Puppeteer

Author Topic: polystyrene added to bio-diesel (foam cups)  (Read 17603 times)

mike90045

  • Mendocino Metro
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1594
  • Mmmm BBQ
    • View Profile
    • Mikes Solar PV page
polystyrene added to bio-diesel (foam cups)
« on: May 01, 2009, 07:18:26 PM »
Article at newscientist.com
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17066-plastic-cups-could-boost-auto-performance.html

"One can recycle any kind of plastic, but if you are camped in a remote area, recycling is not an option," Kong says. "Turning plastic into fuel is a way to get rid of garbage and generate electricity."

Kong and colleagues dissolved polystyrene – a polymer used to make disposable foam plates and cups – into biodiesel at concentrations ranging from 2 to 20% polystyrene by weight. "A polystyrene cup will dissolve almost instantly in biodiesel, like a snowflake in water," Kong says, although the plastic doesn't break down as well in petroleum-based diesel and other liquid fuels.


After 5% though, it tends to increase the fuel visciocity and gum things up.

WGB

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 69
    • View Profile
Re: polystyrene added to bio-diesel (foam cups)
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2009, 09:40:06 PM »
Thanks now I have to staring eating at fast food places again! ;D

Veggiefuel

  • Energy Machines Ltd.
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 163
    • View Profile
    • Energy Machines Ltd.
Re: polystyrene added to bio-diesel (foam cups)
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2009, 03:26:30 PM »

Biodiesel is virtually a carbon neutral fuel. I wonder what they are trying to achieve by adding dissolved plastic (hydrocarbons) ?

I don't think it would boost cetane, add power, or burn cleaner.

First impression is that it allows them to use the trusty old diesel engine as a garbage can to burn the refuse in minuet quantities.

It would be interesting to see the effect on the exhaust emissions.

Veggie
GM90 engines, Changfa's, Voltmaster Generators, Pellet Mills - www.energymachines.ca

mike90045

  • Mendocino Metro
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1594
  • Mmmm BBQ
    • View Profile
    • Mikes Solar PV page
Re: polystyrene added to bio-diesel (foam cups)
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2009, 11:41:10 PM »
First impression is that it allows them to use the trusty old diesel engine as a garbage can to burn the refuse in minuet quantities.
It would be interesting to see the effect on the exhaust emissions.
Veggie

Right, rather than trucking waste out, to be pounded into a landfill, burn what burns easily.

lowspeedlife

  • old iron for a new age
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 726
  • no i'm not no cowboy
    • View Profile
Re: polystyrene added to bio-diesel (foam cups)
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2009, 01:09:46 AM »
Sounds like a "do only if told to & if uncle sam is footing the bill " sort of thing to me. I don't think I would want to "plastic coat" the insides of my pumps, injectors & lines. if the stuff disolves so easily, dissolve it, reclaim it & make more cups & plates out of it!
Scott R.

5.7 liter diesel k-5 blazer. converting to wvo.
omega 20/2 listeroid

HitorMiss

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
    • View Profile
Re: polystyrene added to bio-diesel (foam cups)
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2010, 12:59:23 AM »
I say dissolve as much as you can in your biodiesel, then slice off pieces to throw in your oil-burning stove.   ;)
I have no idea what to do next...