Biodiesel - Interesting article.

[PAUL161]

Just read this article on biodiesel and problems that are arising from it's use. It seems like a good idea, but more research is being done to find out more about it's good and bad points. Thought it might be interesting to some. Here's a link to it.


https://ctocf.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=dieselfuel&action=display&thread=241
Biodiesel problems

 

[NutmegCT]

Paul - I think we have a BCF member (James Wilson?) who spent several months trying biodiesel (?) in one of his cars. I don't remember ever reading what he decided about the experiment.

Tom

 

[PAUL161]

Paul - I think we have a BCF member (James Wilson?) who spent several months trying biodiesel (?) in one of his cars. I don't remember ever reading what he decided about the experiment.

Tom

You know Tom, now that you mention it, I think I remember one of his articles on the subject. Maybe he'll chime in later. PJ

 

[TR6oldtimer]

Some unintended consequence.

MBTE in gasoline, dissolve rubber and polluted ground water.

Wind turbines, kills birds.

Ethanol, increased use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, decreased food production, other problems.

Florescent light bulbs, mercury hazard requires special handling and they are only more efficient then incandescent if left on for more then two hours.

...

 

[mailbox]

This really shouldn't suprise us. We have over 100 years of experience with fossil fuels and a relativly short time with bio fuels. Given a little time we will figure out the best way to make and use biofuels.

 

[Banjo]

Hmmmm. intresting.. I work on several "veggie diesels" at our shop. We're right outside of Ithaca NY and there is a large "Eco-friendly" populace in the area. But we see straight "grease-cars" the ones using strained, used fryer grease in a heated fuel system with special filters. that's very different from what this article is talking aobut.
the biggest drawbacks to that system is that it's a bit technically involved for many people, you have to get the grease yourself, and, frankly, they STINK! they smell like the dumpster behind McDonalds!
The vast majority of them in our area are mid 80s Mercedes 300Ds. but we have a newer VW, and a F350 that frequent out shop as well.
I think the driving force behind many of them in our area is free fuel over the eco- friendly aspect.

 

[DrEntropy]

Just as we are omnivores, we find answers to "locomotion" and whatever "energy" requirements...

...as long as we realize this "egg" we inhabit is finite.

And th' priorities are aligned.











... We're doomed.











Just a hint.

 

[Nunyas]

Some unintended consequence.

MBTE in gasoline, dissolve rubber and polluted ground water.

Wind turbines, kills birds.

Ethanol, increased use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, decreased food production, other problems.

Florescent light bulbs, mercury hazard requires special handling and they are only more efficient then incandescent if left on for more then two hours.

...

Actually, Mythbusters proved that with modern incandescent lights and modern CFL lights the steady state operation is achieved in under a half second, and the start up power of the CFL is significantly lower than what many people think. The efficiency of a CFL passes the efficiency of an incandescent within seconds.

However, that doesn't address the issue with mercury... Although, if I'm not mistaken they've started making some without mercury now.

personally, I like the lighting properties of incandescnt lights over CFLs. The light is more "natural" like. Where CFLs gives a weird headache inducing glow to everything IMO. I know they're trying to make CFLs give off a more "natural" light spectrum these days, but it always falls short in some regard.

 

[Basil]

personally, I like the lighting properties of incandescnt lights over CFLs. The light is more "natural" like.

If it ever looks like they are going to ban incandescent bulbs, I will buy a life-time supply before they go off the market.

 

[Banjo]

personally, I like the lighting properties of incandescnt lights over CFLs. The light is more "natural" like.

If it ever looks like they are going to ban incandescent bulbs, I will buy a life-time supply before they go off the market.

I've actually been toying with the idea of lighting my entire house with 12v LEDs. maybe even having them hooked to a battery pack attached to solar cells or other generator.

 

[PAUL161]

The wife and I are energy conscious and have tried to use CFLs, but every time we put one in a light, regardless of the wattage, we go back to the incandescent within a short time. I cant stand the dim atmosphere they display regardless of what wattage of light their supposed to replace, which in my eyes, they don't! JMHO.