Category Archives: Particulates

Study shows biodiesel improves workplace health

Posted on October 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

A recent pilot study from the Air & Wast Management Association compared diesel and biodiesel B20 exhaust, measuring the the occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) and other air toxins. Biodiesel B20 was found to reduce harmful pollutes in the work environment.

The study was conducted at  a New Hampshire recycling facility, heavy equipment exhaust was measured while running petroleum diesel and then on B20 biodiesel.

The technical paper describe, the study “used a combination of established industrial hygiene and environmental air monitoring methods to estimate occupational exposure profiles to PM and air toxics from combustion of petroleum diesel and biodiesel. Results indicate that B20 use dramatically reduces work area respirable particle and formaldehyde levels compared with petroleum diesel.”

Read full Air & Waste Management Association study–Biodiesel versus Diesel: A Pilot Study Comparing Exhaust Exposures for Employees at a Rural Municipal Facility.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Research, Emissions, Particulates, Uncategorized

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US Senator Patty Murray and Propel discuss economic impacts of biodiesel industry

Posted on June 16, 2010 | Leave a comment

Monday morning, Senator Patty Murray (D – WA) & Propel hosted a press conference to discuss support for the Biodiesel Blenders Tax Credit and its positive impacts on job growth, carbon emissions reduction and national security. Since the tax credit was left to expire in January, US biodiesel production has largely screeched to a halt. As a result, many producers including Imperium Renewables have looked to markets outside of the US to sell its fuel. The industry’s message was clear; renew the tax credit and our industry will immediately increase production, and create jobs.

The event was held at Propel Fuels Clean Fuel Point, the first renewable fuels station in downtown Seattle, Senator Murray was joined by the leaders of companies from up and down the biodiesel value chain (bioscience, refining, production and retail consumer access), who discussed the importance of the extension of the tax credit currently being debated in Congress.

Speakers included Matt Horton, CEO of Propel Fuels, Todd Ellis, VP of Business Development for Imperium Renewables, Dr. Margaret McCormick, COO for Targeted Growth, and Cameron Hewes, President and CEO of General Biodiesel.

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Posted in At the Pump, Big Oil, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, blog, Climate Change, Cold Weather Biodiesel, Emissions, Feedstocks, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Introduction, Media, Next Generation Feedstock, Nox, Particulates, Politics, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

UC Davis research shows sustainable biomass energy potential for California

Posted on November 30, 2009 | Leave a comment

A recent article published in California Agriculture illustrates the potential for sustainable biomass energy crops in California.  California Agriculture is a peer-reviewed journal reporting research, reviews and news from the University of California and its Agriculture and Natural Resources division.

Article Abstract
Biomass constitutes a major renewable energy resource for California, with more than 30 million tons per year of in-state production estimated to be available on a sustainable basis for electricity generation, biofuels production and other industrial processing. Annually, biofuel production from these resources could exceed 2 billion gallons of gasoline equivalent, while providing opportunities for agricultural and rural economic development. Continuing research and large-scale demonstrations now under way will test alternative technologies and provide much-needed information regarding costs and environmental performance. Biomass can help meet state goals for increasing the amounts of electricity and fuels from renewable resources under the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), and can similarly help meet national biofuel targets under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Internationally consistent sustainability standards and practices are needed to inform policy and provide direction and guidance to industry.

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Article Authors
Bryan M. Jenkins, UC Davis
Robert B. Williams, UC Davis
Nathan Parker, UC Davis
Peter Tittmann, UC Davis
Quinn Hart, UC Davis
Martha C. Gildart, UC Davis
Steve Kaffka, UC Davis
Bruce R. Hartsough, UC Davis
Peter Dempster, UC Davis

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Research, blog, Climate Change, Emissions, Energy Balance, Feedstocks, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Introduction, Next Generation Feedstock, Nox, Particulates, Personal Carbon Credits, Politics, Pricing

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1000 Acres of Next Generation Fuel

Posted on September 14, 2009 | Leave a comment

sgrass_OK

Cellulosic feedstock projects are beginning to scale in size and frequency. An example of this is the 1,000 acre switchgrass plot in Oklahoma, now in its second year. The project is led by the Ardmore-based Noble Foundation, and strands are reaching 3 ft in height.
Unlike corn, switchgrass doesn’t need to be replanted each year. It also takes less tractor-fuel and fertilizer to produce, can be grown on marginal land and doesn’t require as much water.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, Emissions, Energy Balance, Feedstocks, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Next Generation Feedstock, Particulates

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Fuel Efficiency and Performance Drive Diesel Comeback

Posted on July 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

With revived concern over the cost of gasoline and the desire for increased fuel economy, clean diesels are proving to be a tempting choice for the American consumer.

