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Linus Gump -> RE: HUMMER 2007 (3/28/2006 11:56:45 PM)
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Unless I misunderstood my sources in the fuel storage and refining business, the biggest problem with biodiesel is that it requires more energy to refine it then what you can potentially get out of it. Even the vegitable oil that people get from thier favorite fast food/ oreintal food place requires either heating up to reduce its viscosity, or chemically altering it to reduce its viscosity; this is above the cost of filtering out all of the food particles. Either way, it still isn't as cost effective as petrolium diesel, although it does burn cleaner and is a renewable source. The ultra low sulfer fuel, as far as I understand, is run through a finer filter when hot to remove the extra sulfer. Although this does add a small increase in cost of refining, the biggest delay in that is getting enough engines out there that can safely burn it. It is my understanding that the ultra low causes higher combustion tempretures which in turn cause the engine to run hotter. Also, with catylatic converters being put on light diesel vehicles, the sulfer will plug them up. As kind of a heads up in the diesel engine world, all semi trucks manufatured as a 2005 or newer must now have an "ultra low emissions" engine. What this has meant to most of the engine manufaturers is that they have now added an EGR system to them, just like what is in your car. This has created higher purchasing cost and operating temps as well, but counteracted with a bigger radiator. These requirements technology will eventually be brought down into the light duty world as well. One final note, all gasoline from the major refineries is now ultra low sulfer as well. The smaller refineries will be following soon. I bet you didn't even know sulfer was in gas. I didn't and I deliver it
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