment design for larger systems. This class is a good preparation for the Chicago-area advanced 'farm-scale biodiesel production' class happening at the end of May (see www.girlmark.com/tour for details).

To register for the class, please go to www.girlmark.com/tour and register online, or simply show up on the morning of the first day.

The class is held at Washington State Community College in Marietta, OH:

here's a map of campus, you'll be looking for Auto/Diesel Truck Systems department, room 121:
http://www.wscc.edu/Main/maps.asp

Biodiesel Essentials is a two-day class for either beginners or those who want a refresher on quality control. I also teach a series that includes more advanced topics, for more of those workshops please see www.girlmark.com/tour.

Some topics covered in the Biodiesel Essentials class:

biodiesel/SVO/solvent thinning options and history, biodiesel chemistry, testing oil (titration and water testing), (hands-on), making test batches (hands-on), an overview of equipment, a tour of the full Appleseed-type processor and some more sophisticated wash systems than usually seen in homebrewing, long discussion of quality control factors, quality testing (hands-on), mistwashing and other water washing options, breaking emulsion (hands-on), two-stage base biodiesel (hands-on), waste water and glycerine disposal, glycerine burners for process heat, water reuse and uses for glycerine, common pitfalls, hands-on experience recovering from failed batches, safety

contact: classinformation@girlmark.com

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

collecting WVO

2008-05-13T21:59:05Z

has anyone figured out a way to collect WVO while letting it stand a month before picking it up. I am in the south east and was told that WVO was no good in the heat, bacteria growth, after about a week. What would be the best way, if at all possible, to leave the WVO for a month to six weeks and still be usable? I am guessing filter it at the locations , if so any suggestions on doing this.

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

Biofuel Oasis in Berkeley

2008-05-11T07:19:37Z

http://www.biofueloasis.com/

2465 4th Street @ Dwight Way,
Berkeley, CA 94710
510.665.5509

I just joined and got my first tank of biodiesel in a long time.
Their BD is made from RECYCLED veggie oil.
That makes me very happy.
Plus it is right on my way to school.

Happy Dance!!!

posted in Biodiesel - 14 replies

Biofuels make greenhouse gases worse, scientists say

2008-05-06T10:27:51Z

Anyone care to comment on this article? I don't know much about it but somewhat discouraging to say the least. If this is true I'm thinking there must be a solution still but what?

---------

Almost all biofuels used today cause more greenhouse-gas emissions than conventional fuels if the full emissions costs of producing these "green" fuels are taken into account, two studies published Thursday have concluded.

The benefits of biofuels have come under increasing attack in recent months, as scientists took a closer look at the global environmental cost of their production.

These plant-based fuels were originally billed as better than fossil fuels because the carbon released when they were burned was balanced by the carbon absorbed when the plants grew. But that equation proved overly simplistic because the process of turning plants into fuels causes its own emissions — for refining and transport, for example.

These studies, published in the prestigious journal Science, for the first time take a detailed, comprehensive look at the emissions effects of the huge amount of natural land that is being converted to cropland globally to support biofuels development.

The destruction of natural ecosystems — whether rain forest in the tropics or grasslands in South America — not only releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when they are burned and plowed, but also deprives the planet of natural sponges to absorb carbon emissions. Cropland also absorbs far less carbon than the rain forests or even scrubland that it replaces.

Together the two studies offer sweeping conclusions: It does not matter if it is rain forest or scrubland that is cleared, the greenhouse-gas contribution is significant. More important, they discovered that, globally, the production of almost all biofuels resulted — directly or indirectly, intentionally or not — in new lands being cleared for food or fuel.

"When you take this into account, most of the biofuel that people are using or planning to use would probably increase greenhouse gases substantially," said Timothy Searchinger, lead author of one of the studies and a researcher in environment and economics at Princeton University.

Searchinger's team determined that corn-based ethanol almost doubles greenhouse-gas output over 30 years when the land-use changes to grow corn are considered. Cellulosic ethanol made in the U.S. from switchgrass, a fuel that has been singled out by President Bush as a way to reduce the country's dependence on oil, produces 50 percent more emissions than gasoline does, the study said.

The clearing of grassland releases 93 times the amount of greenhouse gas that would be saved by the fuel made annually on that land, said Joseph Fargione, lead author of the second paper, and a scientist at the Nature Conservancy. "So for the next 93 years you're making climate change worse, just at the time when we need to be bringing down carbon emissions."

Searchinger said the only possible exception he could see for now was sugar cane grown in Brazil, which takes relatively little energy to grow and is readily refined into fuel. He added that governments should focus on developing biofuels that did not require cropping, such as those from agricultural waste products. "This land-use problem is not just a secondary effect — it was often just a footnote in prior papers," Searchinger said. "It is major."

Industry groups, like the Renewable Fuels Association, immediately attacked the new studies as "simplistic."

"Biofuels like ethanol are the only tool readily available that can begin to address the challenges of energy security and environmental protection," said Bob Dineen, the group's director, in a statement issued after the Science reports' release.

advertising

In the wake of the new studies, a group of 10 of the United States' most eminent ecologists and environmental biologists on Thursday sent a letter to President Bush and the speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, urging a reform of biofuels policies.

The U.S. recently enacted legislation boosting biofuel production to 36 billion gallons in 2022 from 7.5 billion gallons in 2012. The European Union requires 10 percent of transportation to use biofuels by 2020.

The European Union and a number of European countries have recently tried to address the land-use issue with proposals stipulating that imported biofuels cannot come from land that was previously rain forest.

Fargione said that the dedication of so much cropland in the United States to growing corn for bioethanol had caused indirect land-use changes far away — for instance, by increasing pressure on Brazil to meet soybean demand. "Brazilian farmers are planting more of the world's soybeans — and they're deforesting the Amazon to do it," Fargione said.

There should be more focus on producing biofuels from municipal waste and from land that can't be used for food crops, said Alex Ferrell, an energy and resource professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Soil and plants are essential stores of carbon, containing more than the atmosphere, he said.

Ferrell, who wasn't involved in the two studies, said the economic model used in Searchinger's study will have a "profound" impact on the biofuel debate because it questions the rationale of governments who see biofuels as a way to limit global warming.

posted in Biodiesel - 12 replies

let us all breath together

2008-05-03T16:52:24Z

you probally have all seen this.

http://freeenergynews.com/Directory/CompressedAir/index.html

I run my car on waste veggie oil from the local restaurant deep fryers. It is not "greener" really. burning oil is still burning oil. Its just that I dont have to spend money on it, which is good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmqpGZv0YT4

Teh best way for humans to get there fuel, is to tap into the non-toxic elements, air water solar and earth.

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Biofuel Oasis Film Fest this Wednesday

2008-04-29T04:55:36Z

Join us for a night of Film, Fun and Free popcorn this Wednesday at La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley.

By now, a lot of people know that not all Biodiesel is created equal.
In order to increase awareness about Sustainable Biodiesel AND raise funds for our new solar powered
recycled fuel station, we are hosting a night of films, slideshows, and live performances.

All proceeds go to help build the most SUSTAINABLE STATION in the NATION,
the Biofuel Oasis new location at Ashby and Sacramento Streets in Berkeley.

* Watch excerpts from locally made films Freedom Fuels, and Revolution Green featuring Willie Nelson.
* Marvel at the recycled fuel cult-classic Fat of the Land. For those of you who haven't seen FotL, it's a 1995 documentary about a group of women who travel around the country transforming fuel from fryer grease. Set back in the day when no one had heard of biodiesel, they are encountered with disbelief and awe. The filmmaker will be in attendance!
* Puppetry by the Big Tadoo troupe
* Live biodiesel making demo
* Limited edition silk screened shirt making
* Ask a mechanic booth
* Presentations about how big biodiesel is negatively impacting Borneo and Argentina
* Sourdough starter give-away
* Singing and Kombucha worship with S.F's HowtoHomestead.org
* Free organic popcorn!

It's going to be fun! Invite your friends, biodiesel using or not.

April 30th 7pm, $10-$20
La Pena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Thanks!

Margaret

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

What the hell is this secret additive?

2008-04-24T13:22:45Z

What is your opinion of this website & the "REVOLUTIONARY - Alternative Diesel Fuel Additive"

The big deal is - " There Is NO Conversion Necessary ! "

So, They're saying that with this secret additive, one can use waste veggie oil without the need to convert any hoses or anything at all.

