Archive for October, 2008

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Biodiesel Production Companies

Thursday, October 30th, 2008
biodiesel
Munya Chinongoza asked:


There are many companies around the world that are involved in the production of biodiesel. The Biodiesel Company which is privately owned is one of them. The Biodiesel Company has many years of experience in the fields of sales and distribution. Based in Toronto Canada, The Biodiesel Company collects and renews fuel from the waste of cooking oil, non vegetable oils and also related feed stocks and then process them into biofuel.

When they are finished the product is then marketed. This company is always looking for new joint ventures and wants to expand from the Toronto area. They are currently working with researchers for new technology in biodiesel and its production so that only the best quality maybe available for sale on the market.

Grease Brothers make their biodiesel from vegetable oil and change it into fuel, the ultimate biodiesel guide is a company that sells instructions on how to make biodiesel so that you will be able to heat your home. Tree Hugger is a new biodiesel company that produces biodiesel through algae which has been found to be a more efficient way to make fuel. They found that algae can produce 30 times more oil per acre then the current crops that companies use do.

Other biodiesel companies include Agra Biofuels which produces over 3 million gallons of biodiesel every single year. Bently Biofuels, produce biodiesel from the oils of seeds and restaurant grease. Biodiesel production companies are the new solution to the rising prices of fuel. The fuel can be used in any diesel without having to convert it which makes it quick to Descente grate.

The majority of biodiesel production companies use canola oil. The majority of companies make it so that biodiesel meets regulatory specifications so that it can be certified for use in the engine. Although there are many companies, most use the same materials to produce biodiesel. These companies are a savior to the environment.



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Keeping Gas Prices Minimal with the Fuel Efficient SUV

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
gas prices
Tim Shank asked:


With the rising gas prices, many people who own SUVs are feeling their bank accounts shrink every time they hit the gas pump. Last year at this time an SUV that held 25 gallons of gas cost $50 to fill up. This year the price to fill up that same tank has jumped to $75 and higher. This typically computes to $100-$125 per month more in gas expenses. For this reason, we are seeing more used SUVs on the market than ever before as people are trying to get better gas mileage out of their vehicles.

For those of you with large families, life without an SUV is practically impossible. You would have to travel places in separate cars, which would take more gas or you would have to switch to a mini van which is just not an option for some who try to steer clear of the “Mommy van” syndrome.

Thankfully, car manufacturers are listening to the SUV lovers of the world who have been asking for years to have a more fuel efficient SUV. This year, more than ever before, we are seeing an increase in the number of SUVs on the market that are offering good gas mileage. The new SUVs that boast good fuel efficiency are averaging approximately 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

One of the best fuel efficient SUVs on the market is the Ford Escape Hybrid. It gets an amazing 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway in the front-wheel-drive model. The four-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid gets 33 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It has excellent cargo space and drives comfortably. The Ford Escape Hybrid starts at about $27,000.

In addition to buying a fuel efficient SUV, you can change the way you drive to improve your fuel mileage. Aggressive drivers that accelerate rapidly from a complete stop burn more fuel then those who accelerate gradually. Therefore, you shouldn’t act like you are at the ¼ mile track when the light turns green. The more gradually you accelerate, the better your fuel mileage, creating your own fuel efficient SUV in a sense.

Just because the gas prices are at an all time high does not mean that you have to give up your SUV for a smaller car or mini van. You can research fuel efficient SUVs online and you will find a variety of them available. With all the choices, you will be sure to find one that works for you and your bank account.



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How to Make Your Own Renewable Energy Source in 3 Easy Steps

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008
green energy
Max Loodlin asked:


Have you noticed your energy bill getting more and more expensive every month? I sure have. Sometimes I almost feel hopeless when it comes to paying my bills on time. My energy bill just keeps on getting more and more expensive each month! But you know what, I found a great way to cope with the rising costs of energy. I’ve created my own source of energy, and I’m willing to tell you how I did it in just 3 easy steps!

1) Researching Renewable Energy



The first thing that I did was research ways to create my own source of renewable energy. Just like you I was eager to learn about the possibilities of making my own energy and saving some money on my electric bill. What I found was that I had two options when it came to making my own renewable energy. I would either have to build a wind turbine or solar energy generator. Both of these energy sources have something in common. They are forms of green energy. This means that they are cheap, renewable, and clean.