2010GolfTDIVolkswagen can testify to the selling power of clean diesel vehicles–June brought in the highest sales of TDIs since the release of the current lineup. According to a recent press release, “the Jetta SportWagen once again posted its best sales month ever with sales of 1,982 units. Clean diesel TDI’s accounted for 81 percent of SportWagen sales, 40 percent of Jetta sedan sales, and 29 percent of Touareg sales.” Adding to their fleet of available clean diesels, Volkswagen plans the release of the 2010 Golf TDI this fall.

ThreeJettaFill_SLUPositive sales from Volkswagen may lure more manufacturers to bring diesel technology to the American market. In fact, manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes already offer diesel models.

Volkwagen TDI drivers are often strong supporters of alternatitive fuels. Seen here at the Propel SLU Station is the 2007 and 2004 Jetta TDI, and 2005 Jetta TDI Wagon.

NPR Home PageToday’s clean diesel vehicles are not the smog-belching, clickity-clacking diesel vehicles you may be picturing. New diesels have quieter engines, enhanced performance and reduced emissions. A recent segment on National Public Radio, Diesel Cars Attempt a Comeback with Clean Diesels, reports on the reemergence of diesel vehicles into the American market as a quieter, cleaner next generation.

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Emissions, Green House Gases (GHG), Particulates, Propel Biofuels, Vehicles

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Cutting-edge fuel cell vehicles roll into Propel’s downtown Seattle station

Posted on June 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

FuelCell3_crowdOn Monday, June 1st, Propel hosted Seattle’s first Hydrogen Vehicle Show at the Downtown Seattle Clean Fuel Point. As part of the 28-city, Hydrogen Road Tour, the event previewed the latest hydrogen fuel cell vehicle designs and provided information on how fuel cells fit into our nation’s clean transportation future. All vehicles on displayed have the potential to provide the range, efficiency and performance consumers expect — with zero tailpipe emissions.

FuelCell1_vehicles

“Propel’s fueling platform delivers advanced low-carbon fuels including biodiesel from waste stream feedstocks like recycled fats and oils, and locally grown, marginal land crops like camelina,” said Rob Elam, President and Co-Founder of Propel speaking of the event on Monday. “Our fueling platform has the forward-flexibility to accommodate advanced fuels such as bio-methane, hydrogen and electric charging as these vehicle technologies gain momentum in the marketplace. Today’s event shows how close these vehicles are to commercialization.”

FuelCell6_vw

Fuel cell vehicles from top manufacturers, including Daimler, GM, Honda, VW, and more, were showcased at the event. Fuel cell vehicles are electric vehicles that generate their electricity from hydrogen stored in a tank, instead of recharging from the grid. Fuel cells are also used in transit buses, forklifts, airport tugs, as back-up power for data centers, and as primary power for buildings.

“The Hydrogen Road Tour showcases the progress of hydrogen programs in the U.S. and Canada,” said California Fuel Cell Partnership executive director Catherine Dunwoody. 

TDIinCaravan_fillingup

One of the tour support vehicles, the Volkswagen V10 Touareg TDI filling with Propel B20 Biodiesel.

“These vehicles are comfortable, perform great, refuel in minutes and will travel the distance with zero tailpipe emissions, zero petroleum and greatly reduced greenhouse gases. Thousands of people will get a chance to try these vehicles for themselves.” 

Propel partnered with the California Fuel Cell Partnership, California Air Resources Board (CARB), National Hydrogen Association, US Fuel Cell Council and Powertech Labs to organize the event.

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Nox, Particulates, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Uncategorized, Vehicles

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American Lung Association report shows “Biodiesel Key to Clean Air”

Posted on May 1, 2009 | Leave a comment

americanlungassocThe State of the Air Report recently released by the American Lung Association shows biodiesel is a key factor to keeping America’s air clean. The American Lung Association in Minnesota described the  report as a “wake up” call to further embrace fuels like biodiesel and is also participating in May 1 activities to kick off Minnesota’s increase to a B5 biodiesel blend. The report named Fargo, North Dakota as the cleanest city in the nation, and the lung association there gave credit to steps like biodiesel use.

Biodiesel is a sustainable, renewable alternative to diesel fuel that reduces most regulated emissions substantially, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbons.

