Features

Flow Control network | February 2008

Pump Selection for Alt-Fuel Plant Buildup

by Doug Cumpston

Like many biodiesel industry pioneers, Scott Johnson began making biodiesel with some basic equipment and know-how. In 2005, Johnson and his wife Kathy commuted a combined 440 miles per day and faced diesel fuel bills that totaled more than $900 per month. Out of necessity, Johnson set up a small-scale biodiesel production facility and quickly dropped his fuel bills to only $350 per month.

biodiesel MAGAZINE | January 2008

Generating Momentum in the Pacific Northwest

by Doug Cumpston

Blackmer WhitePaper | January 2008

Vane Pump Technology Offers Critical Advantages for Biodiesel Manufacturing Processes

by Tom Stone

Having been called the "fastest-growing alternative fuel" in the United States by the Department of Energy, there's no question that biodiesel will continue to play an increasingly significant role in the nation’s future motor-fuel supply. In fact, in 2006 the Congressional Budget Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that biodiesel is the lowest-cost alternative fuel option for meeting the Energy Policy Act of 2005's alternative fuel use requirements. Additionally, late last year President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which further expanded the renewable fuels standard and set a mandate of 1 billion gallons of biodiesel use by 2012. Because of its utilization of renewable feedstocks, energy efficiency, compatibility with the existing fuel-distribution infrastructure and ability to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, biodiesel is the one alternative fuel that truly has the capability to make a difference in the nation's diesel-fuel use patterns — today.

biodiesel MAGAZINE | August 2007

A Lesson in Biodiesel Production

by Darren Wight

Standing in the middle of a driveway near feedstock tanks situated on the south side of his new biodiesel plant, Leif Forer tries to gather everyone in the group to begin the tour. As part of his emphasis on outreach and ongoing education, at 10 a.m. the first Friday of every month, Forer guides a group of biodiesel enthusiasts, possible investors, potential customers, interested neighbors and local students through a state-of-the-art biodiesel refinery located in Pittsboro, N.C. Piedmont Biofuels Industrial LLC is the brainchild of Forer and two partners — Rachel Burton and Lyle Estill.

biodiesel MAGAZINE | August 2006

Pumped on Quality

by Darren Wight

For Peter Cremer North America, the first BQ-9000 accredited biodiesel producer in the world, maintaining premium quality fuel without sacrificing production targets is a must. Relying on vane pump technology throughout the entire facility delivers consistency and performance that helps make those important dual objectives achievable.