Diesel Trucks

[melvill]

I'm an economics type not a techie so I don't know too much about the physical process of making biodiesel although your idea has merit.

The canola seed needs to be crushed to extract the oil. Crushing equipment isn't cheap and my understanding is that the economics require pretty well 100% extraction rather than leaving 10 or 15 per cent of the oil in the meal. Although, I suppose the meal could be burned for heat but I don't know the economics of that either.

However, what about the idea of a community-sized crusher/biodiesel plant? The next big issue is: who would do the community blending?

Those are all questions for experts. I'll see if I can find out who knows more.

[melvill]

There is more info on biodiesel at:

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/eng4469

http://www.milliganbiotech.com/index.html

http://www.biodiesel.org/

http://www.greenfuels.org/

http://www.biodiesel-canada.org/

[melvill]

Some work was done on farm-size biodiesel generators at the Ag Technology Centre in Lethbridge. I don't know if it's available on the web anywhere or not.

[gjoost]

thanks for that Lee

[charliep]

On the idea of on farm blending, I seem to remember there is not much issue from the mechanics side with processing on farm. The issue comes with the additives that are used in making the bio diesel and the by product from the process (can't remember what it is). Seems like some of the processes produce very explosive compounds. You have to have a good understanding of the process and the safety procedures that need to be in place. You also have to achieve certain specifications in the fuel to satisfy engine manufacturers requirements to ensure warranties aren't voided. There is a standard that is set out which again I forgot the name of (a sign of old age).

[wedino]

Here's a link for everything needed to make biodiesel including on farm canola press.
[url="http://www.biodieselequipment.nl/biocarfuel_corp.htm"]Bioking[/url]

[mhartman]

Just to add fuel to the diesel fire -- Honda has diesel Accords and CRV's in Europe and other manufacturers also have well established diesel cars and trucks. And the Accord 2.2 CTDi sport set 19 world speed records and achieved 92 mpg...
http://world.honda.com/news/2004/4040506.html

According to other stuff I have read, once ultra low S diesel has been mandated in N. America (middle of 2006), car companies will begin to market them here (beginning in 2007 model year). Apparently these diesels have emission control systems that are polluted with our present levels of S.
The problem of banned diesel powered passenger cars in 5 US states will probably be resolved with these newer "green" diesels. In fact, the new green diesels quality for the US tax credit the same as hybrids.