“With biodiesel, America can produce its own cleaner-burning diesel alternative that helps clean up the air with existing vehicles,” said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO. “Biodiesel is a natural solution to help achieve lung associations’ goals to reduce air pollution and safeguard our health. We are grateful for their support and applaud their vision for a cleaner future.”

Biodiesel reduces air toxins by 90 percent, and significantly reduces the compounds linked to cancer. Breathing the smoke from diesel exhaust can trigger an asthma attack. The use of biodiesel reduces particulate matter up to 40 percent.

More information from NBB.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, blog, Emissions, Nox, Particulates, Propel Biofuels

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States Logistics’ fleet reduces harmful emissions with the use of biodiesel

Posted on March 24, 2009 | Leave a comment

stateslogistics

With seven diesel vehicles running on biodiesel blends, California-based company, States Logistics was able to reduce the fleet’s CO2 output by over 72 tons! Three vehicles ran on B99 while four ran on a B5 biodiesel blend. The company’s lifecycle carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction demonstration was facilitated by the National Biodiesel Board over a six month period.

“The B99 trucks (three-axle International model 8600) ran 48,198 miles and consumed 8,770 gallons over the six month period. The equivalent straight petroleum diesel output would have been 89.9 tons, but with B99, the output was 19.8 tons for a savings of 70.1 tons. The B5 fleet (two-axle flat bed) traveled 61,433 miles and consumed 7,090 gallons of B5. Equivalent petroleum CO2 output would have been 71.4, with B5 the output was reduced to 68.6 for 2.8 tons of CO2 reduction. In addition to CO2 reduction, an estimated 119 pounds of particulate matter were eliminated from the exhaust during the six month period. Carbon monoxide (CO) was reduced by over 500 pounds, hydrocarbons (HC) by over 50 pounds, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) by close to 40 pounds. ”

nbb-logo

States Logistics looks forward to sharing the results of this demonstration with customers to show the positive impact of using biodiesel. Ryan Donovan, VP of Operations and Business Development of States Logistics, says, ”we all benefit from having this information available to show the efforts being made to reduce carbon footprint throughout the supply chain.” 

Read more from the NBB and DomesticFuel.com.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), News Links, Nox, Particulates, Vehicles

Diesel far more detrimental to health than biodiesel.

Posted on September 12, 2007 | Leave a comment

From Science Daily

“Our research found that the particulate matter from diesel exhaust stimulated a ‘death pathway’ response that the body uses to dispose of damaged cells. This response caused the airway cells to fuse together and die.

“We saw hardly any cell death after treatment with biodiesel particulates.”

Associate Professor Ackland said that the results of the study provide support for calls to move towards replacing petrol and diesel with cleaner biofuels.

“It is clear that breathing in diesel fumes is going to have a far more detrimental effect on our health than biodiesel. Given the level of cell death we have found, diesel exhaust could be the cause of respiratory disorders such as asthma and could even be implicated in cancer,” she said

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Posted in Big Oil, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Research, blog, Emissions, Particulates, Propel Biofuels

Dr. Weil is Onboard with Biodiesel

Posted on May 12, 2007 | Leave a comment

 Arizona Daily Star reports:

Dr. Andrew Weil — the world-famous physician who works to heal our bodies as naturally as possible — is now doing his part to try to heal a polluted planet.
While the rest of us belch toxic crap out of our cars at three-plus dollars a gallon, Weil can hardly believe how well this bio thing really works. So well that he wants to form a co-op and offer this golden moonshine to any and all takers in Tucson. “I’ve always written and taught that it’s very difficult to be healthy in an unhealthy world,” said Weil, explaining why he’s gone into the backyard brewing business.

A pioneer at combining mainstream medicine with alternative therapies, Weil founded the integrative medicine program at the University of Arizona and has written numerous best-sellers on the topic.

“We have to be very immediately concerned about finding solutions for the toxic effects the combustion engine has on human health,” he said.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Nox, Particulates, Propel Biofuels

The Diesel Invasion is Now

Posted on January 8, 2007 | Leave a comment

Fight! Japan vs. Germany! Honda may ditch hybrid Accord for diesel v6 model (via AutoBlogGreen):

And don’t expect the Germans to share the diesel market with anyone if they can help it. Bernd Gottschalk, head of the Germany car industry association VDA, said at the Detroit auto show, “The goal can only be to make life as difficult as possible for the Japanese.”