What the hell is this secret additive?

Bottom line is, is this for real or some kind of a scam?

http://www.dieselsecrets.com/

;

posted in Biodiesel - 26 replies

Standard Biodiesel (commercially produced BD from waste oil)

2008-04-12T12:31:10Z

Story is here:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2004336049&slug=standardbiodiesel09&date=20080409

- grey

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Filled with petrodiesel and now I'm getting crystals in the filter bowl

2008-03-23T16:40:14Z

Here's the setup:

I've been using B100 from Biofuel Oasis in Berkeley in my sailboat for over a year now, and my fuel system has been clean for quite a while (cleaned the tank, new lines, new Racor 500). Last weekend I didn't have time to pick up any biodiesel, so I added 10 gallons of petrodiesel from the local fuel dock (Alameda estuary - they get tons of traffic). There were probably 5 gallons in the tank, so this mix is around B30 at this point.

After putting about 15 hours on the engine (that's about 5 gallons) I happened to look at the Racor and saw about 2" of white crystals in the bottom of the bowl. The engine is a Westerbeke 27, which uses a flow-through fuel system, so I'd guess the entire tank had cycled through the filter system a couple of times in that 15 hours. I'm running a 2 micron filter in the Racor.

What's going on here? I remember getting some of these crystals (not this much) when I was switching over to biodiesel and using up the petrodiesel in the process (I thought it was just crap from the tank), but never when it was all petro or all bio.

posted in Biodiesel - 6 replies

Biodiesel Stickers...

2008-03-22T02:55:18Z

Just found this site today...

http://www.relaxhippie.com

... they are selling hilarious biodiesel stickers.

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Petroluem was up to $105.00 a Gallon!

2008-03-10T20:51:21Z

I saw this on the news while waiting on my Doctor. I know it will go higher. I wouldlove to see veggie oil put a huge dent in that price.

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

Conspiracy History compilation DVDs torrents

2008-03-06T13:51:04Z

**************************************************

Greetings to all my relations.

This is the last step of our project History Watch. If History is
defined and known by the texts, we can now add to this definition the
recorded events of the filmed archives. Animated images are harder to
deny than printed words. Our objective is to spread out freely some of
the little broadcast, even hidden informations about our collective
History.

We put online a collection of 391 documentaries and other selected and
recut videos, to offer to a wide public the best of the infos
available on the net in english and in french. If you are interested,
you have the time, the right equipment and connection, all you have to
do is open the joint document and decompress it if needed (but normaly
your system should do it automaticaly). You'll find therein nine links
that will open the torrents for the nine DVDs we compiled (around 4.6
Gig each, for a total of a little over 41 G, being over 100 hours of
videos).

Otherwise, you can go directly to btjunkie.com and search for these titles.

11 Septembre 2001 - 9-11
Bush family & friends
Capitalist & Communist regimes
Capitalist conspiracy
Mind Kontrol - Secret Programs
New World Order - Secret Societies
Secret services - cover up - covert ops
Secret weapons - UFO
Terrorism Theories propaganda

Torrents are a system of peer to peer data transfer. The more people
download a torrent, the faster it spreads and the longer it stays on
the net. If you don't have a bittorrent software, we suggest that you
download uTorrent on utorrent.com. If you want to participate in
facilitating the diffusion of these infos about our collective
History, download these torrents on as many computers as possible,
whether it is in cybercafes. It takes one or two minutes to open up
the links and the downloading will keep proceeding on its own.

Please spread this out, take part in this action for social education
on a planetary scale. Thanks.

For more info: watch.history@gmail.com History Watch

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

workshops

2008-03-05T18:50:42Z

does anyone know of classes or workshops dealing with making biodiesel at home?

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Running Bio in portable generators?

2008-02-29T07:21:36Z

I would love to chat with anyone who has any advice regarding this mattter. I am looking to buy a 5000 watt generator and run it on B20. All of the companies that I have talked to who manufacture these generators say that I can only run up to 5% but I am pretty sure that most of them can take at least B20 if not B100. Any thoughts/experiences would be so greatly appreciated.

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

how do you convert to biodiesel

2008-02-22T21:31:31Z

what are the basic steps, and where do you get your fuel from?

posted in Biodiesel - 9 replies

Perepiteia Generator Could Rewrite the Laws of Physics

2008-02-14T21:52:52Z

Perepiteia Generator Could Rewrite the Laws of Physics
Thane Heins has created an unbelievable invention that could challenge the laws of physics with his Perepiteia generator that uses “Regenerative Acceleration” to power an all-electric car.
The 46-year-old Ottawa-area native inventor has demonstrated the Perepiteia Generator to a number of Labs and Universities across North America, including the University of Virginia, Michigan State University, the University of Toronto and Queens University and MIT.

He has learned to deal with skepticism of his invention which he claims does not require charging from the grid and requires no gasoline, and researchers are at a loss to explain how it creates acceleration. MIT professor Markus Zahn is genuinely stumped at how it works. "It's an unusual phenomena I wouldn't have predicted in advance. But I saw it. It's real. Now I'm just trying to figure it out."

Grant Rowe
www.worldofrenewables.com
www.renewableenergyjobs.net

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Bio-diesel is a corporate scam

2008-02-08T01:20:18Z

go pure veggie

www.businmotion.com

bio-Diesel is time consuming and a waste of chemicals.... PVO, pure vegetable oil works better

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

Looking for car-purchase advice

2008-01-29T06:33:55Z

Our (diesel) Passat lease runs out this month. We're looking for replacements (this time a purchase). It needs to be diesel (obviously) we intend to run b100 most of the year and a blend in the (Seattle) winters to avoid gelling (a strategy that has worked great the last 3 years running).

We're looking for something that makes for a comfortable "trip" car and can also be used for trips to the nursery (needs large, covered storage area for bushy planty things).

Here are the choices on our list so far...

New
-------
2008 Mercedes ML320 CDI
2008 Mercedes GL320 CDI
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD
2008 VW Toureg 2 (diesel)

Used
-------
Jeep Liberty CRD (2005-2006 diesel models)
heavy-duty diesel truck (Ford 250, Dodge 2500, etc.)

---

Comments?

The Mercedes' are obviously scrumptous, I'm just not sure I really want an $11000 car payment. And I'm a little leery of their warranty which (as far as I can tell) only allows 5% BD mixes.

The Toureg 2 seems like way to much money for, well, a VW, and the v12 diesel is total overkill. We do not need to tow our barn around.

I've heard bad reliability reports about the Jeep Grand Cherokee's, would love to hear any experiences with those (particularly running biodiesel in the 2008 models). Same goes for the diesel Jeep Liberty's.

I wish their were a light-duty diesel truck, but no such luck yet. Any advice/suggestions on a heavy-duty that would be used mostly/exclusively for light-duty (and some road-tripping)?

Any other used vehicles (that are commonly available) we're overlooking?

Our buying time frame is between Dec 25th 2007 and spring of 2008. We give the Passat back on the 25th, we can go a few months without a 2nd car if it means the difference in getting the right one.

Thanks for any input!

- grey

posted in Biodiesel - 14 replies

bio prices

2008-01-25T05:58:14Z

the price of fuel is scary. average of 22 cents more than yuma.

anomoly. at arizona petroleum.. the distributor for bio here. i can buy b99 for 3.24 , while b20, b5 and 'regular' are 3.45....... sooooo, a 34 gallon truck tank, a 50 gal auxillary, and 4-5 gal totes..... over 300bucks to fill up. ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch.

posted in Biodiesel - 13 replies

Question about California diesel engine rules

2008-01-25T00:12:54Z

Hi,

I've tried doing google searches but I couldn't find the rules restricting the sales or registering of new diesel engines in California. I'm wondering if I can buy a new Jetta TDI wagon out of state (Oregon or Reno, NV) and register it in California. I was hoping to get the 2008 Jetta TDI sportswagon, but there was a delay and apparently they won't be available until towards the end of the year. It seems the used Jetta TDI's I've seen for sale in the Bay Area are going for a premium price.

Thanks for any info you can point me towards!
Chris

posted in Biodiesel - 4 replies

FIELDS OF FUEL!!!!

