Dwindling petroleum supplies and growing environmental concerns are significantly impacting the cost of petro-fuel and its infrastructure. The search for alternative fuel sources has led to ethanol, a gasoline substitute that is already in the marketplace as Gasohol and E-85. But large-scale production of corn-based ethanol is controversial as it threatens the world’s food supply. There are alternatives, however: Brazil uses sugar cane, which is up to six times more productive in energy conversion. After the energy crisis of the 1970s, there was a lot of misinformation about the cost of individual ethanol production. In order to achieve energy independence from gasoline, ethanol lends itself to small-scale production, and especially to cooperative ventures in rural communities, often using “waste” feedstock. Alcohol Fuel is a practical, grassroots book that will give readers all the information they need, covering every aspect of making and using ethanol for fuel, including: *Permitting and planning *Budgeting and setup *Sourcing feedstocks *Finding and building distillation equipment *Storage and safety *Practical applications for converting motor vehicles, farm equipment, and space-heating systems The practical, user-friendly information on basic equipment needs, fermentation recipes, and distillation designs will be of interest to readers looking for information, as well as to those ready to make the switch. Richard Freudenberger was research director of Mother Earth News, where he managed the Alcohol Fuel Program and developed solar and renewable solar and energy projects. He is publisher and technical editor of BackHome magazine and lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

In this resource, the authors uncover the benefits and limitations of North America's fuel ethanol industry.

In this brash and audacious debunking of the myths and manipulation that brought the world to oil addiction, alt fuel expert Marc J. Rauch brilliantly lays out how ethanol can change the planet for the better--and along the way helps us navigate the noise of petroleum advocates.The Ethanol Papers is a rough-and-tumble, no holds-barred crystallization of the ethanol vs. gasoline conflict. Written in plain jargon, non-scientists, non-academics, and politicians alike will find it compelling. Yet this is no "Idiots Guide to Biofuels" or "Alt Fuels for Dummies." Rather, The Ethanol Papers is the most in-depth and complete explanation of the ethanol-oil problem now available, targeted for smart people who demand facts.

Decision to produce; Markets and uses; Market assessment; Prodution potential; Equipment selection; Financial requirements; Decision and planning workssheets; Basic ethanol production; Preparation of feedstocks, Fermentation; Distillation; Types of feedstocks; Coproduct yields; Agronomic considerations; Plant design; Overall plant considerations; Process control; Representative ethanol plant; Maintenance checklist; Business plan; Analysis of financial requirements; Organizational form; Financing; Case study; Summary of legislation; Bureau of alcohol, tabacco, and firearms permit information; Enviromental considerations.

Process engineering can potentially provide the means to develop economically viable and environmentally friendly technologies for the production of fuel ethanol. Focusing on a key tool of process engineering, Process Synthesis for Fuel Ethanol Production is a comprehensive guide to the design and analysis of the most advanced technologies for fuel

Six volumes bound under one cover make this the most comprehensive book ever written on alcohol fuel production, use, policy, history, ecology, politics and economic perspectives. Thoroughly addresses both past and present controversies, myths and misconceptions that permeate the public debate. It contains the most exhaustive treatment of potential energy crops to be found anywhere. Crops for all climates and soil types are detailed including cellulosic materials. Unique feedstocks that can have global impact like ocean kelp, cattails used for treating sewage, and creative waste products are covered. Design and construction of alcohol plants from 2 gallons per hour to 50 gallons per hour including detailed distillery design data is described in laymen?s terms for easy construction. Case histories of actual plants are covered in interviews of operations built by the author?s students.The book compares qualities of alcohol versus gasoline and diesel. In exceptional detail, conversion of gasoline, diesel, aircraft, motorcycle, two stroke, and utility engines are described. Using alcohol to produce electricity and hot water as well as cooking and cooling are also addressed. Business models for micro and small plants are laid out enabling the reader to design their own business.The author?s original concept of Community Supported Energy projects in which communities establish driver owned alcohol stations and then contract with farmers to supply the station are outlined clearly so activists can organize them. Profusely illustrated with 514 charts, photos and drawings. The book is thoroughly documented with 473 endnotes and a 6300 entry index.

Methanol: Science and Engineering provides a comprehensive review of the chemistry, properties, and current and potential uses and applications of methanol. Divided into four parts, the book begins with a detailed account of current production methods and their economics. The second part deals with the applications of methanol, providing useful insights into future applications. Modeling of the various reactor systems is covered in the next section, with final discussions in the book focusing on the economic and environmental impact of this chemical. Users will find this to be a must-have resource for all researchers and engineers studying alternative energy sources. - Provides the latest developments on methanol research - Reviews methanol production methods and their economics - Outlines the use of methanol as an alternative green transportation fuel - Includes new technologies and many new applications of methanol