Texas firm unveils self-powered (closed-loop) ethanol production technology

[JohnWxy]

http://www.brighterenergy.org/23856/news/bioenergy/texas-firm-unveils-self-powered-ethanol-production-technology/

The technology and process behind the Allard ethanol refinery is very unique and also patent-pending. The seeds are the input and ASTM fuel grade ethanol is the output of the refinery. The ethanol production refinery tightly integrates an engine, generator, and distillation system together. This approach uses the waste heat from the engine for the distillation process, and creates enough electricity to power the entire plant operation.

The engine itself uses the gasified waste from the cellulose conversion process as its fuel. Altogether, the ethanol refinery and feedstock growing process operates as a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and fully utilizes all parts of the feedstock. Water is cleansed and recycled back into the system.
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[Bill USA]

1. closed-loop! I wonder what kindof net energy gain (over fossil fuel consumed) they will get?

If they aren't using ANY fossil fuel.... it should be fairly spectacular.

[The Jacobin]

2. At least some

If seeds are the feedstock, it is certain petrochemicals were dumped on them to make them grow.

[kristopher]

3. I don't know why but when I read the article referenced...

This jingle from high school times popped into my head.

http://www.hark.com/clips/cmvjgzpvwc-bad-ass-weed

[donco]

4. Bootleggers dream machine. nt