2007-12-28T12:46:51Z

Hope...

http://www.fieldsoffuel.com/

posted in Biodiesel - 15 replies

Magnesol Users

2007-12-25T19:55:09Z

Is anyone here using Magnesol instead of water for polish and final polishing?

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Article: 33,000 gallons of Algae Oil per Acre Possible

2007-12-23T05:33:39Z

Article is here:

http://www.scribemedia.org/2007/12/12/algae-biofuel-valcent-vertigro/

Somebody deserves a hug.

- grey

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Iran stops selling oil in U.S. dollars

2007-12-12T03:08:15Z

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran has completely stopped selling any of its oil for U.S. dollars, an Iranian news agency reported on Saturday, citing the oil minister of the world's fourth-largest crude producer.

The ISNA news agency did not give a direct quote from Oil Minister Gholamhossein Nozari. A senior oil official last month said "nearly all" of Iran's crude oil sales were now being paid for in non-U.S. currencies.

For nearly two years, OPEC's second biggest producer has been reducing its exposure to the dollar, saying the weak U.S. currency is eroding its purchasing power.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who often rails against the West, has called the U.S. currency a "worthless piece of paper."

Foes since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, Tehran and Washington are also at odds over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme as well as over policy in Iraq.

"In line with the policy of selling crude oil in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, currently the sale of our country's oil in U.S. dollars has been completely eliminated," ISNA reported after talking with Nozari.

Nozari told ISNA: "In regards to the decrease in the dollar's value and the loss exporters of crude oil have endured from this trend, the dollar is no longer a reliable currency."

"This is why, at the meeting of the heads of states, Iran proposed to OPEC members that a currency (for oil exports) would be determined that would be reliable and would not cause any loss to exporter countries," he said.

At a November summit of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries heads of state, Iran suggested oil should be sold in a basket of currencies rather than dollars, but failed to win over other members except Venezuela.

Ahmadinejad and his Venezuelan counterpart, Hugo Chavez, are vocal critics of U.S. influence in the world.

Hojjatollah Ghanimifard, international affairs director of the state owned National Iranian Oil Company, last month told Reuters that most of Iran's oil export earnings were in euros, with some in yen.

(Reporting by Zahra Hosseinian, writing by Fredrik Dahl, editing by Anthony Barker)

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKDAH83366720071208?sp=true

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

I got arrested doiing environmental activism...

2007-12-11T22:37:33Z

Ok..so Ill share a post with you folks I posted in a couple other forums...one on rawfood.com and another forum Im part of...
I couldnt beleive all the negative responces. 99% of them were nasty towards me and sympathetic towards the women who called the cops on me and the cop who arrested me. I do realize my post is quite hostile, but at the time I needed to vent and was extremely angry...anyways..below I will copy and paste it...
****
Its fucked up.
So...recently I quit my job doing telemarketing with the evil company I was working for because the workplace was getting more and more hostile.
So I quit, and went to do some canvassing (fundraising door to door) for a non-profit that deals with environmental issues.
Its a stressful job and of course I got sent to fucking rich yuppie neighborhoods where people had houses of not just ONE, but TWO or MORE fucking SUV's!@ How DISGUSTING IS THAT!
Everyone who owns an SUV should hafta pay major taxes for every ounce of gas they burn with those polluting machines~!
The bible never said Babylon would be nice homes with manicured lawns, white picket fences, and fancy vehicles (hence why I dont refer to the bible for guidance)

Anyways...
I was in one of these Stepford Wives puke-worthy neighborhoods tonite, when this bitch decided to call the police for me because I was *hasseling her* with this information on environmental issues, and didnt just walk away the first time she said no thanks. So the bitch called the police who came minutes later as I was speaking to another woman, and they cuffed me painfully, put me in the car and made me sit there while they filled out paperwork. Then hassled me because I have a California ID, saying I need to switch it over to a NY one (even tho its NOT a drivers liscense and Im ONLY here temporary) and then the fucking PIG proceeded to tell me how people like me are a menace to society and are *harassing* people at home.
Well excuse the FUCK outta me that Im noble enough to actually try and EDUCATE these selfish greedy fucking maggot yuppies on important issues.
Of course if I was female and a big boobed blond, Im sure I wouldnt have been given anything...
But I was given a ticket, harrassed (never read my miranda rights) and threatened.
Nevermind that Im working for a 501C3 non-profit organization that in the township we were in does NOT require carrying a *soliciting permit/liscence*
which is what I was allegedly arrested for, which Im sure the TRUE thing, was that that bitch called in and she was rich and lived in her fancy neighborhood with her pesticide ridden lawn, her SUV and her fancy wood-chip chemical laden shrub garden, with her big fancy shmancy house.
That bitch can just kiss my hairy 3 quarters white, one quarter native american genderqueer drag-diva vegan, Essene, environmentalist activist ASS!!!

But then again, my ass is too good for her! She couldnt even afford to eat my shit.

Its DISGUSTING how these people get away with this shit. Yet if I happened to be a mormon or fucking jehovah witness harassing them door to door THAT doesnt require any kind of permit.
Fucked up government! I heard something the other day too about how the SUV owners get tax breaks too.

Anyways....so Im scheduled to go to court on August 14. It will probably be thrown out by then, but even if it isnt I have an attorney through the nonprofit I was working for (speaking of which, I QUIT) since they obviously dont have their shit together, and even if we didnt need a permit in that town, didnt have any info with us to show in case something like this does happen. Leave it to me, to be the example, and the lesson.

Sigh...
****

Now in saying this I understand how some people may be upset by what I said, but everyone who responded failed to see the importance in the cause, regardless, and thats sad!
I realize that many people are ignorant of these important environmental issues, and ignore them because deep down they do care, and dont want to pay attention to them, lest they have feelings about it and have to do something. Its easier for them to ignore.
Whats your feedback here?
I hope its positive, because All Ive gotten is negativity and Im ready to explode emotionally over it...
Shekinah

posted in Biodiesel - 24 replies

Food vs. Fuel / The uncertain future of biofuel

2007-12-11T22:20:09Z

I'm months late on posting this, but I read a great article in Biodiesel Magazine discussing the issue of the limited resources of agribusiness and the economics of big alternative energy of the future.

I'd love to dicuss it if anyone is interested. Compared with some of the stuff I've posted in the past this is a really short article that touches on all the major issues facing biofuels, to include biodiesel but not to exclude ethanol.

I'll post the article here, which is FREELY available to ANYONE online.

Information is free!

posted in Biodiesel - 31 replies

Importing from Europe

2007-12-10T01:31:20Z

I might import a diesel from Europe.

Anyone got advice on shipping or tax or other stuff to be aware of?

I do know about the clean diesel law in 5 states (California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont) that kept most new vehicles out during 2007. ........I will be purchasing a VW with the new emissions system.

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Biodiesel: It's not just for hippies any more.

2007-12-09T07:24:35Z

I saw that expression in a forum the other day and found it to be amusing. I'm not really a hippy in any traditional sense, so I suppose that it applies.

I've been pining away for a full-sized diesel powered pickup for quite some time now and finally got one. I specifically chose to get a '94-98.5 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 12-valve 6BTA as that particular combination is reported as having the best fuel economy for just about any full-sized pickup (18-23mpg and sometimes more). I considered a 4BT conversion into a half-ton truck, but I felt like that would require a little more effort that I desired.

I have the truck now. I burned through the remainder of what I assume is #2 diesel and am on my first tank of B20. I've a fuel filter in hand and intend to run increasingly run higher blends and see how it goes. This truck has likely been running on ULSD here in California for over a year and suspect that hasn't served the fuel system very well. I intend to R&R most of the lines and seals in the fuel system as I get around to it, simply because the truck is of the age where that sort of thing needs to be done. I also plan to do some updates which should make the truck more resistant to fuel problems, whether they're from #2 or bio.

I was under the impression that there were more fueling stations in and around the Berkeley area. All I can find are biofuels oasis and LC Biofuels, both of which require a membership of sorts. I was down in the south bay where I filled with B20 at Rotten Robbie who is offering it at retail at four of their locations. It was $3.73/gallon, about two cents cheaper per gallon than #2. After filling up and putting about 100 miles on the truck, fuel economy seems to be excellent (the needle is still above "F") and the truck seems to be running better. I'm not surprised, given that this engine wasn't intended to run on ULSD and blending with biodiesel makes up for the loss of lubricity and seal shrinkage. Also, the tailpipe emissions of B20 smells weird. Definitely different than B100 or #2 and definitely not as unpleasant as #2.