I’m going to be honest with you. After discovering that I was going to have to make my own wind turbine or solar panel I was extremely intimidated. I thought to myself, “How in the world am I going to be able to make my own green energy source?”. And this led me to the second step…

2) Do You Have Directions?



Ok, so at this point I had come to realize that I was going to have to build my own natural energy source. So what did I do? Well, I did a little more tedious research. I did what everybody does these days, I asked Google. After hours of searching for phrases like “how to make your own energy” and “how to build a wind turbine” I was left very irritable and discouraged. I found that manually researching something like this was not only tedious but also unreliable.

That is until I came across a little hidden gem…

3) The All Powerful Guide



Truth be told I did waste many hours researching only to be left with garbage. But I did gain a very valuable tool that helped me successfully build my own green energy source. I came a across a DIY homemade natural power guide. In it I found every single piece of information that I needed to build my own natural power system. It was filled to the brim with detailed diagrams, pictures, schematics, secret tips, you name it. It was all there.

And guess what? I was able to build my own natural power system in just two days. Want to know how much it cost me? The total cost of everything was less than $200! This isn’t cheap but it sure beats paying $20,000 for a professionally installed green energy source. The best part is that I payed off the initial costs within a month, and am now saving hundreds of dollars every month.

You CAN make your own green energy source. All you need is the right resources. If you believe in yourself and you believe in saving money on your energy bill every month, then I highly recommend you click the link below. You will learn about the specific DIY green energy guide that I used. Why spend dozens of hours on tedious research when all you need is right in front of you?

Make Your Own Renewable Energy. Click The Link Below.

http://www.squidoo.com/howtomakenaturalpower



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Cars and Biodiesel

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
biodiesel
roosterbob asked:


Governments and private companies around the globe are in search for alternative fuels to address the burden of increasing fuel costs. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil. This can be your regular kitchen items like canola, peanut, olive, palm, and vegetable oil which can be converted to Biodiesel using Biodiesel processors.

Biodiesel has some of the traits of the conventional diesel fuel making it fit for vehicles that run on diesel engine. Some agricultural tractors and machines can also use Biodiesel. Biodiesel fuel is more environment-friendly being non toxic and biodegradable.

Get to Know the advantages of using Biodiesel

The use of Biodiesel has the following salient features:

•    You can make your own fuel at home, saving you a lot of money

•    You help the environment if you drive a Biodiesel fueled car

•    Your car will be more efficient in terms of mileage and fuel combustion

Here’s the overall positive impact for the environment:

•    Approximately 80% reduction in greenhouse gases

•    Hydrocarbon reduction by 56.3%

•    Around 90% reduction in cancer agents

•    Significant reduction of sulfur

A lot of car manufactures are joining the race to use Biodiesel as an alternative fuel. They have spent millions in trying to perfect Biodiesel compatible cars which will hit the market in the near future. Biodiesel cars may be priced at $20,000 to $60,000 at the moment. This primarily depends on the style of the car and the amenities included.

Chrysler was the first company in the US to manufacture Biodiesel fueled car which can run on 5% Biodiesel and 95% conventional fuel. Biodiesel expansion is fully supported by other car manufacturers like Volkswagen, Chrysler, and Jeep.

If you can’t afford Biodiesel engineered cars you can always resort to Biodiesel equipment conversion kits which will allow your car to run on Biodiesel fuel.  The kits are priced starting at $600. It is advisable though to have a mechanic install the equipment for you if you don’t have the technical know how.

Cars with diesel engines need not be converted. But it is advisable to replace the hoses in cars made before 1990. Biodiesel cars developed recently come with temperature controls to avoid cloudiness of the fuel during cold weathers.



Fuel for your Biodiesel Cars

Imagine your car running on Biodiesel which is priced at $1 per gallon. The fuel can also be produced at home using Biodiesel processors. You can assemble your own Biodiesel processors or buy ready made or pre-manufactured ones.

Biodiesel processors vary in price, size, and the quality of Biodiesel it produces. There are Biodiesel processors which you can use at home using collected kitchen vegetable oil.  There are also Biodiesel processors which are very portable and can fit at the back of your van.

Biodiesel processors are very easy to use. Some Biodiesel processors even come with one button to do all the necessary process. It will allow you to load the vegetable oil and just come back to get the finished Biodiesel product. Biodiesel processors at home is a practical choice if you drive a Biodiesel car or if you have a farm which uses Diesel powered tractors or machineries.



