Types of Anaerobic Digesters

Table Of Contents
Passive Systems Low Rate Systems High Rate Systems Contributors To This Article

All anaerobic digesters perform the same basic function. They hold manure in the absence of oxygen and maintain the proper conditions for methane forming microorganisms to grow. There is a wide variety of anaerobic digesters, each performing this basic function in a subtly different way. Seven of the most common digesters are described in this article. Construction and material handling techniques can vary greatly within …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Animal Fats for Biodiesel Production

Explore the use of animal fats as an oil feedstock in the production of biodiesel. This article covers the advantages and challenges of using oil from animal fat in biodiesel fuel.

Beef tallow. Photo: FotoosvanRobin; Wikimedia Commons.

Introduction
How Animal Fats are Processed
Fatty Acid Content of Animal Fats
Oxidative Stability of Animal Fat Biodiesel
High Cetane Number of Animal Fat Biodiesel
Low Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Animal Fat Biodiesel
Contaminants in Animal Fat Feedstocks
High Sulfur Content of

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April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Economics of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production

Table of Contents
Economics of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production Oil Purchasing versus Collecting Oil Why Are Vegetable Oilseed Prices So High? Oilseed Processing Alcohol Catalyst Equipment Labor Electricity Building Safety Equipment Laboratory Equipment Marketing Incentives Risk Management Other Issues Summary More Topics Additional Resources Contributors to This Article

Economics of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production

Canola or rapeseed oil crop. Photo: eXtension Ag Energy.

Small-scale biodiesel production economics can vary substantially depending on an individual producer’s choice of feedstock, equipment, market, and the …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Warm Climate Feedstocks for Biodiesel

Did you know the state tree of Hawaii, the candlenut tree or kukui, can produce oil for biodiesel energy? Oil palm, coconut, jatropha, croton, candlenut, and tallow tree are warm climate trees whose oil from nuts, seeds or fruits can be used to make biodiesel.

Coconuts grows in most tropical areas.

Introduction
Oil Palm
Coconut
Jatropha
Croton
Candlenut
Tallow Tree

Introduction

Although the following trees and crops are not generally grown commercially in the United States, American farmers …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Sunflowers for Biofuel Production

Do you know that biodiesel energy can be made from sunflower seed oil? Oilseed sunflowers are grown easily and profitably at both small farm and large field scales.

http://create.extension.org/sites/default/files/w/1/12/Sunflower_field_in_full_flower.JPG

These sunflowers in southern Vermont were grown for on-farm biodiesel production.Photo: Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension.

Introduction
Current Potential for use as Biofuel
Biology and Adaptation
Production
Pest Management
Harvest and Storage
Potential Yields

Introduction

Oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is quickly gaining popularity as a feedstock crop …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Introduction to Energy-Efficient Tractor and Field Operations

Table of Contents
Introduction For additional information Contributors to this Article

Photo: Vern Grubinger.

Introduction

Tractors and related field equipment can use a lot of energy on the farm, so it makes sense to take practical steps to optimize their efficiency. These include:

Using Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory data to select a farm tractor. These test reports can be extremely useful to compare the performance of different makes and models.

Properly maintaining equipment. Timely replacement of air and fuel

…

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Budgeting Methods for Comparing a Biomass Energy Crop to an Existing Crop

Trying to decide if it makes sense to grow biomass energy crops to get into the expanding market? This article shows farmers how to compare the costs of crop production using enterprise budgets.

Introduction
Enterprise Budgets
Annualized Costs

Introduction

Demand for biomass renewable energy feedstocks is expanding. Biomass feedstocks can be converted to biofuels, Bioproducts or co-fired with coal electrical generation plants to meet impending carbon regulations and/or generate carbon credits. Co-firing with biomass also generates renewable energy credits …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Safety in Small-Scale Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Photo: Penn State Publications

Although the biodiesel manufacturing process is fairly straightforward, there are several aspects of biodiesel production that need careful attention to detail for a productive, safe, and environmentally sound practice. First, some chemicals used could pose serious risks to the operator or to the environment, unless the proper precautions are taken for storage, process safety, handling, ventilation, and use. Second, disposal of glycerol by-product and waste water generated from biodiesel production could cause environmental harm, unless …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

New Uses for Crude Glycerin from Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Glycerol (also known as glycerin) is a major byproduct in the biodiesel manufacturing process. In general, for every 100 pounds of biodiesel produced, approximately 10 pounds of crude glycerol are created. As the biodiesel industry is rapidly expanding, a glut of crude glycerol is being created. Because this glycerol is expensive to purify for use in the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries, biodiesel producers must seek alternative methods for its disposal. Various methods for disposal and utilization of this …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Diverse Plant Mixtures for Sustainable Biofuels

Mixtures offer advantages over monocultures. Michael Bomford photo.

Learn the benefits of planting diverse prairie grass mixtures for biofuel feedstocks.

Monocultures versus polycultures
Research Findings
Other diversification strategies

Monocultures versus polycultures

The vast majority of farm-based bioenergy production currently relies on monocultures: pure stands of a single plant species such as corn or soybeans. Yet researchers have long known that plant mixtures or polycultures offer numerous advantages, including resistance to plant diseases, insect pests, weeds …

Contents

Economics of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production

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Introduction

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Introduction

Introduction

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Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Table of Contents

Monocultures versus polycultures