That's my story. I'll post more info later if I start to have any problems with fuel filtering and whatnot, what kind of fuel economy and performance. I might be heading through Ukiah next weekend which has a couple of retail stations selling B99 so I'll look to fill up there. Any advice about sourcing fuel in the Berkeley/Oakland area would be appreciated.

posted in Biodiesel - 26 replies

Biodiesel available, in Norcal ~ Buy or Sell

2007-12-06T18:20:05Z

My friend makes about 100,000+ gallons a year of recycled veggie oil.

Please contact me if you are interested in

a) distributing
b) purchasing 1000+ gallons a month
c) want to rent a tank

PS I love you Todd! Your comments here are fabulous. And I still think our road trip to Washington on 100% biodiesel rocked!

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Methanol shortage raises prices.

2007-11-28T14:56:41Z

Methanol prices hit record levels
B.C. wood exports threatened by lack of key resin component

Michael Kane, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, August 30, 2006

To listen to story, click the VoicePrint link

A worldwide shortage of methanol has pushed spot prices for the commodity to an all-time high while boosting the bottom line at Vancouver-based Methanex Corp., the world's largest producer.

The shortage has also prompted one major resin supplier to ration deliveries, potentially threatening B.C. wood exports. Methanol is a key component of resin, used in the production of oriented strand board and plywood.

Spot prices for methanol have risen above $650 US a tonne, while Methanex has boosted its posted contract price for September by 29 per cent to $442 US.

Methanex says inventory shortages have arisen around the globe as a result of production shutdowns due to a variety reasons, including scheduled maintenance, mechanical failures, and disruptions in the supply of natural gas.

The shutdowns have reduced output by more than one million tonnes, said Methanex spokeswoman Diana Barkley.

Methanol is an important ingredient in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, ranging from windshield washer fluid to recyclable plastic bottles, plywood floors to paint, and silicone sealants to synthetic fibres.

Higher prices are positive for Methanex "because our cost structure doesn't change and the margin does," Barkley said. Methanex employs about 800 people globally, including 100 in Vancouver and about 30 in Kitimat, down from 127 after the firm closed its Kitimat production facility last November because of high North American gas prices.

While nobody expects Methanex to trade meaningful volumes at current spot prices, analyst Jared Anderson of UBS Securities Canada views the spot prices as a positive indicator for the next move in contract pricing. He has a $28 target for Methanex shares, which closed up 30 cents on the Toronto exchange Tuesday at $26.65.

"I absolutely think that the prices that are in the market today are unsustainable," Anderson said in an interview. "I think, though, that pricing for methanol in the long run is going to be attractive for a company that produces the commodity. And I think the street is underestimating the long-term price of methanol."

In contrast, analyst Fai Lee of RBC Capital Markets in Vancouver, expects Methanex to underperform, although he has increased his target price from $18 to $20.

In a commentary released Tuesday, Lee says he expects methanol market conditions to ease as shutdown facilities resume production and new low-cost capacity in Iran and Oman comes into service later this year or in early 2007.

Last week, methanol shortages prompted Ohio's Hexion Specialty Chemicals, the global leader in thermoset resins, to begin rationing customers, including B.C.-based Ainsworth Lumber, one of the biggest producers of OSB in Western Canada.

Two of Ainsworth's mills in Minnesota are not receiving their full supply of resin, "but we are still producing at full speed at all of our operations," Bruce Rose, Ainsworth's general manager of corporate development, said Tuesday. "We'll just have to see how long this goes on."

Resin shortages could be a blessing in disguise because "any news about reduced OSB production can only improve the margins," said Russ Taylor, publisher of the Wood Markets newsletter in Vancouver. OSB prices have fallen by about one third this year as a result of increased production capacity and the downturn in the U.S. housing market.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/voices/story.html?id=5b07d967-3ba9-49ff-b1c7-94092879d321

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

posted in Biodiesel - 4 replies

Rats!

2007-11-27T22:42:28Z

The check engine light went on in our 1996 Mercedes e300d last week. Shortly after returning it home fuel started pooling under it. Managed to get it to the mechanic and it turns out that rats (or mice) have been chewing on the lines. (They left poop all over the intake manifold and clear scoring marks on some of the hoses.)

Mechanic suspects (but isn't sure) that the B100 that we typically run is attracting the rats.

Anybody else having experience with this problem? Is it exclusively biodiesel-related or do rats chew on rubber engine lines just because? Maybe the b100 is just exacerbating an old problem?

Any solutions?

We don't really want to set out poison. Setting (and then clearing) traps doesn't sound that appealing either. The mechanic has suggested dryer-sheets (!?) / steel wool in the engine compartment to act as deterrents. He also suggested a sonic emitter thingy as a deterrent in the parking-area.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

- grey

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

I thought we were independent of BIG OIL! WTF?!?!

2007-11-27T05:47:03Z

How come Biodiesel prices have to rise and reflect the rising costs of petro-diesel?
Aren't the trucks that deliver Biodiesel, running on Biodiesel?

The price of Biodiesel (in the Pacific Palisades @ USA Gas) has gone up $0.10/gallon (from $3.49/gal to $3.59/gal) just recently.

I was thinking it would have stayed the same and would be comparable or less than petro-diesel (which has gone up alot), but alas, the opportunistic SOCALBUG (Southern CA Biodiesel Usergroup) has gotten greedy and taken advantage of the recent price blast.

And all of this to be part of someone's science project!!! They constantly deliver bad batches which clog filters and cause other problems... I know I'm not the only one b'cuz many of my friends have experienced similar problems to me.
I spoke at length w/ the founder of SOCALBUG and he admitted that they have been having frequent bad batches lately due to transit problems, (precipitation and polymerization due to temperature fluctuations) and irresponsible train shipping companies.
He admitted that, since he won't put petro-diesel in his cars, he cannot leave the LA area in Winter because cold weather will spoil his fun when his fuel gels at 20-36ºF!!! What kind of BS is that? If you are a militant bioD-head, someone else has to drive in the Winter?
What kind of alternative fuel are we talking about here?!

Veggie has much fewer roadblocks and wrinkles left yet to be ironed out. The veggie authorities are so much more knowledgeable too than the bioD folks who have their heads in holes in the ground like ostriches.

Screw commercial Biodiesel! It's a sham and a highly risky fuel alternative. I'm becoming increasingly disillusioned as the results of this big experiment are revealed.

I'm goin back to Veggie until the SOCALBUG starts showing higher ethics and quality control.
If veggie were consistently available (here in LA) I wouldn't even have had to use Biodiesel and risk my car's functionality.

posted in Biodiesel - 9 replies

Bio/DIESEL FAQ needs your questions

2007-11-25T19:09:54Z

Hey folks I'm updating the Diesel FAQ, because it's past due and their are some serious diesel tech changes in the pipeline for 2008. I'm adding a glossary section as well as adding new questions and editing old answers since I've had feedback on previous versions of the FAQ.

I'm gonna post a link to the old FAQ here and once I come up with the latest version of the FAQ I will post it here as well.

I need your feedback and your questions. I'm trying to make the FAQ approachable, but not so simplistic that the answers are only suitable for the most basic user.

My motivation for doing this is that within the past 6 months I've been able to convert 3 of my friends to diesel vehicles and I'd like to expand my FAQ to include things not only related to Diesel and diesel tech, but also diesels in relation to biodiesel and other diesel alternative fuels.

http://tribes.tribe.net/dieselpower/thread/883b635a-f5bb-4ad1-8cd4-1ad93abb6884

Thank you for your time.
The Dr.

