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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: DavesM who wrote (245936)	4/7/2002 9:26:40 PM
From: MSI	Respond to of 769667

A comparison chart: pca.state.mn.us An industry website for biodiesel extols other virtues: kansassoybeans.com "Biodiesel reduces air toxins by up to 90%." "been shown to be a human health hazard. Biodiesel significantly cuts particulate matter emissions. Carbon Monoxide - Everyone knows the dangers of this pollutant. Biodiesel greatly reduces the amount of carbon monoxide diesel engines produce. Ozone Forming Potential - Research documents that the ozone forming potential of the hydrocarbon emissions of biodiesel is nearly 50 percent less than that of petroleum fuel. Sulfur Dioxide - This pollutant causes acid rain. Biodiesel contains essentially no sulfur, therefore reducing sulfur dioxide exhaust from diesel engines. Biodiesel provides significantly higher lubricity compared to conventional diesel fuel, even at very low blend levels. High lubricity can decrease maintenance costs and reduce engine wear. For example, adding 1% biodiesel can improve lubricity by as much as 65%. A flash point of more than 300º F. makes biodiesel safer to store and handle than diesel, gasoline, or other gaseous fuels. Biodegradable and Non-Toxic - Tests sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture confirm biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. -------------------- As a stand-by source it is part of the mix I intend to use sparingly, until the balance of alt energy comes on line. I also have the grid, which creates less pollution with its mix of petro and hydro power. I just don't want to be dependent on the grid, and want to control my own costs and sources of supply as much as feasible. I looked at nat gas and LP generators, which are less polluting, but expensive. The diesels are extremely reliable. The optimum deal w. nat gas is a 30kw microturbine, which would be great for the neighbors, or the ranch once several houses are up, esp w. cogeneration and cheap fuel-wise when running at capacity. But its about $30k, and should be run longer than the short-duty-cycle diesel. I can have the diesel on w/in 30 seconds and for 1/2hr w/o problems. The NG turbine is highly efficient only if its allowed to get up to temperature and stay there awhile... I also looked into fuel-cells, but GE and others are playing games, releasing news but no product, playing hide-and-seek w. the technology, so screw 'em. In a couple years there should be a reliable under $10k 10kw unit w. great efficiency. The latest problem noted is duration of the membrane. I said "gimme anyway !". They said, sure, for $75k you can have a 10k demo device ... I think we consumers will be on our own, and have to produce these things ourselves, before any interlocking Director conglomerates do...