Green crude from algae
requires separation and final conversion. …
… “The final step in processing separates the glycerol from the mixture and leaves a biodiesel that's ready to be used as fuel.” …
Via How Stuff Works: Algae Biofuel.
January 07, 2011
June 25, 2010
Bio-Beetle Green Rental Cars - Hawaii
When in Hawaii you can rent a car from Bio-Beetle -their mission statement is " ... be the "GREENEST", and "BEST", rental car company
on the planet."
In addition to biodiesel from 100% vegetable oil they use " ... earth friendly coolants, synthetic engine oil and non toxic cleaners ... 100% recycled or tree free paper ... organic cotton uniforms, and recycled items when obtainable. ..."
Via: Eco-Beetle LINK
June 21, 2010
US States Ranked by Use of Renewable Energy
The map at the right - link to full size below - shows " LINK ... the current state of renewable energy in America ... a large portion of the country is still dragging their feet in adopting more environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. ..."
Pennsylvania ranks 15th
New Jersey ranks 43 rd.
Check out the stats for your state.
Click for full size map ... LINK
Via: CoolerPlanet
April 22, 2010
Amtrak's Biodiesel "Heartland Flyer"
Amtrak is experimenting with a bio-diesel fueled train ... called the Heartland Flyer.
" ... nation’s first-ever test of a cleaner and renewable biodiesel fuel blend to power a daily interstate passenger train between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth ... research project ... on the daily Heartland Flyer train operated by Amtrak ... biodiesel blend includes beef byproduct and is provided by a Texas-based vendor."
" ... the biodiesel blend known as B20 (20% pure biofuel and 80% diesel) reduced hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide each by 10 percent, reduced particulates by 15 percent and sulfates by 20 percent. ... measurements will be taken ... at the end of 12 months so any impact of the biodiesel on valves and gaskets can be measured...."
Via: Amtrak LINK
September 01, 2009
Great Valley (Chester County PA) School Buses use BioDiesel
The Great Valley School District (Chester County, PA) is the FIRST school district to switch to B20 biodiesel for its bus fleet. B20 is a blend of 20% bio fuel and 80% diesel.
" ... assistance from The Energy Cooperative to make the transition to B20 and a state grant to pay for the added cost ... received a $28,340 Alternative Incentive Fuels Grant (AFIG) ... to pay for the incremental cost of using biodiesel ... estimates it will use approximately 130,000 gallons of B20 ..."
" ... AFIG grants ... administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, are intended to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality and to reduce dependency on foreign energy sources."
"Biodiesel is a cleaner, biodegradable, and nontoxic alternative fuel .... can be used as a pure fuel (B100) or blended with petroleum such as in the popular B20 blend ..."
" ... B20 blend will reduce annual air pollution by approximately 1,919 pounds of carbon monoxide ... 173 pounds of particulate matter ... 227 pounds of hydrocarbons ... 119 pounds of sulfur dioxide ... and 435,267 pounds of carbon dioxide ..."
Via: PA DEP LINK
June 17, 2009
Exelon's ComEd is a Major Green Fleet (cars, trucks, etc.)
ComEd, a Exelon company has bought 50 Toyota Prius to add to
its already substantial GREEN fleet of cars and trucks.
" ...One of Nation's Largest Green Fleets ... save utility 6,500 gallons of gas in 2009, ... including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. ..."
" ... Compared to an average subcompact, the Prius hybrid and plug-in electric version consume about 30 and 65 percent less fuel, respectively. ... reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 metric tons."
" ... 63 percent of the ComEd fleet uses a fuel source other than 100 percent gasoline.... 1,774 trucks that use biodiesel fuel ...250 E85 flex-fuel vehicles ... 91 hybrid Ford Escape SUVs; one biodiesel-electric hybrid bucket truck; one liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bucket truck; and the 50 new Prius vehicles. ..."
Via: Exelon LINK
November 06, 2008
Glycerol bassed (eco friendly) Antifreeze
One of the by-products of bio diesel production is glycerol (a.k.a. glycerine). Now that bio-diesel is becoming more readily available glycerol is now being considered as an alternative to normal glycol based anti-freeze.
" ...in the (1920s & 30s) glycerin saw some usage, but because of higher cost and weaker freeze point depression, it was not competitive with ethylene glycol. Glycerin is a by-product of the manufacture of biodiesel ... large amount of glycerin generated from high volume usage of biodiesel fuel has resulted in this chemical becoming cost competitive with the glycols currently used in engine coolants. For this reason, and lower toxicity comparable to that of propylene glycol, glycerin deserves to be reconsidered as a base for antifreeze/coolant."
Further work may be needed but this would result is less toxic environmentally friendly anti freeze.
Via: SAE Link
October 23, 2008
AMERIgreen Bio Fuels
AMERIgreen provides biofuels in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
"... Biofuels are alternative fuels as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. ... burn cleane
r than gasoline and standard home heating oil. ... completely renewable, domestic, environmentally friendly fuels that enhance the nation's economy and energy independence."