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

1982 Mercedes Diesel Station Wagon

2007-11-20T16:37:44Z

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1982 Mercedes Diesel Station Wagon for about $2500. I currently own the following vehicles:
94 Toyota Pick up 4WD, 190000 miles
71 VW Bus-restored, 4000 miles on new engine
2003 Mini Cooper, 75000 miles
I thought about selling one of my above vehicles to purchase this 1982 Mercedes which I planned to convert to run on veggie oil.
If you were me, which of the above vehicles would you sell?

posted in Biodiesel - 7 replies

Biodiesel Heating Oil Available for First Time in Southern Oregon - Rising Phoenix Biofuels

2007-11-14T22:15:54Z

Oil heat customers in Southern Oregon now have a choice between foreign petroleum and domestically produced biodiesel blends for staying warm in the winter. Completely compatible with most oil heat systems, blends as low as B5 (5% biodiesel), and up to B20 (20% biodiesel) can be delivered to consumer’s doorsteps for the same price as #2 Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil. With diesel prices on a constant climb, and biodiesel blends becoming price competitive, anyone on a budget or wanting to promote energy independence can enjoy the consistent and efficient warmth provided by traditional oil heaters running on a biodiesel blend.

Medford Fuel has partnered with Rising Phoenix Biofuels ( www.oregonb99.com ) to be Southern Oregon’s first biodiesel home heating delivery option. According to Renovation Northwest magazine and Molly Brady of OregonOilheat.com, "Because of their high efficiency and cleanliness, modern oil heat systems have an amazingly small impact on the environment”. Adds Brady, "Best of all, they are fully compatible with biodiesel. No modifications need to be made to existing oil heat equipment."

Biodiesel heating oil is a well-tested and renewable fuel made from vegetable oils like soy, canola, and even algae grown right here in America. The next time you fill your heating oil tank, why not choose the American fuel? Biodiesel blends are ASTM certified under strict national standards, and more information and distributors can be found at www.biodiesel.org.

David Tourzan, Rising Phoenix Manager, is overjoyed to have found a reliable business partner, “Medford Fuel has a long history in the Rogue Valley and is a family-owned and operated business much like ours.” As their delivery truck pulls away he continues, “With the price being competitive and the blends being compatible with existing equipment, this fuel is an obvious choice for anyone concerned about the American economy and energy independence. We can all help improve our children’s future by simple choices of fuel blends.”

###
For more information or to schedule a delivery please call David Tourzan (541)324-6695 or email biofuels@phoenixorganics.com
Media Contact: David Tourzan
(541)324-6695
biofuels@phoenixorganics.com
www.oregonb99.com

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

BioFuels Puzzle

2007-11-14T14:53:25Z

Hey - I thought this was super cute...I work at Eastern Carolina Organics and we share space with 'The Plant', which is the Piedmont Biofuels space. They're selling these really cute puzzles that are super colorful and actually challenging - with 504 pieces...and they have the Durham city in the background with smog and dinosaurs, and then the sunflower brightness of the biofuels plant.

I'm taking mine on vacation to my parents house so that we can do something other than watch TV and I can sneak in the whole 'biofuels consciousness' without being preachy. :)

Here's the link:

http://biofuels.coop/jigsaw-puzzle/

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

net gain or net loss biod plants

2007-11-05T13:07:10Z

So I am being told by some folks that biod from a plant/manufactured is a net loss on consumption of crued oil.
Where are some facts to prove this incorrect? or are we lossing the battle?

posted in Biodiesel - 5 replies

Asheville, NC

2007-11-04T20:14:43Z

http://www.ashevillefilmfest.com/

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

Veggie Oil (or BIO-D) in Santa Cruz (or anywhere along the 101N between LA and Santa Cruz)

2007-10-31T00:49:24Z

Hi all.
I know this is a Biodiesel tribe, but I run mostly on Veggie Oil and I don't see a Veggie Oil tribe in the list of "related tribes" to the left of the tribe's main page.

My wife and I are heading north from LA to Santa Cruz and I'm looking for veggie oil or biodiesel anywhere along the way there or back.

I found a place in Paso Robles, but don't know if they'll be around on our way up north or back.

Anybody know of a place we can fill up our empty cubes (4.8gallon plastic jugs) or our tank??

Thanks for any advice!

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

Show me something marketed as zero emissions that really is zero emissions

2007-10-20T22:04:40Z

I very much appreciate the direction advanced technologies are taking with the concern over emissions produced by motorized transportation. However, even a case like mine - taking my laundry to the local permaculture laundromat - is still a high emissions affair.

I use a B.O.B. trailer hitched to my cyclocross bicycle to haul my laundry to a friend's house. They have off-the-grid solar power feeding the heating and electricity needs for a once-condemned house that is now a demonstration permaculture homestead on the edge of downtown Tucson. There I wash my clothes in a top-load horizontal-axis clothes washer. Built by Staber here in the US, this is a very energy efficient machine. The discharge wash water is recycled as greywater to irrigate the innermost garden plantings. I use small amounts (the correct amount) of laundry detergent containing the lowest levels of chemical salts to minimize deleterious effects to the soil.

Even though this trip to the laundromat seems to be ecologically-sensitive I see very clearly how it is not. In brief, everything we touch and use is brought to us through processes of sourcing, manufacture, and distribution that are immensely and excessively destructive to the environments from which we arose. For societies, and their marketing firms, to be able to correctly claim that such-and-such is (near-) zero emissions, they must develop low emissions and low impact extraction, refining, manufacturing and distribution methods.

We can do this.

If you're interested in this subject look up "life cycle assessment" or "cradle-to-grave analysis". I also recommend checking out Environmental Defense online. One of the reasons that I applaud Environmental Defense's efforts is because they do a great job of explaining the pre-purchase emissions that go into our possessions, in their case with so-called green cars - HENCE my post here in Biodiesel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_cycle_assessment

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=928

http://www.bobtrailers.com/trailers/trailers.php

http://www.davidsonbicycles.com/

http://www.staber.com/

posted in Biodiesel - 12 replies

Teaching biodiesel classes in Austin, Mississippi, and Tennessee

2007-10-14T04:41:54Z

I have three more biodiesel classes happening before winter (I'm not sure what I"m teaching where this winter yet):

Biodiesel Homebrewing Classes with biodiesel equipment build:

-Austin, TX Oct 27-28

-Hattiesburg, MS (actually Seminary MS) Nov 3-4 with barbeque/advanced equipment build on Nov 2nd

-Fayetteville, TN Nov 10-11

Some of you guys already know what I do, and if you're interested in learning to homebrew or just stopping by to say hello, there's plenty of space in the classes. I've got a 'no one turned away for lack of funds' policy, too. We usually wind up building reactors from the b100supply Appleseed processor kits in the classes, too, and in Mississippi, there's a special pre-class build session/barbeque/fish fry the evening before.

Topics covered:
titration
oil collection
emissions
SVO/biodiesel/solvent thinning options- differences and cautions
real-life quality problems and what to do to prevent them
easy biodiesel chemistry
practice making test batches, titrating oil, testing oil for water, etc
5% water prewash
two-stage base-base process
dewatering oil
washing biodiesel, equipment tricks related to washing
drying biodiesel
how to tell how much to wash or dry
dealing with really bad oil
testing, testing, testing
quality control factors and how they inter-relate
dealing with wash water safely
options for glycerine disposal
burning glycerine safely
fire safety
upsizing batches from the small homebrew systems
waterless "washing"
'open lab' for more practice

Equipment: static mixers, eductors, venturis, hydronic heating, solar heating, plumbing 101, bigger pumps, collections equipment, etc

The Mississippi and Tennessee classes will also have my super-fancy homebrew processor on a trailer, which has a methanol recovery unit and most of the above items to show.

More info:
http://www.girlmark.com/tour

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Testing the 3/27 test (quality test for homebrewers), and an experience with bad biodiesel goo

2007-10-13T07:16:22Z

just cause I'm crossposting on a gajillion homebrew biodiesel lists...

I wrote an exceedingly long write-up at my blog and at some lists:

http://www.girlmark.com/blog/index.php?p=190

about some testing I've been doing - testing the 3/27 test against
other tests a bit, primarily trying to characterize the cold-temperature
appearance of the 3/27 test and trying to see what various cold-weather
behavior means. I"m hoping to have some lab access in the next few
months to work the 3/27 against a GC or other test of conversion (there
are several tests of conversion, including the SafTest, GC, the periodic
acid titration, and the pHlip Test).

In the course of this testing I also stumbled across some bad fuel-
which I figured out after I'd put it into my tank. Bummer. It turned out
to be slightly off-spec (.30 total glycerides is more than just
"slightly" offspec in my opinion, but it's too terribly awful- lots of
homebrew seems to come in at .50something-ish from talking to a lab tech
who's seen a few samples, and it can get worse from there...).

