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I attended a public forum
on Biofuels a while back. One of the speakers, the head of a biodiesel
co-op, had me perplexed by his repeated assertion that biodiesel can be
used in 2, 5%, " even 10% or 20% blends", but above these levels
engine problems and gelling can occur. He had graphs showing the benefit of
using biodiesel to improve exhaust emissions, but pointed out that above a
10% blend improvement tapers off .... "better to have 10 people driving with B10
than 1 person driving with B100."
I questioned his
assertions regarding gelling of fuel and pointed out that I drop from BD100 to
BD70 in winter months w/o gelling. I explained the cleansing effect of BD and
how this may clog fuel filters during initial use, but mentioned that this will
also happen w blends as low as 5%. Actual engine damage is more a function
of fuel quality than the nature of the fuel itself ... even homebrewers
can make quality fuel .... shouldn't commercial producers be
expected to do the same? I conceded that at BD10 there is a 10% reduction in
hydrocarbon emissions and that at BD100 there is "only a 70% reduction", but
suggested that I'd like to see all 10 drivers using BD100 to achieve the 70%
reduction.
There were 60 - 70 people at the
forum; some from local newspapers, others from Community Action Groups, most
were just curious about biofuels. Their enthusiasm was palpable, their
questions polite. Before responding to a question, the speaker asked each person
their name, and then spoke as if he was having a friendly, heart-to-heart
conversation. To my questions he simply shrugged his shoulders and moved on.
I contacted the friend who told me about the
forum. He emailed me the actual invitation he had received.
Re: the Biodiesel guy:
" .....Jerry ------- has over 20 years of
domain expertise in the petroleum distribution and marketing and is presently a
member of a biodiesel business development team at a major independent energy
supplier. ....... Jerry does consulting in building biodiesel refineries
and advocacy work in promoting alternative and sustainable fuels.
Jerry brings over 25 years of experience in the
petroleum industry in technology in the distribution, logistics and
terminal operations areas. Jerry
has been personally involved in the alternative energy arena for the past
15
years, operating his personal car on biodiesel
more than 10 years ago and presently driving a van powered by CNG (compressed
natural gas) as well as a car on home made biodiesel."
He was clearly advocating 2%,
5% blends. Why? Is it simply because the auto manufacturers will void warrantees
at higher blends? If so, why not just say so.
Somehow I know I should be
following the money. It must involve dollars and cents.
Any ideas?
Thanks , I've been mulling
this over for weeks.
Tom |
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