" ... is a national leader in distributing branded and unbranded Ethanol, Biodiesel, Bioheating Oil, and Biokerosene! ... provide Blended Biodiesel at our two blending terminals in Highspire and Sinking Springs. PA...."
View their 30 second commercial Link
Via: AMERIgreen Link
September 22, 2008
Exelon Using Boidiesel and Hybrids
Exelon, a major energy supplier in the northeast and in Philadelphia (via PECO), has committed to using Biodiesel and Hybrids.
Read on for more >>>
"Exelon continues to be a major voluntary user of B20 biodiesel ... the main source of fuel for more than 2,500 of the company's vehicles—or 65 percent of its fleet. ... Exelon uses in excess of 2 million gallons per year. ... In 2005, Exelon purchased 50 Ford Escape Hybrids, the first production hybrid sport-utility vehicle (SUV). ... about 25 percent of the company’s overall SUV fleet. ... expects to procure 50 hybrid SUVs and 10 compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles each year and to use biodiesel for all diesel vehicles by the end of 2006."
July 14, 2008
fryOdiesel
fryOdiesel takes a waste produict - one that restauratns and other inductries have to PAY TO get ride of and turns it in to a profitable fuels ... reducing wates and turning trash into cash.
"PFoD has developed patent-pending technology for the production of high quality diesel fuel from fats, oils, and greases. ... produce ASTM-grade biodiesel from sewer trap grease and other waste greases."
" ...fats, oils, and grease in the wastewater system is a costly problem ... causi
ng sewer backups and resulting in millions of dollars of fines and billions of dollars of forced infrastructure upgrades."
"PFoD solves the problem of grease in the sewers by providing a beneficial reuse of what is now a costly pollutant."
fryOdiesel is based in Philadelphia, Pa.
Via: fryOdiesel Link
April 16, 2007
Renewable Diesel Fuel From Animal Fats: Conoco Phillips and Tyson Collaborate
Conoco-Phillips and Tyson collaborate to develop transportation-grade diesel fuel from the by-product of beef, pork and poultry processing: animal fat. The animal fats will be formulated with petroleum feedstocks, leveraging Conoco-Phillips' proprietary thermal depolymerization process technology. The process was piloted in the Conoco-Phillips Whitegate Refinery in Ireland and used for commercial production of renewable diesel from soybean oil in late 2006. The result is a high-
quality diesel fuel that satisfies ultra-low-sulfur diesel standards. By adding animal fat, the fuel's ignition properties are improved. The facility investments will enable Conoco Phillips to perform flexible processing of animal fats and vegetable oils in the production of diesel. Not only is this good for the environment, Conoco-Phillips achieves a source of renewable feedstock for its fuel production and Tyson could see a measureable improvement in annual earnings when at target production levels. ... ... "Over the last year, the companies have been collaborating on ways to leverage Tyson's advanced knowledge in protein chemistry and production with ConocoPhillips' processing and marketing expertise to introduce a renewable diesel to the United States. Tyson will make capital improvements this summer in order to begin pre-processing animal fat from some of its North American rendering facilities later in the year. ConocoPhillips also will begin the necessary capital expenditures to enable it to produce the fuel in several of its refineries. The finished product will berenewable diesel fuel mixtures that meet all federal standards for ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Production is expected to ramp up over time to as much as 175 million gallons per year of renewable diesel. " ...
Via Conoco-Phillips: Strategic Alliance To Produce Next Generation Renewable Diesel Fuel
February 25, 2007
Toro Biodiesel Ready 2008: Retrofit Kit in June-2007
Toro will introduce biodiesel-capable (up to B20) commercial equipment and provide retrofit kits for products in the field. ...
... "With a commitment to exploring new and more efficient technologies that are both customer-valued and environmentally responsible, The Toro Company is proud
to announce that all diesel-powered golf course and sports fields and grounds equipment will be Biodiesel Ready by 2008. This includes the Toro Reelmaster, Groundsmaster, Greensmaster, Workman and MultiPro product families. Beyond these specific product families, Toro will continue to expand the use of biodiesel fuels in other diesel-powered equipment lines. As part of this initiative, the company is also creating upgrade kits for the above-mentioned product families to convert diesel models already in production or in the field to be compatible with biodiesel fuel. The kits are expected to be available by June 2007. " ...
Via Toro: The Toro Company's Commercial Equipment Biodiesel Ready By 2008 (Doc) ...
February 19, 2007
Additive Protects Biodiesel From Degradation
Ciba Specialty Chemicals creates stabilizer that protects biodiesel fuel from oxidative degradation through its life cycle. ...