ANyway, the goo in my fuel tank- and samples of it really look like goo
if chilled even a little bit- tests OK on the 3/27 at 72F but fails
dramatically at 66F. unfortunately, I put it into my tank before testing
it- and the person who made it had tested it, without chilling the 3/27
materials to 68F or lower, so he'd gotten a false pass, the situation
we're afraid of with accuracy of testing (ie the lesson is, chill your
3/27 materials before testing, to ensure a more accurate result).

>From this experience, and from other times when I've seen bad commercial
fuel that was offspec, and had seen GC test results for it, I think that
"slightly" offspec can be enough to occasionally cause filter-clogging,
cold starts, viscosity problems, and exceedingly bad cold flow behavior
(the first batch of bad commercial fuel I'd ever seen was gelling up and
clogging filters very badly one California August, by the way, and that
was a batch in the .30something range on total glycerol if I recall
correctly).

I'll be posting more results of this testing as I do it- I want to test
many of the parameters of the 3/27 against samples of known conversion
level, and test things like temperature, contamination with water, and
different fatty acid profile feedstocks.

First post is at:
http://www.girlmark.com/blog/index.php?p=190a

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

California road tax being charged for corn oil used as fuel.

2007-10-12T12:41:02Z

That's right keep your use low key, or the state will make you pay 18-cents per gallon. Nice way of showing support for using alternative fuels.

http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_282215344.html

posted in Biodiesel - 7 replies

WVO on Mythbusters

2007-10-02T10:24:44Z

I was watching Mythbusters last night on Discovery. One of the episodes they had on last night (may be a repeat, don't know) was about free/cheap/alternative ways to power a car.

They had five ideas gleaned from the internet, including plans for a hydrolizer, magnets to magically realign the fuel moledules, a high-efficiency carburetor, an acetone/gasoline mixture, and.... WVO.

Needless to say, the magnets did squat. The acetone mixture actually reduced the car's fuel economy, and so did the replacement carb. The hydrolizer couldn't produce enough hydrogen to even turn the car over, although, just to confirm the feasibility, they did demonstrate that the engine would, in fact, operate on bottled hydrogen.

The acetone and magnet tricks were then tried on a newer, fuel-injected car, with the same results. (Couldn't do the hydrogen easily, and couldn't do the carb at all as FI cars have no carb to replace).

Last, but not least, they got out a diesel car, and ran one liter of dinofuel through it, getting 33 MPG. They then ran one liter of filtered WVO through it and got 30MPG, before pointing out that the fuel economy is actually kind of moot because the fuel is available for the asking.

Interestingly enough, they did nothing in the way of heating the fuel tank. Apparently the Mercedes they used for the experiment was perfectly happy running on room-temperature fryer grease. I suspect that the local climate where Mythbusters is filmed (so-cal) may have had something to do with this.

Bottom line, hydroliser, magnets, special carbs and special fuel blends were busted, but WVO feasibility was confirmed.

Just thought you would all like to hear that.

posted in Biodiesel - 22 replies

Diesel to VO Conversion Slave!

2007-09-23T21:26:10Z

Dear sisters and brothers,
I would love to be your conversion slave. I work for free and only need a place to throw up a tent. Nourishment is also accepted, but i am getting ahead of my self. I am very mechanically inclined, as i do personal work on a '83 300D Mercedes, and have done so on a few previous non diesel vehicle. My moral and energy is always high and positive, and I work until the job is done right. I am willing a positive and creative environment where I may be able to learn the process on any diesel vehicle. The desire to learn arises from being resourceful in using a waste product as fuel and to eventually convert my own car. I may also have the pleasure of taking the skill to South Africa in February, where I will be creating dwellings out of clay and earth. Let’s enjoy each other!

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

fuel from fruit:

2007-09-20T08:11:34Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6224846.stm

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

pig fat

2007-09-20T07:41:21Z

posted this on go biod but thought i'd put it here too.
stopped by a biod station just south of harrisburg pa, keystone
and asked the guy filling up my 300td w/ b100 if they still used soy. he repied that they switched to pig fat due to the rising cost of soy. he also said that when tested it tested better,
a higher quality.
PIG FAT, i love it.

posted in Biodiesel - 3 replies

Looking for some biodiesel help

2007-09-12T01:19:25Z

Hi.

I am in need of a new car, as mine is shot, and I need a car that will be able to haul my harpsichord around to gigs. (I know. Get a hearse.)
I would like to do something more enviro-friendly than a gas car, and would rather opt for bio-diesel. I've been having a hard time finding diesel station-wagons that aren't either very old, or very new and extremely expensive. So any ideas there?

Also, I live in Wisconsin, and I have to park my car outside, so I'm a bit worried about how the car will start in sub-zero temps. Someone had told me that it's possible to get a warming kit of some sort that could remedy that. Does anyone know about this or other helpful ways to keep the vehicle functioning in the cold?

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Biodiesel production class for farmers- New Hampshire, Sept 22-23

2007-09-11T19:49:22Z

I'm teaching a biodiesel workshop in Lee, New Hampshire- somewhat near Dover and Portsmouth, NH.

The workshop site is Tuckaway Farm, which has been hosting a biodiesel co-op for three years, and our host Dorn Cox and students from University of New Hampshire have built some impressive small-farm biodiesel production equipment there- inspired by Argentinian farm-scale biodiesel processors (theirs are somewhat of a hybrid of Appleseed systems and larger-scale techniques involving methanol recovery). They have also grown oilseed in conjunction with nearby UNH as experimentation in oil yields for farmers making their own fuel. There's a lot of information about Dorn and his projects in the articles linked at the end of this post.

The class will cover homebrewing basics but will also have a good tour of the farm-scale biodiesel equipment and will address the special issues that that scale brings up.

Lee, NH

Sept 22-23

10-4 each day

$120

For more information and to register, see www.girlmark.com/tour

Topics covered in the homebrew production side of the class:

-biodiesel/SVO/solvent thinning options and history, biodiesel chemistry, testing oil (titration and water testing), making test batches, an overview of equipment, a chance to build your own reactor at the end of Sunday's class, quality control factors that influence conversion quality, quality testing, mistwashing and other water washing options, breaking emulsion, two-stage base biodiesel, waste water and glycerine disposal, irrigating with waste wash water, neutralizing wash water, water reuse, common pitfalls, hands-on experience recovering from failed batches and emulsion, safety, dewatering oil, spill prevention, burning glycerine for energy, hydronic heating or solar heating of your biodiesel system

Info about our host, Dorn Cox, and his recent sunflower trials:

http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=1432
http://extension.unh.edu/News/SunDiesl.htm
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060903/REPOSITORY/609030353/1012/NEWS
http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Pubs/Final%20Report%205-15-2007.pdf

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Hi Guys,

2007-09-11T18:17:28Z

Hi Guys,

I have added an Energy Efficiency section to my website- Comments/Suggestions would be great.

Link: http://www.worldofrenewables.com/EnergyEfficiency/index.html

Grant Rowe

World of Renewables
grantrowe@worldofrenewables.com

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

jobs!

2007-09-03T22:00:00Z

Just posted 20 U.S jobs and 18 uk and europe jobs in the renewable sector.
Also added news feeds for each of the sectors.

Grant

www.worldofrenewables.com/forum.php

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Question of Location?

2007-08-29T10:40:47Z

I have been posting Renewable energy jobs in my forum.
I have a question that you guys can help me with.
Would you search for a job primarily for location or Wage rate.
Coming from England everything is rather close so i was wondering in bigger countries if location was the biggest factor.

Grant Rowe
Editor
World of Renewables
www.worldofrenewables.com
grantrowe@worldofrenewables.com

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Opel Astra coming to the states, diesel to follow?

2007-08-26T18:09:15Z

I've been reading recently that GM Europe's Opel Astra is coming to the states soon, released as a Saturn. One of the things that caught my eye was that in Europe they have a diesel option. I was wondering if anyone heard any news about the diesel option being available through Saturn. I could be wrong, but wouldn't that be one of the first small cars in the states with a diesel engine? My fears about buying a VW stem from the fact that if they break down, they are expensive to fix. I like the idea of the Astra because it would be a GM car that we could run on bio. Does anyone have any experience with these models or know if they are any good?

