[Vwdiesel] CNG v. Diesel

[Jonbonbart at aol.com]

The following was mailed privately yesterday, but with it may be of interest
to others on the list so I'm sending it to the group today.

<<Would it be more effective and cheaper if they switched to a synthetic
diesel?>>

Studies in Scandanavia, Sweden (iIrc) showed that there were significant
formaldehyde chemical formations from CNG in converted diesel engines. CARB
pooh-poohed the study and went ahead with its mandate to convert diesel
municipal vehicles to CNG. To the CARB's credit, they did their own study and
found, after the expense of the conversions and the creation of centralized
fueling depots, that the studies were valid, that there were a number of
drawbacks to CNG as a substitute for diesel, including the aforementioned
formaldehyde issue.
As additional points, CNG is only 0.49 percent renewable, that is 99.51% of
the BTU energy in CNG is from fossil sources. CNG produces greenhouse gas
emissions at a rate 3/4 that of petroleum diesel (diesel 10963 grams to CNG
8073 grams). These are based on equivalent BTU to equal one gallon of
reformulated gasoline (10874 grams of CO2).
So what is one to do? Biodiesel can be used without any conversion
requirements to diesel engines.
Conversion cost -$0-
Biodiesel is 72.12% renewable. There is some loss in the conversion from
vegetable oil to diesel, but the rate of loss is lower than any other fuel
source but wind and solar. Even ethanol, the next best, is less than 50%
renewable.
Biodiesel produces less net greenhouse gas emission than any other fuel
source other than solar and wind. CO2 production for the same BTU content as
gasoline, the same scale as used previously, is 2746 grams. That is 1/4 the
CO2 of diesel, just over 1/3 the CO2 of ethanol, and 1/3 the CO2 of CNG.
The money paid for the fuel remains here in the states. It supports local
farmers, not vacant lots in lower Manhattan.
It contains NO chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer.
It is NOT classified as a hazardous product by the EPA.
It is more biodegradable than sugar.
It is less toxic than table salt.
It reduces CO and HC emissions. It significantly reduces particulate
emissions (soot).
It is a lubricant, not a solvent. Internal fuel components (pumps, injectors)
last far longer.
It has an extremely high flash point. You'd drown before you burned.
It can be used in any percentage, with proportional benefits, with petroleum
diesel.
It meets federal requirements for alternative fuels for fleet vehicles when
used at no less than 20% bio-diesel with 80% petroleum diesel (aka B20).

www.biodieselnow.com

Jonathan Bartlett
1996 Passat bio tdi B100