DTF: New Year Ushers In New Era Of Clean Diesel Trucks
New 90% Cleaner Trucks Set to Roll Off Assembly Lines

GCC: BLUETEC Partners Show New T2B5 Diesels at Detroit Show

Audi unveils two Q7s (via Diesel Blog)

Mercedes-Benz Continues to Promote Bluetec Diesel with the GL420 (Via Diesel Blog)

DTF: DaimlerChrysler AG’s Mercedes unit touted its commitment to clean diesel on Sunday, showing off a concept Vision GL420 Bluetec and saying it would dramatically increase its lineup of diesel vehicles next year.

Jeep TrailHawk concept, and 2008 ready diesel Grand Voyager

Nothin runs like a Deere (on biodiesel)

VW promises a full line of diesels in 2008, and BMWwill offer upscale models. What does this mean for biodiesel? Read:

The Emerging Biodiesel Driver Demographic

The Great Biodiesel Surplus of 2007

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Emissions, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Nox, Particulates, Propel Biofuels, Vehicles

Weathering the Storm: Links for January 6, 2007

Posted on January 6, 2007 | Leave a comment

Biodiesel Driver Jon Crawford skiing. Photo: Mike K/Propel Biofuels

Pruning the biodiesel hype tree: We all feel for Mr Willie Nelson, he is indeed a true biodiesel supporter. Earth Biofuels comes under intense scrutiny from Forbes and Motley Fool. Propel welcomes this shake out. Opportunity attracts both the corrupt and the true: Restoring Eden: Inconvenient Christians – Evangelical Youth Climate Initiative

Our new Congess gets right to work on day one.

VW Polo: 60 MPG and lower CO2 emissions than Prius.

Auto Execs see the future

Texas and ARB: please put the biodiesel NOx issue to bed by understanding the most current science vs old, poorly done, EPA studies. Biodiesel does not increase NOx vs petro diesel, and the impact of NOx as emission of concern is up for considerable debate. Meanwhile, the petro-diesel emissions of particulate matter, sulfur, aromatic toxins, and CO2 remain.

Scientists’ Report Documents ExxonMobil’s Tobacco-like Disinformation Campaign on Global Warming Science

Oldie but a goodie: Oil Safari

Never Forget

Seattle GreenDrinks Next Tues, see ya there!

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Posted in Big Oil, Biodiesel, blog, Emissions, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Nox, Particulates, Politics, Propel Biofuels

Clif Bar Trades Green for Green

Posted on December 11, 2006 | Leave a comment

From Green Car Congress

Clif Bar & Co., a manufacturer of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods and drinks, has launched a Cool Commute program for its employees.

The Cool Commute incentive program pays $5,000 to employees who switch to biodiesel (B100) cars for their commutes. In addition to a cash incentive for biodiesel, Clif Bar also will pay $5,000 to its people who buy a hybrid vehicle.

I expect we’ll see much more of this going forward. I remember our sales team shunned by MSFT, back in 2004, when Propel went to them with an offer to install a b99 pump on campus. Now that Google is on the biodiesel bandwagon as well, maybe the tide is changing.

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Posted in Big Oil, Biodiesel, blog, Climate Change, Emissions, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Nox, Particulates, Vehicles

Toyota’s Biodiesel Hybrid Prius Coming Soon

Posted on December 11, 2006 | 5 Comments

From Edmund’s Inside Line:

If that sounds like Toyota will integrate a diesel engine into its Synergy hybrid drivetrain, you are right, according to Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor North America. “… eventually we will have hybrids on diesel, biodiesel, ethanol, the whole gamut.” he said.

The previously opposed hybrid-versus-diesel camps seem to realize that combining the technologies is the fastest route to fuel-efficient vehicles with existing technologies and fuels. Detroit’s Big Three demonstrated this with their concept cars developed under the Partnership for the Next Generation of Vehicles program under the Clinton administration. All three companies produced diesel-electric hybrids in pursuit of an 80 mpg family sedan. A Prius with a diesel engine would closely resemble those concept vehicles, both in appearance and fuel economy.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Nox, Particulates, Vehicles

An Inconvenient Truth on DVD

Posted on December 2, 2006 | Leave a comment

Al Gore’s climate crisis movie is now out on DVD, so you can NetFlix it the comfort of your own home. Al appeared on Jay Leno last night and joked that the DVD included extra scenes, including “hot glacier on glacier action.”

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Posted in Biodiesel, Climate Change, Emissions, Green House Gases (GHG), Media, Nox, Particulates, Politics

Testing Topics

Posted on January 29, 2006 | 3 Comments

test link

Testing topics.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, Climate Change, Cold Weather Biodiesel, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Feedstocks, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Introduction, Media, News Links, Nox, Particulates, Politics, Propel Biofuels, Retail locations, Vehicles