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

hiya

2007-08-21T00:20:25Z

Hi,

I am looking for informed individuals with a passion for renewable energy
that wish to be part of a small team that runs World of Renewables.

Link: www.worldofrenewables.com

Its a free website so we rely on peoples passion.

We need individuals that are willing to contribute to the site in terms of news articles and
forum topics.
To be a moderator of the site to help members find information and generally promote
Renewable energy/Alternate energy/Susatinabillity.

If you are interested please drop me a line.

Not interested but have views? goto : http://www.worldofrenewables.com/register.php
And contribute to the forum- all feedback is welcome.

Regards

Grant Rowe
Editor
World of Renewables.com

grantrowe@worldofrenewables.com

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Biodiesel & Burningman

2007-08-17T17:38:34Z

Anyone know of places to pump biodiesel on the way from Sacramento to BRC?

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Brand Spanking New Snow Tires!

2007-08-15T21:13:36Z

My partner and I just recenetly bought an 82 300td while passing through Colorado. It was too good a deal to pass up and we plan on converting it ASAP. The nice woman who sold us the car threw in four brand new(read:300 miles or so) studed snow tires with the Benz rims and everything. We simply don't have the room and or necessity to justify keeping them. Anyone in or around Colorado interested? Message me.

Sorry if this is the wrong thread, but I looked for an "old benz stuff" tribe and found none.

Peace

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

Any good diesel mechanics in Portland?

2007-08-12T22:58:57Z

need a good diesel mechanic for my 82 VW Westfalia - a biodiesel-friendly one would be a bonus. Any recommendations?

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

Update - 2007 Mercedes R 320 Runs GREAT on Bio!

2007-08-03T17:05:50Z

I'm only on my 4th tank, about 1200 miles, and I have been "blending up" since the first tank, adding 25% more b.d. each time, I'm now running a "b75" blend, or thereabouts, I plan on just filling it with b99 on the next fill up. So far no problems at all. I just wanted to post this because when I was looking for a new alt. fuel car for my family there was no documented cases of anyone running b.d. in one of these as they are just recently produced, and i thought someone else might like to know that it works just fine.

~ Cheers

posted in Biodiesel - 2 replies

84 or 85 benz biod

2007-07-21T01:22:55Z

I know we all have our favorite cars/trucks, but I recently totaled my vw euro, everyone is fine, now i finaly get to buy a diesel vehicle
I was thinking of an older mercedes, i would like a wagon,need teh extra room, lots of miles a year, about 25k for long travel on highways
Any other suggestions? The reason for me looking at the 84 and 85 is that a mercedes mechanic suggested these. I can spend up to 10k, no need to if i don't have too. Good gas mile, looking for 30 plus mpg.
Thanks for any suggestions, and obviously i will be looking to run biod and or wvo in the vehicle
my main concern is not being able to find it on the road, seeing as i travel most of the year on the east coast

posted in Biodiesel - 21 replies

Best Bus Blog ever imagined/Diesel stained wretch/wrench offers his services

2007-07-16T01:25:19Z

this is Patrick the non profit bus guru from Hades and/or Heaven depending on your purrspective. I would like folks to become members of my primitive yahoo group for buses. There is a lot of bus info there, my own great pics, and I am sure that the more people that join, even if they don't participate, the more people then who will know me and I can move more buses and parts, (and maybe even find love) and then convert the money into nefarious aid projects in Haiti and Mexico with non terrorist organizations opposed to the US invasion of everyone, eventually.

The site's name is groups.yahoo.com/group/gilligandcrown/ and if you would be a member, I would thank you. You don't have to do diddly after that, but I do post some of my funny ramblings now and then, and at times there be scant bus discussion as we instead plot revolution or just whine in general, but hopefully with a lively and informative joie de vivre that will make your toes curl and eliminate stains on contact.

Have a good'n

Patrick Young
Bus King of the Great Southwest

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Biodiesel joints between San Francisco and Eugene...any info?

2007-07-13T02:29:34Z

Hey all,
I'm about to go on a trip to Oregon, and I'm wondering where all the biodiesel spots are between San Francisco and Eugene. I'm taking the 5, rather than the 101. I once saw an online printout of every possible biodiesel location throughout the US, but I cannot find the website with that info. Anyone know what I'm talking about?
Thanks!
Sherry

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Bumper Sticker

2007-06-25T23:24:20Z

I got rear ended and need a new one...anyone got one for me?
E-mail me separately for my address. thanks so much!!!

posted in Biodiesel - 8 replies

fined for running biod

2007-06-23T16:45:30Z

http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/153260.html

i posted this link under a omment about the bumper sticker, but felt it should be read by more. I haven't ead or hearad anything about this until someone else sent me the link. Basically this guy was pulled over, in a parking lot, for having a biod sticker. The "tax man" was checking mobil homes/trails for illegal deisel. This guy was fined i Charlotte, NC. Read for your self, total BS, i understand them want to there hand out for taxes if sold, but home brew

posted in Biodiesel - 4 replies

Central Valley Bio

2007-06-19T00:30:11Z

I have a cousin near Merced that would really like to try bio in his Powerstroke to see how or if it runs different. Does anyone know of any staions in the central valley that sells bio, or if anyone knows of any home-brewers, please let me know.....thanks..

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Upcoming biodiesel-related events in SF Bay Area, June-July

2007-06-13T01:20:45Z

Upcoming biodiesel and SVO workshops and events in Northern California:

June 16: Homebrewing workshop with Andrew Morris
June 20: Introductory biodiesel fundamentals workshop with Bill Michell
June 30-July 1: Homebrewing workshop and equipment build with Maria
'Mark' Alovert
July 5: Biofuels: Sustainability through Technology - The Californian
Model panel discussion at PG&E
July, Berkeley: possible weekday one-day hands-on processor demonstration and 'system tips' class with Maria 'Mark' Alovert.

Please contact individual instructors for more information. Contact info
listed below.

*****************************************************

June 16, Oakland:

Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing
With Andrew Morris

In West Oakland, June 16 9:30a 5:30p $90
Including Lunch – Limit 6 Participants
Second person from the same household ½ price
To register: email morris1524@yahoo.com <mailto:morris1524@yahoo.com>
This class is designed to give you the hands on experience you need to
begin making your own high quality fuel.

Topics Include: We will Demo & Practice
Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel
Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and
Quantitative Water Test
Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use
Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion
Washing Techniques
Separting Fuel From Glycerol and Water
Processor Operation
Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion
Processor Design & Building Tips
Basic Safety Guidlines

This class will combine lab, practical, theory and Q&A.
Email to hold a Space - I will send you my address and where to send
your check: email morris1524@yahoo.com <mailto:morris1524@yahoo.com>
Recommended Resources:
http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc
http://www.biodieselpictures.com
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/biodieselbasics/
http://www.biodieselnow.com/

***********************************************************
June 30-July 1, Berkeley

Comprehensive Homebrew Biodiesel Class and equipment build with Maria
'Mark' Alovert
Biodiesel Homebrewing/Equipment Building Class with Maria 'girl Mark'
Alovert of http://biodieselcommunity.org <http://biodieselcommunity.org/>

Berkeley, CA

Saturday and Sunday, June 30-July 1
10-4

to register: see http://girlmark.com/tour

This class will build some www.B100supply.com
<http://www.b100supply.com/> equipment

*************************

Biodiesel is a clean-burning diesel alternative made from any natural
oil or fat. It can be made easily in a backyard or garage environment.
In this class, you will learn how to make your own clean burning diesel
fuel alternative and how to build the processing equipment to make it at
home safely...

This is a comprehensive, hands-on workshop on making homebrew biodiesel
fuel out of waste restaurant fryer oil, which can usually be acquired
for 'free'.
Most of the class focuses on the chemistry behind biodiesel homebrewing
and quality control, and we'll be doing a lot of 'lab' work making test
batches, and variations on different formulas.

The feel of the class is a bit like the mad scientist version of "high
school chem lab" (hopefully without the spitballs and giggling)- you'll
be doing hands-on lab exercises in small groups, which will teach you
how to make and troubleshoot your home batches- and we'll be learning
the chemistry basics that underlie making good quality fuel for your
vehicle.

