Author: farm-energy

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Handling Strong Acids in Biodiesel Production

Sulfuric and Hydrochloric Acids

Acids may be used in treating high free fatty acid (FFA) feedstocks, neutralizing base catalyst and splitting soaps in the washing process, and/or in treating the crude glycerin by-product. Acids are colorless and can be extremely damaging to all body tissue. Acids cause rapid tissue destruction and serious chemical burns. Their vapors can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; shortness of breath; pulmonary edema; or other serious ailments. Workers should wear acid-resistant protective clothing and gloves, …

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Farm Energy Community Page

Welcome to the eXtension Farm Energy web resource brought to you by University Extension specialists throughout the United States.

 

 

The eXtension Farm Energy website is designed to provide timely and practical energy information for agricultural producers and service providers that enhances profitability, conserves natural resources, and promotes the well-being of local communities.

 

 

Who Are Our Specialists?

The Farm Energy Community of Practice is a virtual, or on-line, community which includes over 240 members from land-grant universities and other agencies, including …

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Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) for Biofuel Production

Looking for a perennial biomass crop that grows well on marginal land, needs little fertility, and weed management only during establishment? Research on giant miscanthus shows it produces twice the biomass of switchgrass.

Miscanthus
Giant miscanthus. Photo: Jeff Skousen.

Contents

Abstract

Giant …

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Biomass Feedstocks and Energy Independence

A large increase of biofuel production is necessary to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard set in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). This article explores the feedstock portfolio required to do the job.
Switchgrass a source of biomass energy. Photo: Dennis Pennington, Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University.

Contents

Energy Independence and Security Act

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 was …

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Corn Cobs for Biofuel Production

Can corn cobs be a viable biofuel feedstock in the US? Learn about the use of cob and husk materials in cellulosic ethanol, co-firing, and gasification projects. New harvesting technologies reduce production costs and make the economics more attractive for this biofuel energy crop.

Corn cobs. Photo: Cole Gustafson, North Dakota State Univ.

Contents

Introduction

Corn …

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Corn Stover for Biofuel Production

Can corn stover harvested for biofuel energy be sustainable? This article examines production, potential yields and challenges of harvesting corn stover while maintaining soil quality.

Corn stover bales.  Photo: F. John Hay, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

Contents

Introduction

Corn stover is one of the largest potential annual crop-based biofuel feedstocks for several key reasons: the quantity of …

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Feedstocks for Biogas

  Find videos on feedstocks at the Farm Energy Media archive.

  Find images of feedstocks at the Farm Energy Media archive.

Anaerobic digestion of manure and other feedstocks produces biogas which can be burner to make energy on farms. Learn how to evaluate a feedstock and which ones to exclude for biogas production.
Anaerobic Digester in Charlotte, VT.  Photo: Caragh Fitzgerald, University of Maine.

Contents

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BQ-9000 Program for Biodiesel Producers

BQ-9000

BQ-9000 is a voluntary quality assurance program created by the National Biodiesel Board. For details, visit the National Biodiesel Accreditation Program BQ-9000 program

The BQ-9000 program certifies biodiesel producers, marketers, and testing labs. The BQ-9000 program starts with the ASTM D6751 standard for biodiesel and adds a quality systems program to make sure biodiesel is sampled, tested, stored, blended, shipped, and distributed in a way that maintains high quality.

The incentive for a producer or a marketer to become …

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Life Cycle Analysis for Biofuels


US energy consumption as of October 2013.
US energy consumption as of October 2013. Photo: Delphi234; Wikimedia Commons.

US energy consumption as of October 2013. Photo: Delphi234; Wikimedia Commons.

Explore life cycle analysis to gauge biofuels’ benefits.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Life Cycle Analysis

Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a tool used to account for inputs and outputs to complex systems. In essence, it is …

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Methoxide Catalysts in Biodiesel Production

The methoxide ion, –OCH3, is the active catalyst for the production of methyl esters. It is this chemical unit that attacks the triglyceride molecules and produces the methyl esters. It is regenerated at the end of each reaction step when a hydrogen ion is stripped from a nearby methanol molecule.

If ethanol is being used, then the corresponding catalyst is called ethoxide, –OCH2CH3.

Most small producers create the methoxide ions needed for …

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