One proposition of interest was to invest in research making ethanol from agricultural waste, which is a realistic biofuel of our future.

Methane gas is a natural byproduct of landfills all over our country. Power plants are starting to use this energy source to make the electricity to power your home and business.

There are also newly developing biofuels from algae and cellulosic ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol is most interesting because it uses plant matter that might normally be considered agricultural waste … corn stalks, straw, various grasses and woody plant material.

The featured guest, Tim Searchinger of Princeton University, said, “The simplest explanation is that when we divert our corn or soybeans to fuel, if people around the world are going to continue to eat the same amount that they’re already eating, you have to replace that food somewhere else.”

This of course forces humans to convert more natural forests and grasslands into agricultural fields which results in more carbon dioxide production.

Of the Renewable Fuels Association, Matt Hartwig, agreed that ethanol is not the perfect answer, but “it is evolving and becoming better.”

And Alex Farrell of Berkley sees light at the end of the tunnel … he counters with the very real prospect of using biofuels made from landfill materials, waste, or grasses.

All agree that the biodiesel industry is continuing to evolve, and with it is the need for stringent biodiesel fuel testing.

For additional information on biodiesel testing, please contact bpohlman@midwestlabs.com.

The ASTM guidelines place maximum and/or minimum limits on 4 biodiesel characteristics: 

1) Flash Point.  The flash point is the lowest temperature for which combustion is possible.  If too low, then inadvertent combustion may occur which is of course a safety hazard.  Producers should always test biodiesel fuel for the flash point to ensure the safety of distributors, retailers and consumers.

2) Contamination.  Water and sediment does not present a safety concern, these contaminant materials can have has undesirable mechanical effects: clog filters, reduce ignition performance, and have a negative impact upon the fuel pump. 

The ASTM specifications refer to the amount of water dissolved; not to the water coexisting in bulk form within a tank. 

3) Microbes.  Water included in the blend may also stimulate the growth of microbes, especially in warmer temperatures.  The microbes produce deposits that can aid the clogging of the water upon filters. 

4) Glycerin.  Glycerin is a natural byproduct of biodiesel production. A large glycerin content in the final product can indicate that the manufacturing process used to transform oils and fats into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was incomplete.   High glycerin content can likely result in the clogged filters and in the contamination of injectors.

For biodiesel fuel testing, kits and information is offered by Midwest Laboratories in accordance with ASTM 6751 for B100 - Biodiesel.  Midwest Labs works with clients to develop testing packages that suit your specific needs.

For additional information, please contact bpohlman@midwestlabs.com

Key to BQ-9000 certification is compliance with the ASTM D6751 specification for B100. The ASTM D6751 sets limits on a number of properties of biodiesel fuel:

• the combined mass concentration of calcium and magnesium
• the closed cup flashpoint
• the combined volume concentration of water and sediment
• and many more properties.

In order to meet the biodiesel regulations set in many states as well as of the BQ-9000 certification process, biodiesel testing in accordance with ASTM D6751-07b is a vital component offered by Midwest Labs.

When meeting these specifications through a testing process, you can guarantee a quality biodiesel fuel for your customers.

At Midwest Laboratories, we’re happy to work with you to whether you need an individual biodiesel testing kit or are interested in a package to continuously test biodiesel.

For additional information, please contact bpohlman@midwestlabs.com

The 2008 Conference is expected to break records with the number of industry leaders. There will be endless opportunities for education, networking, and events.

Stop by the Midwest Labs booth (Booth 1019) to learn more about our biodiesel testing analysis - analysis you can trust. For more information, contact Brent Pohlman or Heather Ramig at 402-334-7770.

Quality control is a must throughout the production process. Midwest Laboratories, Inc. offers a wide array of Petroleum Analysis & Biodiesel Analysis Biodiesel Testing. We’re happy to work with you to whether you need an individual biodiesel testing kit or are interested in a package to continuously test biodiesel.

For additional information, please contact bpohlman@midwestlabs.com

The time in seconds it takes for cold soaked biodiesel to pass through two 0.8 micron filters and the amount of particulate matter expressed in mg/l collected on the filter.

For Producers/Blenders: Poor filtration can be related to choice of feedstock, as well as incomplete glycerin removal during processing. It may also indicate the B100 product was subjected to low temperatures (below pour point). It is not sufficient to warm to ambient- product must be heated to 100F to liquefy all molecules present.

For Distributors/End users: High filtration times indicate the potential for fuel filter plugging. In freezing climates, consider heat trace on storage tanks, blend and piping equipment. End users may look to install heated filter housings.

Article: 

Biodiesel is a biofuel which is produced from organic oils or fats, and can be used in diesel engines. The technical name for standard biodiesel is alkyl methyl ester. Generally, this is made from reacting vegetable oil and methanol using a catalyst, resulting in a molecule that contains hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The presence of oxygen in the molecule helps to make it a cleaner burning fuel. Although some diesel engines can run on straight vegetable oil (SVO), this is not genuine biodiesel and does not share all of its advantages.

