Biodiesel Scare · Wednesday February 22, 2006 by Terry of Astoria
Astorian students Jonnie Dunne and Syd Lane have begun a project that will result in cleaner air for Astoria. Having proven the value and feasibility of their concept this past November by providing twenty-five gallons of biodiesel to run a school bus, they have been asked by the Port of Astoria and Sunset Transportation to build and operate a facility to manufacture the cleaner-burning fuel.
Port Commissioners Glenn Taggart and Jim Bergeron have suggested putting Dunne and Lane on the payroll to develop this experimental alternative energy source for use in some of the engines that drive local society. Jim Wilkins of the Astoria Riverfront Trolley Association says the trolley could run on a B5 blend (5% Biodiesel). The Parks Department has 8 diesel-fueled vehicles, mainly buses that will be run on the french-fry-fragranced fuel. Some of the older buses may be fueled with pure biodiesel.
Mr. Dunne said that at a meeting February 22, Cindy Howe indicated that Sunset Transportation would like to help by providing money to support the project. The boys will likely receive a salary for their hard work, so that they can continue to develop this resource. MERTS, the Marine and Environmental Research and Training Station will provide a location for the facility. Astoria High School Science Department has offered a few plastic 55 Gallon barrels. There is plenty of support from the local restaurants. Many have already offered their waste oil.
Manufacturing the stuff, Dunne said, will cost more than buying ordinary diesel. The raw materials and essential ingredients, namely lye, methanol, and lots of used frying oil, add up to about $1.47 per gallon. However, he feels it’s worth it in the long run. Vehicles burning blends ranging from 2% to 100% biodiesel emit much lower levels of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, soot and hydrocarbons.
Biodiesel has the highest energy content of any alternative fuel and is comparable to No. 1 diesel. While it can be used as fuel in some diesel engines with no modifications, some of the seals in the fuel lines on some newer motors may need replacement, since biodiesel has slightly different properties, and may act as a solvent on certain materials. Interestingly enough, even a two-percent blend will improve the lubricity of the fuel by 66%. This is significant. It is good for the engine! It contains less than 15 parts per million of sulfur, so it doesn’t significantly contribute to sulfur dioxide emissions! Jesus would put it in his car!
“We’re getting an eighty-gallon processing machine.” Says Mr. Dunne. By manufacturing eighty gallons a day, they can fulfill their initial goal of 2000 gallons per month capacity. By the middle of June, several buses at Fort Clatsop and other area parks will be burning their product.
--*-- Live from Joe