A new class, "Biodiesel Basics", offered at South Seattle Community College is about to give the diesel vehicle greater significance. While many people go biodiesel, because it is environmentally and politically less onerous than oil-based fuel, they often find themselves carting around town to refuel their vehicles. Several others haven’t made the switch partially due to fuel costs and conversion costs— biodiesel is generally more expensive than standard fuel, and some diesel cars, specifically European autos, are not recommended to run on 100% biodiesel.
Gray’s Harbor biodiesel makers,Imperium Renewables, recently announced their plans for beating standard fuel prices and making biodiesel readily available. They hope to make it happen in summer 2007. But, until results are shown, why not make your own?
“Biodiesel Basics,� taught by Lyle Rudensey, also known as BioLyle, will introduce the tricks and chemistry of making biodiesel. One can learn anything from experimenting with various vegetable oils to sources of supplies, equipment, disposal of wastes and reactor design. A special emphasis and demonstration will be on the Appleseed, a reactor made from an electric water heater. Who ever thought filling your tank could get so interesting.
*The class will be held February 10, 2007 from 9:30am to noon.
Links to Seattle biodiesel pumps
Dr Dan's Alternative Fuelwerks in Ballard
SeaPort BioFuels West Seattle
Laurelhurst Oil U District
Frybrid Capitol Hill
Petit Oil Co South Seattle
Pacific Pride Harbor Island