As biodiesel comes from organic carbon sources, it is carbon neutral. This means that burning it does not add carbon to the earth’s biosphere (the biosphere includes the atmosphere and all living things). When plants photosynthesize, they use up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turn it into organic molecules such as oils. When you burn these oils, you simply return the carbon to the atmosphere. This is unlike the burning of fossil fuels, where fossil carbon is released and increases the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. However, be aware that some fossil carbon is burned in the production of biodiesel, so it is not a totally carbon neutral fuel.

Compared to fossil diesel, biodiesel–

•    has similar viscosity (it’s runny like diesel, not gooey like vegetable oil)
•    has superior lubricating properties
•    has little effect on engine power
•    produces lower CO2 emissions
•    produces lower particulate (soot) emissions
•    is much more biodegradable
•    is much less toxic (10 times less toxic than common salt)
•    is much less flammable, and therefore safer to handle and transport

There is some debate as to the effect of using biodiesel on NOx emissions. NOx is a term for oxides of nitrogen, which help to form smog. Using biodiesel usually results in a slight increase in NOx production. This may be reduced by the use of catalytic converters on modern diesel engines.

There are some minor difficulties to overcome when using biodiesel in an older car or truck. Biodiesel is slightly corrosive to rubber seals and hoses which are often found on old diesel engines. Replacing these rubber components with modern, corrosion resistant parts is usually very cheap. The chemical properties of biodiesel will also dislodge dirt. This can clog the fuel filter, which has to be examined regularly for the first 500 miles and replaced if need be.

It is possible to mix biodiesel with fossil diesel and run it in an unmodified engine. The mixtures are named by their biodiesel content. B5 contains 5% biodiesel and 95% fossil diesel, and can be used in the majority of modern cars and trucks with no ill effect. The 5% biodiesel content gives a measurable reduction in CO2 and soot production. B20, which is 20% biodiesel and 80% fossil diesel, is another common mixture. B100 is 100% biodiesel, and although most modern diesel engines will run on it with minimal modifications, it may void the warranty. Some manufacturers allow owners to use commercial biodiesel without losing their warranty protection.

Biodiesel can be made from used vegetable oil. This is an excellent idea, because the oil has already served its purpose and would be thrown away, so using it as a clean fuel is a bonus. Some people make their own DIY biodiesel. It is a simple process that could be done by anybody who took chemistry at high school. They usually use vegetable oil given to them by local hotels and restaurants. Safety procedures should be followed, because toxic chemicals such as methanol and caustic soda are used. The legality of this varies between countries. Tax may have to be paid on the DIY biodiesel before it is used.

Making biodiesel from specially grown crops is more controversial, especially from crops such as palm oil, which are grown in huge plantations in the third world. The growth of these crops may cause significant environmental damage. Crops such as oilseed grown in the western world are a better choice, but it would be impossible to grow enough to completely replace fossil diesel with biodiesel. Recent experiments have shown that algae are a promising source of organic oils, so biodiesel may yet become a major carbon neutral fuel source of the future.

L.J. Martin is a writer who holds a BSc(Hons) degree in Environmental Science. You can read more of his environment guides at the   http://www.eejitsguides.com Eejits Guides website.

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Article:

Biodiesel has actually been around for a lot longer than most people would think. Made from natural materials, most commonly soybeans, biodiesel provides an alternative to regular diesel fuels that is comparable in terms of performance, but without the environmental risks.

Field tests have shown that biodiesel can be used in conventional diesel fuel engines without requiring any mechanical modifications. Furthermore, it offers the same mileage, torque, horsepower, and hauling capability as conventional diesel. The same tests also showed that biodiesel increased the lubrication of the engine, increasing engine efficiency by as much as 30 percent by improving lubrication and by cleaning out the engine system.

Biodiesel is best used in blends with conventional petroleum based diesels, serving as an additive. There are two main reasons for this: One, certain plastics and rubbers are degraded by exposure to high percentages of biodiesel. Conventional elastomers and natural rubbers will be rapidly degraded by constant exposure to biodiesel, so pure or high percentage blends of biodiesel are not recommended for engines that use elastomers and natural rubber tubing. Replacing these parts with chemically compatible synthetic tubing is possible, however, and eliminates this problem for vehicle owners deciding to run with pure bio diesel.

The other reason that biodiesel is recommended for use as an additive is that it congeals in cold weather. While this will not be a problem if the vehicle is going to be used in a hot environment, like one with a tropical climate, if the engine is going to see use in extreme cold, it is recommended that a 20% blend of biodiesel be added to 80% conventional petroleum. Anything above the 20% mark clogs up during winter. Pure 100% biodiesel actually congeals into a gel during wintertime. However, for people who want to use biodiesel exclusively as a fuel source, the use of an efficient engine pre-heater system can overcome the tendency of biodiesel to clog in cold weather.

Biodiesel is an excellent modern alternative fuel source because it is primarily made from soybeans, which is a renewable resource. Unlike normal petroleum, which experts claim will eventually run out on the planet, soybeans can be grown in most climates and can thrive under harsh weather conditions. This ensures a continuing fuel source that can be made almost anywhere.