This is a fast-paced class, and I strongly recommend that you read this
website first: http://www.biodieselcommunity.org
<http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/> to get a background for this subject.

Processor build:
At the end of the class, we will build biodiesel processors for students
who wish to buy parts ahead of time (deadline for kit orders: June 16).
If you don't want to make your own processor you can still help build
the others' systems. We will also discuss heat exchangers, solar thermal
heating of the process, some minimal methanol recovery information, and
other equipment topics.

Parts kits info: The optional parts kits are provided by
www.b100supply.com. They are offering a $50 discount to those who are
registered for the workshop (you'll get an e-coupon that you can use at
the b100supply site). June 16 deadline is for b100supply only, the class
will accept students till we're full. The past few Berkeley classes have
sold out so you may want to register early.

Optional book: I will also have for sale at the class, the Biodiesel
Homebrew Guide book: www.localb100.com/book.html

To register, please see the online registration at
http://www.girlmark.com/tour

***********************************************************
June 20, Menlo Park:
Biodiesel Fundamentals
at TechShop:
Wed, June 20, 7:30-9 pm
with Bill Michell

to register and for more information, please see Techshop website:
http://www.techshop.ws/take_classes.html?a=1&i=957339

In this class you will learn how to make any diesel car run on Waste
Vegetable Oil (WVO) or Biodiesel. WVO is free from most restaurants if
you offer to pick it up. The class covers Biodiesel fundamentals with a
focus on using Waste Vegetable Oil as a fuel. Educate yourself on the
simple modifications that can be made to any diesel engine which will
allow you to be free of foreign oil and gas gouging at the pump! After
this class students will be able to make the informed choice about
whether or not making diesel fuel from vegetable oil at home makes
sense. See a Mercedes- Benz 300 SDL running on free (Sushi) Waste
Vegetable Oil!

*************************************************************
July 5, San Francisco:*

*Biofuels: Sustainability through Technology - The Californian Model*

When: Thursday, July 05, 2007 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Where: PG&E Energy Center, CR PEC Conference Center 851 Howard St. San
Francisco, CA

Panel discussion & Q/A about issues contributing to pollution by
transportation, as well as the latest technologies in both practical and
conceptual biofuel systems/products.

Part of the Overseas Research Project(ORP). ORP is a research project
carried out by approximately 40 Master's degree Manufacturing
Engineering students in their final year at Cambridge University. The
research topic 'Sustainability through Technology: the Californian
Model', which observes the technological approach to environmental
sustainability, rather than lifestyle or habitual changes.

120 people

PEC Host: Robert Marcial 2.5177

Contact: Heath Blount 505-577-1810
heath.blount@gmail.com <mailto:heath.blount@gmail.com>
San Francisco Biofuels Cooperative

*************************************
July, Berkeley:
possible weekday one-day hands-on processor demonstration class with
Maria 'Mark' Alovert.
$65

I am considering offering a one-day class during the week (all of my
weekends are full) in which I will show you around a 'real' biodiesel
processor site and will run the system through all the steps needed to
make biodiesel. This will include washing, separating glycerine, drying,
etc.

This class is designed for either beginner students who have done a lot
of reading, or advanced beginner students who have made test batches or
have made some biodiesel. The point of the class is to introduce you to
the tricks and tips for avoiding spills, making high quality fuel, safe
handling, avoiding emulsion, and other physical aspects of running your
biodiesel processor.

However, I suggest that you attend a 'real' lab class such as my or
Andrew Morris' classes in June first so as to become comfortable with
the chemistry concepts behind homebrewing, or at least make some test
batches on your own first using the www.biodieselcommunity.org
instructions or those in my book at www.localb100.com/book.html

Please email me if you are interested in the class and let me know you
availability during the week of July 9th or July 23 (no weekends).

classregistration@girlmark.com
*************************************

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies

Biodiesel Job Listing

2007-06-09T19:43:09Z

I am reposting this. I am not a member or employee of Blue Ridge Biofuels. This posting is for information only, for those looking to pursue a career in clean energy.
=--+--==--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--= =--+--=

From: "Brian" <info@blueridgebiofuels.com>

Feedstock Coordinator

Blue Ridge Biofuels is seeking an individual with strong organizational and communication skills to help coordinate a steady supply of feedstock for making biodiesel. Currently, BRB collects waste vegetable oil from over 100 restaurants and plans to reach out to local farmers for feedstock in the coming years. We need someone to continue to vigorously grow this side of the business. This is an excellent opportunity for the right individual who wants to utilize their talents and feel good about what they are doing.

Tasks for Feedstock Procurement:

* sales/outreach to food establishments
* precise record keeping of correspondence
* record keeping to track clients and their specific needs
* analyze data to update routes and scheduling
* research other appropriate feedstocks in WNC
* stay informed of issues involving competitors and new restaurants
* design marketing materials

Miscellaneous tasks:

* answer phones
* design brochures and advertisements
* create press releases
* public outreach/education- table events
* take home heating oil orders in the winter

Skills/Attributes:

Organizational: Ability to create appropriate databases for keeping detailed records of correspondence and tracking oil collection. Attention to details and ability to create effective organizational methods for business management.

Written and Verbal Communication: Communicate effectively with BRB staff to be aware of needs and what is happening in the field. Communicate effectively with customers and the general public about the benefits of biodiesel and the mission of BRB.

Sales/Marketing: Recruit restaurants to our Waste-Oil-to-Biodiesel-Program through outreach and education. Create effective marketing strategies and materials.

Computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required. Database experience preferred. Knowledge of layout and design programs and ability to work with digital photos preferred.

Please send resume, salary requirements, and availability as soon as possible to office@blueridgebiofuels.com

posted in Biodiesel - 1 reply

Biodiesel virgin ready to get greasy with a Westie - Where to start?

2007-06-05T08:27:00Z

After a long hunt, I've finally manifested an old '82 diesel westfalia to serve as my home and transport for the summer. Finding one in my price range wasn't easy, but part of that was going with an engine that needs a fill of oil along with each fill of diesel (ouch!) ~ or so the last owner told me ~ although he only drove it 100 miles and after the initial blue cloud on startup, she ran pretty well. I'm planning on needing to do an engine replacement eventually, but I'd like to save up for a TDI later rather than a turbo diesel without the oomph now.

Anyway, I'm ready to make the switch to biodiesel, but want to do it delicately since I don't want to send her engine over the edge in detox, or me over the edge financially with an engine/feul pump replacement at the same time. So, I'm wondering the best way to transition my little Turtle, without being too hard on her especially since I'm hoping not to break down in the middle of whoknowswhere during my travels this summer.

Should I...
a) just replace the fuel line & filter now and start putting in B20
b) replace the feul pump now if this will mean less gunk going into the engine
c) plan on an engine replacement asap
d) do something else I don't know about
e) all of the above

Obviously, I'm new to this, so any advice would be appreciated, especially any estimates/info on what mechanical issues to expect. Thanks!

posted in Biodiesel - 6 replies

BioDiesel: Pros & Cons

2007-05-28T05:50:22Z

I found the following on the Pros and Cons of biodiesel from the Consumer Energy
Council of America:

http://www.cecarf.org/Programs/Fuels/Fuelfacts/Bio-Fuels%20Facts.html

PROS: When blended with standard transportation diesel, biodiesel helps to extend
the energy capacity of the diesel. Biodiesel can also be used as a home heating
oil. Because biodiesel is produced from natural sources, it generally releases as
much carbon dioxide as it uses growing. A blend of 20 percent biodiesel will reduce
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 15 percent, and adding biodiesel also reduces
the amount of particulates (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)
released as emissions. Biodiesel is less combustible than petroleum, making it safer
to store and transport. In addition, if biodiesel spills, it is biodegradable and
breaks down roughly four times faster than petroleum diesel.

CONS: Use of biodiesel results in increased levels of harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx)
emissions when used in diesel engines, although not usually in residential heating
equipment. Also, in and of itself biodiesel releases the same amount of hydrocarbon
(or soluble carbon) emissions when burned as regular diesel. Furthermore, pure biodiesel
has a high "clouding" point, meaning that liquid biodiesel begins to thicken
into a solid at low temperatures. Because of its
higher clouding point, biodiesel is more difficult to store and transport in cold
climates, which adds to its cost.

posted in Biodiesel - 0 replies