Quote:
Originally Posted by b0st0n
The problem with importing that amount of biofuel is that ethanol is not easily transported through pipelines...
www.api.org/aboutoilgas/sectors/pipeline/upload/pipelineethanolshipmentfinal-3.doc
As you can see there are many pipelines used to transport refined fuels throughout the US, how can it be energy efficient to dramatically increase our importing of ethanol, which has 34% less energy by volume than gasoline, if we have to transport the ethanol via tanker truck throughout the US? |
Well, sure we should address this, but it is not really a big problem.
The first step for a country to use ethanol is mixing it with gas, beginning with low percentage, for example, 2% to 5%, and increasing this mix every year to a maximum 25%, this way production and distribution will have time to adjust.
Up to 10% ethanol mixed with 90% of gas there is no problem at all, neither for cars nor pipelines.
However to carry 100% ethanol some parts should be upgraded, see what i got at:
US Senators propose ethanol pipeline - AutoblogGreen
"The primary concerns with ethanol in existing pipelines are water absorption and corrosion at valves and joints. The pipes themselves will be fine."
"Too bad it is so difficult for us to get past government and industry gatekeepers. We invented technology 12 years ago that is a complete resolve for the corrosion and SCC caused by Ethenol tranported in pipelines. Our technology is EcoBeam XL MHD. Not only does it prevent internal pipeline corrosion, it also reverses existing corrosion. EcoBeam XL requires no chemicals, no power source, simple to install, no pipeline downtime to install or operate, no maintenance, unlimited use lifetime, and is very cost-effective.
EcoBeam XL effects absolute environmental protenction, and safety for the public and employees. Ethanol industry can use existing pipelines without fear of corrosion or SCC, if EcoBeam XL is applied."
Bio-Butanol another alcohol has none of these problems and it is better than ethanol:
BP DuPont BioFuels
New pipeline for ethanol:
Ethanol Pipeline Proposed by Producers
Magellan, Buckeye looking into $3B ethanol pipeline | Cleantech.com