Diesels Bio-Diesel.

[Ed Birch]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brett Dikeman" <brett at cloud9.net>
To: "Ed Birch" <edwbirch at comcast.net>; <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 1:34 PM
Subject: Re: Diesels Bio-Diesel.


 >>From what I've read and heard water contamination in Bio-Diesel fuel is
the
> >problem.
>
> I have never heard of this, and in fact, water is used by some to
> process BD(I think when using animal fats as sources, not sure)-
> "washing" the BD removes various contaminants that would cause
> problems for the car's components- but, to my knowledge, are still
> environmentally safe....

In my 20 some years of driving MD Diesel powered cars, I've found water
contamination in Diesel fuel to be a serious problem, causing fungus buildup
and fuel line freeze up in cold weather. In fact early VW Diesels used fuel
filters with water drain device and MB at one time offered a water separator
filter for Diesel powered cars. Perhaps some OTR truckers can offer some
info on water contamination of Diesel fuel.

> It's amazing how many lies pop up around alternative fuels.  Most of
> the world still thinks the Hindenburg caught fire because it was
> filled with hydrogen, and is convinced it is extremely dangerous,
> when in reality it's far safer in almost every way compared to
> gasoline.........

Then I suppose this following article on Fuel Cell maintainace in UK is
misinformation.....
********************************************************
Hydrogen Gas

Hydrogen is extremely flammable with flammability limits of 4 - 75% v/v in
air. Hydrogen can form explosive mixtures with air, oxygen and chlorine. If
waste gas is to be ignited to part fuel a heat transfer or reforming
process, due care and attention must be given to the design and operation of
the burner/combustor assembly.

When operating a fuel cell plant, the hydrogen gas should be used in
enclosed systems. All equipment must be earthed to avoid static
accumulation. Oils must never be used to lubricate the pressurised system.

Hydrogen diffuses rapidly and may leak from a system gas tight for other
gases. Any stored hydrogen must be kept away from any sources of ignition
and must be segregated from all other compressed gases..

The area in which the fuel cell plant is operated must be closely monitored
for leakage of hydrogen gas. As for biogas, appropriate gas detection
equipment can be installed with alarm and emergency shutdown facilities.
Continous gas monitoring is recommended. Such emergency shutdown systems
should be hardwired and regarded as safety critical devices.

NOTE: Hydrogen gas burns with an invisible flame. In the event of fire,
allow the gas to burn until the supply has been isloated then use an
extinguisher appropriate to adjacent fires. Gas cylinders should be cooled
with a water spray NOT a concentrated jet of water.
*************************************

At this time, there is no reliable information on fuel mileage given by
vehicles using alternative fuels while Diesel fuel power mileage is 30%
greater than gasoline power mileage.

Ed Birch, Pennsylvania
93-100S