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How Biodiesel is Made

Monday, October 20th, 2008
biodiesel
Gloria Smith asked:


With the high cost of oil and gas, biodiesel has increasingly become a popular alternative to the fuel that is sold in gasoline stations that are available for consumption as rich energy sources. It is a non-petroleum-made diesel fuel, which incorporates a dumpy chain alkyl containing ethyl or methyl esters. They are made by trans-esterification of the vegetable oils like groundnut oil, mustard oil, and ghee.

Consider these great benefits—more savings for you and a cleaner and greener planet for every person alive on earth. This is the reason why a lot of people have become curious as to the content of biodiesel and how it is made. The good news is that we can in fact create biodiesel right in our very own homes.

The main ingredient in making biodiesel is vegetable oil—the very same kind of oil that we use in the kitchen for the food that we eat. This can be done with the use of a biodiesel processor. It converts vegetable oil into the fuel that will power a typical diesel engine.

Determine first if the diesel-powered engine that you have will be able to run on biodiesel. You can do this by checking out with the manufacturer of your engine. If your engine is compatible, that will be the time that you can buy your biodiesel processor. Do not worry if the manufacturer says that your engine is not compatible, as there may be other available options. There are some kits that are able to convert engines that show problems when biodiesel is burned. Seek the help of professionals in finding the kit that is fit for your engine. Another option to the right way in making biodiesel is to learn and ask advice from a person who has already has experience with the use of biodiesel.

The raw materials that are used in producing biodiesel are methanol and a certain vegetable product. Corn is actually one of the best vegetable oils commonly in producing biodiesel. Other vegetable products are soybeans and flaxseed.  Mix vegetable oil with just a little bit of methanol. Place the mixture in an alkaline catalyst, say sodium hydroxide, which should just be 1% of the total mixture. Vegetable oils actually comprise triglycerides—compounds of glycerin that has three fatty acids. This whole process separates the glycerin molecule from its three fatty acids, which would eventually be replaced with three methanol molecules. The final product is 10% glycerin byproduct and 90% biodiesel. The process is called ester interchange.

The biodiesel processor that will be used for the above process is very small in size, and may either be purchased as a complete pre-made unit or one that you need to still set up. If you are setting up one of your own, take time out to understand all of the instructions and be aware of the precautionary measures in using the biodiesel processor so that untoward accidents when making your own biodiesel fuel.



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Biodiesel As A Cleaner Source Of Energy

Saturday, October 18th, 2008
biodiesel
Anna Williams asked:


ts alternatives, such as biodiesel, are continuously in the news. When oil prices go up, it seems that everyone is affected. Many countries’ economies depend on oil. And this is one reason why people are looking for a cleaner and cheaper alternatives to our conventional fossil fuels. One of these alternative forms of energy is biodiesel. What is Biodiesel? Technically speaking, biodiesel is a biodegradable and renewable diesel fuel, which is made from plant oils or from animal fats. Which material is used depends on which production method is used, as well as on which type of fuel is to be made. This type of fuel consists of a form of natural hydrocarbon which contains little sulfur content, thus helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from diesel engines. Biodiesel can be used in a pure form, or it can be blended with other petroleum-based products. It is safe for use even on unmodified diesel engines. Blends of biodiesel are known with the designation “Bxx,” where xx is the percentage of biodiesel contained in the mix. In pure form, it would be referred to as B100. Because it comes from animals and plants, its sources can be recycled or farmed. It also has no known harmful side effects. More people using biodiesel means cleaner air. Additionally, it helps lubricate the engine, therefore decreasing wear and tear. Biodiesel creates fewer emissions, is biodegradable, and is a renewable form of energy as well. One downside of this type of fuel is that its use can lead to the degradation of a vehicle’s natural rubber gaskets. This is the case for vehicles made before 1992. Their hoses do tend to deteriorate over time. Some older hoses have since been replaced by FKM (a material that doesn’t react with biodiesel). It is common for fuel filters to become clogged after the transition has been made. Therefore, it’s recommended that these parts be replaced. Biodiesel in Everyday Lives Biodiesel has been accepted for use worldwide. Most fuel stations around the globe have biodiesel pumps ready for their consumers. Diesel engines can use biodiesel without any changes being made in the engine. There is even a train which runs on 20% biodiesel. Controversy The public acceptance of biodiesel has led to an increase in its production. Because of this, issues have also been raised in regards to food or feed being used to create fuel. There are reports of food shortages in some regions of the world, as a result of food sources being diverted and used for the production of biodiesel. While biodiesel could be a good alternative renewable energy solution, I think most of us can agree that its use should not cause anyone to go hungry. Any long-term strategy which implements biodiesel as an alternative energy source should also include measures to ensure that necessary food supplies are not diminished or made less accessible as a result.