... "Biodiesel is derived from natural and renewable substances such as vegetable oils and animal fats and has become increasingly popular as an environmentallyVia Ciba Specialty Chemicals: Ciba Introduces Biodiesel Stabilizerfriendly alternative to petroleum-based fuels. As with other natural substances, if left untreated, biodiesel is susceptible to oxidative degradation. Degradation of biodiesel leads to the formation of lower molecular weight acids, peroxides and gums that can result in unwanted changes in both the properties and performance of biodiesel. These deposits and gums can result in damage to the engine and fuel injection systems. To help ensure that fuel quality is maintained during storage, handling and use, specifications have been established in standards such as ASTM D6751 and European Standard DIN EN 14214. IRGASTAB BD 100 can help biodiesel meet these standards and offers extended protection to help maintain fuel quality and consistency. " ...
February 09, 2007
Hybrid Supercar in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 8, 2007
Almost live from the Philadelphia Auto Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center ...
Along with the expected Hybrid cars offered by Honda, Toyota, Ford and Saturn was a unique vehicle ... The "World's First Hybrid Supercar".
The Hybrid Attack was developed and built by students from the Academy for Automotive & Mechanical Engineering at West Philadelphia High School.
Specs:
Fuel: 100 % Biodiesel
Performance: 0 - 6- in less than 4 seconds
Economy: 50+ MPG
Power: Modified VW 105 HP TDi and AC motor
Weight: 2290 pounds
The car won t he 2006 Tour De Sol.
According to students and booth attendees the total cost of the car was approx. $100,000. Components were donated by Toyota and Suburu via dealers and board members.
Still ... Quite amazing for students ... a challenge for Detroit and the rest of the auto industry????
Via: The Green Dude Link
February 04, 2007
Biodiesel Algae Production Process
PetroSun is field-testing microalgae for biodiesel production. It is in the final stage prior to the construction of a commercial cultivation facility. This final stage will produce algae paste in volume to test the output and economics in biodiesel manufacturing. ...
... "Algae BioFuels is considering sites in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Louisiana and Michigan for its initial commercial cultivation of algae feedstock in the United States. Australia and China are the leading candidates for production and refinery operations in the foreign marketplace. The Company has modified its initial plan to locate its biodiesel refinery in Arizona to include other areas of the United States that prove to be commercially viable in the cultivation process. " ...
Via PetroSun: PetroSun Announces Field Testing
Biodiesel from Canola Oil: Washington State
The nation's largest biodiesel plant is in Grays Harbor, Washington, and produces one million
gallons of biodiesel from canola grown on Washington state farms. Imperium Renewables uses proprietary technology to produce biodiesel at a higher quality with a longer shelf life. ... ... "Thursday morning, President of Imperium Renewables John Plaza announced that the company is beginning this week to use Washington state-grown canola to produce one million gallons of their biodiesel. Cantwell hailed the move as a sign that the region has the potential to grow and refine a significant portion of the fuel it uses within our state's boundaries. Cantwell said she would continue working to level the playing field for alternative fuels, and toencourage growth in the market. " ...
Via U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell: Northwest Energy Leadership at Senate Biofuels Conference ...
Biodiesel Production: Chemistry Class
Local chemistry class produces biodiesel, educating future scientists on green technology and igniting their passion for science. ...
... "The group of seniors and one junior began its project by producing biodiesel from canola oil and vegetable oil in the science laboratory. From there, the group did some research on local restaurants and began to collect used fryer oil to produce biodiesel. " ...
Via Nashua Telegraph: Education
Biodiesel Environmental Effects
Biodiesel itself and its combustion by-products are safe for the environment. The facts are explored. ...
... "What are the long-term effects on the environment if I were to use pure biodiesel? " ...
Via Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: Biodiesel
February 03, 2007
Biodiesel Purification Technology
Rohm and Haas introduces low-cost, high-yield process for producing exceptionally pure biodiesel. The purification system has a small manufacturing footprint and is integrated into the standard biodiesel production process. ...
... "The use of dry polymer technology to purify biodiesel was developed by Rohm and Haas to respond to the main issues of biodiesel production: the cost of purification and the related yield loss. Indeed, the conventional processes for removing residual glycerol, soap and catalyst traces from biodiesel consume significant amounts of water which must then be handled as a waste, and impact yield through losses of methanol and biodiesel. " ...
Via Rohm and Haas: AMBERLITE BD10DRY SPECIALTY POLYMER TECHNOLOGY FOR BIODIESEL PURIFICATION: A SIMPLE PROCESS AND COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
February 02, 2007
Philadelphia's First E85 and B20 Station Opens
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
E85 flex fuel is a blend of 85% ethanol (derived from corn or soy) and 15% gasoline. Only E85 capable cars can use this fuel.
B20 is a of 20% biodiesel and 80 % regular diesel fuel.
Fuel stations that carry E85 and / or B20 have been slow to emerge in the northeast part of the U.S.
>>>> Today, Feb 1st, 2007 at 1:30 pm EST, Philadelphia gets its first E85 / B20 Station. The Shell station is at 12th and Vine Sts in the Chinatown section of the city.
Via: Phillycleancities.org Link