Due to its organic nature, soybean biodiesel also emits none of the usual atmospheric pollutants associated with conventional petroleum fuels, and is readily biodegradable. This gives biodiesel high points with most environmental preservation groups, and ensures clean emission tests for vehicles. As a matter of act, due to its ability to improve the lubrication of engine parts, biodiesel actually cleans the engine as it runs through the system.

If utilized as a fuel additive instead of being employed as an alternative fuel replacement for conventional diesel, one other advantage of soybean diesel over other chemical-based diesel fuel additives is that once blended with regular diesel, it stays blended permanently with it instead of settling into its own layer of liquid eventually. This ensures maximum compatibility with petroleum diesel and causes no erratic performance problems.

Due to its high environmental safety factor, its comparative performance to conventional fuels, and its ability to improve engine efficiency, soybean biodiesel had officially been recognized by the EPA as a viable alternative fuel source and a fuel additive, and has enjoyed increased attention from international corporate investors as well at the endorsement of environmental groups.

About the Author: Win Paulson is a contributing editor at http://www.info-biodiesel.com http://www.info-biodiesel.com where you will find information about soybean and other http://www.info-biodiesel.com biodiesel. Head to FlexFuel-Info.com for information on other biofuels and http://www.flexfuel-info.com renewable energy.

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Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Then Joseph Then

Biodiesel fuel is a fuel made from the oil of certain oilseed crops such as soybean, canola, palm kernel, coconut, sunflower, safflower, corn and a hundreds of other oil producing crops. The oil is extracted by the use of a press. The oil is then mixed in specific proportions with other agents which causes a chemical reaction. The results of this reaction are two products, biodiesel and soap.

After a final filtration, the biodiesel is ready for use. After curing, the glycerin soap which is produced as a by product can be used as is, or can have scented oils added before use.

Biodiesel fuel is not a new development; however it has gotten quite a lot of publicity lately. This is largely due to the rising cost of crude oil which puts a strain on the consumer’s wallet at the gas pump. Biodiesel fuel is one alternative to relying on fossil fuels to operate our vehicles.

In 1895 Dr. Rudolph Diesel introduced the first diesel engine intended to run on vegetable oil. In 1900 he presented his engine at the World Exhibition in Paris. This diesel engine used peanut oil as fuel.

In 1912 Dr. Diesel predicted that in the future the use of vegetable oils as a fuel may be as important as the use of petroleum and coal was in his day. With the volatile nature of oil producing countries, and the ever surging cost of crude oil, interest in vegetable oils as fuel has been rekindled, so it seems Dr Diesel may have had a glimpse into the world of today.

Biodiesel fuel has several advantages over fossil fuel. The most celebrated advantage is that biodiesel fuel is less costly to make than gasoline. As an added bonus, biodiesel is environmentally friendly fuel. The use of biodiesel in an unmodified diesel engine will substantially reduce the emissions of harmful unburned hydrocarbons, sulfates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide.

Biodiesel fuel works in almost any diesel engine. Just some of the equipment where these engines can be found is cars, trucks, tractors, planes, trains, boats, buses and almost all agricultural equipment. As you can see this adds up to a lot of potential use for biodiesel, and just as many chances to reduce the harmful emissions created from the use of fossil fuels.

So what makes biodiesel fuel such a promising fossil fuel alternative? Here are a few of the surprising facts pertaining to biodiesel.

Biodiesel fuel can be made from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and animal fats.

Biodiesel fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%.

Biodiesel reduces the formation of acid rain because it produces no sulfur dioxide, which is the key element in creating acid rain.

Biodiesel fuel smells better at the tank, so filling up is a more pleasant task than with regular diesel. Biodiesel also smells better on the road, with the exhaust sometimes being described as smelling like French fries or doughnuts.

Biodiesel burns much cleaner, so the black smelly smoke one usually sees puffing from vehicles which use diesel engines can be eliminated.

An added advantage over regular fuel is that biodiesel fuel takes considerably less time to degrade in the event of a spill, usually about twenty eight days, which is about four times faster than gasoline or regular diesel fuel.

The extra lubrication provided by biodiesel fuel helps improve the longevity of your engine, as well as boosting engine performance, also helping eliminate engine knocks and noise.

Biodiesel fuel can be stored in any type of tank already approved for fuel storage, giving more savings to both businesses and consumers.

Biodiesel has a much higher flash point at 300 degrees to be exact, than regular diesel, at 150 degrees.

Biodiesel can be mixed with regular diesel fuel to make blends, such as B5 or B20.

Most diesel engines can use biodiesel without having to be modified in any way.

With all the advantages biodiesel fuel has over conventional diesel, it makes a smart alternative which not only makes a difference in our wallets, but also to the Earth itself.

You can make your own BioDiesel at home. Save cost and save the environment! Check out more information for FREE at http://www.BioDieselAtHome.net Biodiesel Fuel

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