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3 Future Resources for Biodiesel

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
biodiesel
drohilm asked:


Biodiesel – the fuel of the future is still not a practicable fuel like other resources. The reason for that is that we still unable to produce enough vegetable oil to produce the amount of fuel required. As you already read some article about biodiesel (and if you didn?’t – start now biodiesel) you probably knows that already.

Bio diesel and biofuels in general, don’t only raise concerns about the production capacity but also originated fear about the possibility that we will found ourselves with a nutrition shortage, if we will use our crops for fuel instead of food.

Here I present 3 future alternatives for biodiesel source:

Algae – one of the most promising sources for renewable energy is unicellular algae. algae is a primitive photosynthetic creature that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide to sugars and fats, Since it is easy to grow and harvest it, and its growth rate is very high, It promises a great foundation for developing a biodiesel factory that can produce an enormous amount of biofuel with low cost, and without jeopardising our food supply.

Another promising source of renewable energy is agriculture waste! a vast amount of organic waste is being produced all the time. We use to throw this waste away since we are unable to reuse it, because it is mostly made of cellulose which is hard to break with normal means. But there are bacteria which are able to digest and bread cellulose easily. Most of these bacteria live in symbiosis with cellulose eating animals like cows or termites. Scientists are now works on a way to use these germs to digest agriculture waste and use it for biofuel production.

Third, the future of biofuels might be held in the hands of genetic engineers. The major advances in the fields of genetic manipulation of plants, promises the ability to manipulate plants and bacteria in the future to produce much more oil, in a more efficient way, to solve the insufficient production of the present.

If you are a green energy enthusiast like me, you’ll soon find out that biofuels are probably will be the renewable resource of the near future, and some of the ideas proposed here might make it happen soon.



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Green Energy-a Great Way to Save Cash

Monday, October 13th, 2008
green energy
Max Loodlin asked:


Did you know that you can save up to 80% on your energy bill by going green? In just a month you can start saving hundreds of dollars just by creating your own natural energy source. Now is the best time to start going green with the economy doing very bad. You have better things to spend your cash on than your energy bill.

Making your own natural energy source is relatively easy as well. You can create your very own solar panel or wind generator over a weekend. With the right guide and the right resources, making a natural energy source can be incredibly easy and fun.

Forget spending thousands of dollars on having a solar panel or wind generator installed. You can build your own renewable energy source for less than $50. And with that money you will be able to create an energy source that will pay for itself within a month.

You can even earn money from a reneable energy source by selling unused energy back to your utility company. Think about it. Energy is constantly being produced throughout the day. Do you really think you are going to need all of it? Making a natural energy source is a great way to save cash and earn it!

Once you get things going you will have yourself an automated source of income! For a cheap and effective guide on how to create your own natural energy source click the link below. The market of green energy is about to explode. Don’t get left behind and pay the price. Go green and get cash right now!

http://www.squidoo.com/howtomakenaturalpower

 



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Making Biodiesel at Home Could be as Easy as This

Monday, October 13th, 2008
biodiesel
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Biodiesel is a fuel or a type of diesel that is prepared from the degradation or processing of biodegradable material as substances. Biodiesel is a fuel that burns more efficiently than any other fuel and also burns more cleanly. The clean burning of the fuel also results in the low emission of harmful gasses, i.e. we get a better environment to live in. The biodiesel is the only unconventional fuel that is recommended by the American and the European Governments.

Biodiesel is quite easy to prepare and hence can be easily made at home. Making biodiesel at home is a lot more cost effective. For making biodiesel at home you will need the following materials.

1. First you will need a fresh cooking vegetable oil. For the biodiesel to be more cost effective you can use the cheapest oil that you can find

2. Then you will need the ‘Lye’ or the caustic soda. You will need approximately 5 grams of caustic soda. The caustic soda can be found anywhere. Most of the drains cleaning powders have it.

