Posted on 05/07/2009 5:06:07 PM PDT by decimon
The method, called catalytic hydrothermal gasification, creates natural gas out of algae - more quickly, more efficiently and at higher yields than other biofuel processes. Genifuel expects the process also requires less capital investment. The license agreement moves this technology for renewable energy production a step closer to commercial reality. Battelle operates PNNL for DOE.
"Algae and other aquatic biomass hold significant promise for our country's ability to produce renewable energy domestically," said Genifuel President Jim Oyler. "At Genifuel we have developed efficient growth and harvesting techniques for the aquatic biomass. With this gasification process, we can convert the biomass to a clean fuel that is almost completely carbon-neutral."
(Excerpt) Read more at physorg.com ...
Gasoline is actually quite dangerous. Difficult to contain and heavier than air. For safety, I'd go with Diesel.
In a Pinto you'd burn to death. From what I've read of propane explosions, you'd never know it happened.
However, from Paladin2's posts, it looks like propane has been used safely in motor vehicles. Fine with me it it works.
LPG is better than NG for energy density. Some cars were gas/LPG bi-fuel.
I have a question about this story. It says, “efficiently,” but what does that mean? Does that mean it produces natural gas as cheaply as a conventional gas well? What is the cost of this fuel? I agree that every drop of fuel we don’t buy from people who want to kill us is a good thing.
Didn't know that. Didn't know there is that much propane.
Yeah, except when a gasoline leak occurs at a wreck, it dribbles out like water usually. Compressed gas will instantly become a high pressure leak of a gas, not a liquid.
None are THAT safe, but CNG scares a fireman more than a car with gasoline.
Thats kinda how i heard it too. Lots of farmers around with Porpane powered pickups. Cant say ive heard that about CNG so often.
Good question as it always comes back to economics. As with most of these new process announcements, there is a lack of specifics.
Why did you sell it ? ......
There are hundreds of tankers hauling propane all over the country.
RVs use it for heating and cooking. Some as a motor fuel.
You can fill up with propane at many truck stops and RV camps.
At 3000 psi, CNG is like driving around with bombs attached to your vehicle. CNG does rise rather than hang down by the ground. CNG=!LPG. Both LPG and gasoline are kinda nasty too. Ever use gasoline as a campfire starter? Stand way back.
I sold it to a black guy who had had his eyes on the Dodge truck for years. My dad was reluctant to sell it even though he never drove it any more.
The black guy was a Dodge truck enthusiast. It went to a good home. I see him driving it around town all the time.
But you don’t understand, it’s got carbon, arrrrghhhhhhh
It’s a fossil fule....arghhhhhhh. PANIC PANIC PANIC!!!!
(sarc)
Around my way, propane seems to mostly be used for water heaters and gas grills.
I’ll settle for heating homes in winter and natural gas fire power plants.
In western areas, it is extensively used for heating houses.
A lot more than heating oil.
I wonder if I got the motor from a Hover Vac and mount it on a big inner tube from a tractor trailer, and some how mount some solar panels ? would that work ? sort of like a Hover Craft ..... at least the greenie meanies would be happy.....
I have driven a propane-powered dragster...
Pretty frickin’ mean!
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