3. The third thing you will need is Methanol. You can find it in supply stores for the auto industry. It is usually found in the anti-freeze section.

4. Some of the other materials that you will require are one plastic bottle of 2 liter capacity which should be clean and dried.

5. A funnel that can fit in the neck of the bottle.

6. A washed and dried container for the blending of caustic soda and methanol. The container should be sealed so that not a drop of liquid comes out.

7. A measuring cup for measuring methanol.

8. Weight scales.

For the safe production of biodiesel, you must also have aprons, goggles or face shielding equipments and hand gloves.

The following is the method to prepare biodiesel at you home:

* Firstly you must choose a place that has proper ventilation, and warm the material at room temperature.

* Now put 250 ml of methanol into a jar and add about 5 grams of caustic soda or lye to methanol and seal the lid so that not a drop of liquid comes out.

* Blend the mixture at a low speed for upto 10 minutes. Do not panic if the temperature starts increasing.

* Now heat the vegetable oil at 1300F. Now put the oil in the plastic container with the help of the funnel. Do not overheat the oil.

* Now pour the mixture of lye and methanol which has now become sodium methoxide. Avoid breathing vapours. When the mixture is put into the oil, blend it for 15 to 20 minutes and then let the mixture settle.

After the mixture is settled for 20 minutes, you will see that two separate layers have formed in the bottle. The upper layer of liquid, which is visibly light coloured, is the biodiesel and the lower layer is the by-product glycerin. You can then pump out the biodiesel with the help of a handpump.



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Dummies Guide To Green Living

Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
green energy
Paul Hata asked:


What is Green Living - Green Living is a life philosophy. Proponents of green living aims to conduct their lives in such a way that they have an all encompassing awareness of saving the earth and its environment.

As a supporter of Green living, you carry out your life in an eco-friendly and responsible manner, an attempt to minimize the size of your ecological footprint. Green living includes the conservation of resources, recycling, sustainability, green construction, alternative energy, organic food choices and other environmental topics.

Green Lifestyle - Each choice you make requires a consideration of the consequences of the choice, and the way that the decision will affect the environment and all living things within it. Ecological consciousness and care for the earth are of paramount importance in the decision-making process.By minimizing their “ecological footprints” - the extent to which they create an environmental impact, proponents of green living hope to preserve the earth for future generations of human beings and other life.

Green Technology - Green technology is essential for the conservation of energy, soil health, green building, environmentally preferred purchasing, green chemistry and green nanotechnology.Developing green technology includes toxic-waste-eating trees, smart electricity grids and floating environmental sensors. Then there is the alternative-energy home fueling station that could jump-start the long-awaited hydrogen economy. This technology may seem far out-but it will probably be here a lot sooner than we think.

Green Building - Green building is basically the practice of using eco-friendly building materials and designing homes and offices to be more energy efficient.A zero-energy building has no net energy consumption when measured across a year’s time. It uses alternative energy sources like solar and wind power. Both zero- and low-energy buildings are great for green living.

Green Energy - Green technologist aims produce energy without burning all the world’s coal and using all the world’s fossil fuels and natural resources. Alternative energy is related to green living as it includes energy alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. The main drive behind alternative energy is to find renewable, eco-friendly sources of energy like solar or wind power.

Organic Food - Organic food refers to food items that are produced, processed and packaged without using chemicals. Organic food is increasingly becoming popular due to its perceived health benefits over conventional food. Droves of people are turning to organic produce as a way to feel safer about the foods they eat. People are worried about the foods they put into their bodies. With all of the reports of food poisoning from fruits and vegetables, many people are worried about what they are eating.

Renewable Energy - Strictly speaking, renewable energy is energy that is replenished at the same rate it’s used. As the center of green living, renewable energy encourages use of solar, wind, and other alternative forms of energy.

Solar Energy - Solar energy is the conversion of the sun’s rays to energy, very good for green living. Active solar technology uses electrical or mechanical equipment to convert the sun’s rays into usable energy for heating or whatever. Passive solar technology does not use any outside non-solar energy.

Sustainablility - Sustainability, central to green living, is about preserving the environment and natural resources for years to come. It is the process of maintaining a small ecological footprint so that one’s life has no permanent detrimental effect on the earth. There are specific fields within it like sustainable architecture, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable development.Green living habits are worthwhile no matter what our circumstances - privileged or not.



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