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Recs: 0 The Future of Biocrude ?
I have been monitoring these boards for some time and I find it somewhat strange that noone has commented on the entire picture including USSE SSTP and the Green Energy Consortium.
I recently thought of buying some SSTP but then the same concerns reappear, and those concerns are about the future of SSTP. I have seen all the pictures recently taken in Baytown in support of definitive progress being made with respect to continued (albiet slow) development of Reactors for the production of Biocrude on a relatively large scale but with no PR's to support the underlying stocks; ie USSE/SSTP.
With all this lack of PR of ongoing progress I can't help but see a picture that I only hope someone here can dispel. What is the picture that I see? Well think about this:
I think that USSE is essentially out of the picture now with the exception of the 640 mil shares of SSTP that it owns. I don't think that USSE has any significant cash on hand which is what I believe to be the primary reason for releasing SSTP. I do know of other companies that manufacture Bioenergy and receive the Certificates so I dont think that to be the reason. There was a need for cash and the most efficient way to produce it was to start up another company. And to start up that company they needed to provide reason. The green certs appeared plausible. USSE shareholders essentially got nothing for the spin-off of SSTP. Oh yes they were supposed to get equal shares but that would have limited the amount of money that could be raised. So they gave USSE shareholders nothing.
Now that SSTP has money they are the ones that are making progress in every phase of production of Biofuel ( OH! I forgot the name of the product has now been changed to BioCrude). SSTP is now in charge of production of the BioCrude but the story does not end here. SSTP may be running short on cash now and with stimulation of interest via big money it was not thought to be a good idea to vest themselves in the already existent company that had control over production, refining and sales of BioCrude and byproducts. No it would be better if they started a new company that could conglomerate all activities related to production, refining, and sale of the BioCrude that was originally produced solely be USSE. Now what to I think is going thru their minds?
Well, USSE is so dilute and has essentially nothing to offer as support for further development of the process it is essentially not needed. The one thing that it does have though is 640mil shares of SSTP. USSE also is not in very good standing with JR because of one major shareholder, JS. It is still possible that these shares could be distributed to current USSE shareholders and then dissolve USSE altogether. There is just one thing to JR's displeasure and that would be JS. Either way JS would get shares in SSTP and that might just be unacceptable to JR. AS a result he could facilitate the Public offering of Green Energy Consortium and purchase the holdings of SSTP thereby rendering SSTP worthless. Then everything would be held by the Green Energy Consortium, of which, none of us own any part. And if we wanted to be part owner we would have to purchase shares on the market. If this happened then JR would be completely separated from JS. And we would be the ones paying for his pleasure.
I say these things and I think they do have merit because the entire process is based on the Catalyst that is owned and held solely by JR. JR can do what he wants to with the catalyst. I think he will sell it to the final company that will ultimately be lucky enough to be the one to be able to actually produce and market BioCrude and all refined products. That company could actually be Green Energy Consortium.
I know that I am in a minority with my thinking because I have posted previously that of a similar idea but without much detail and actually to my surprise I got absolutely no replies. I do think that this fuel will have a definitive place in the Energy Market. I just don't know the company that will be in charge when it becomes marketable.
I am fairly certain that I will be labeled as a basher for this but at this point I really could care less. Ron9
That was the first set of four Reactors. I asked him about that and he told me that the first tube reactor cost about 4 million and the other three combined cost about 1 mil. So I don't think the cost of future reactors will be anywhere close to that of the first four.
My question now is where is USSEC's main office. There is very little going on in Natchez. I am hoping that they have relocated to Baytown or the Houston area. I was at the Natchez facility last Thursday and noone was at home. I did see a grain truck in one of the warehouses and they still have Soybeans and DDGS located there. Does anyone have more specifics about the whereabouts of USSEC.
Does anyone know where FREEUS is?
They will not allow me to do that any more. I do occassionally go over there and watch from a distance thru binoculars.
>Per http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/070508/0249739.html
"Until now, greater than 15% ethanol and diesel was just like oil and water that do not mix. The ability to blend 40% ethanol through USSE's technology is a major step forward for the farm community becoming more energy self-sufficient by using almost three times as much ethanol produced from its own crops to fuel farm vehicles>
This sounds like a plausible idea except for one item of significance. Before the farmer wants to place a new type of fuel, or especially mix Diesel with Ethanol, he will surely want to have test results prior to doing so. This is a no-brainer because who wants to risk the destruction of a motor in a $140,000 Tractor without assurance that all is going to be O.K.. I have offered to provide a source for testing the fuel and have requested getting some of the Biofuel to test in on of my Tractors. The real reason that I wanted to do this was to see if it would help the tractor run cooler. At present this tractor does not run in the "red zone" but it is closer than it should be. I just thought it would be worth a try, and since I only live about 12 miles from the Natchez Plant I felt that they could readily monitor the progress. I could not get an answer to e-mail or Phone so I have basically given up. I also carried a list of questions for review and have never received any response. Again, I have given up. I just don't understand why they don't wish to proceed with testing protocol......On the other hand I think that I do.....! I am beginning to think that they don't really know what they are producing. The concept has changed so many times and now, with the DR, they are back to production of a fuel to be used in running Turbines. Yes, I may be confused. Ron
wechoose:
If it is a fuel originating from Biomass and can be utilized to run any #2 Diesel without modification then it must be classified as Biodiesel. If it can't do that which Biodiesel, as we all know it to be, can then I would sure like to see some recant of prior disclosures. If this does not fullfill the definition of Biodiesel I would also like some clarification. Ron
>"In order to meet the demands of the energy & environmental imapcts of the future, these mediocre technologies will not cut it. That is what Khosla is saying in the video and also
Condoleezza Rice, in the following article. These are leaders who know what they are talking about."<
And I fully agree with the fact that the present mode of Technology is substandard and inadequate. That basically is what I am trying to say. USSE has a revolutionary means of producing BioDiesel so why not pursue it as such. And another concern of mine is why we have not been exposed to test results that I know they have. Is it because those results are not what we are looking for? I really don't think that to be the case because, if it was, then I could not justify the negotiation of the Dominican Republic Contract. I really do think this to be the savior of Biodiesel but I must admit that I am getting confused with the process thru which it is gaining access to the market. Ron
Your definition of "Stand out" and mine appear to be different. What I am saying is that we could have already been standing out as the the only producers of High Grade Biodiesel that can do it profitably. Whay you appear to be saying is "hang on success is right around the corner; we will get someone's attention eventually". I think that I am more of a realist than you. Ron
I did view the video. I did not hear anything that I considered news. I think the general feeling is that we need to increase the use of Biomass in fuel production and that is a widely held standard and a good place to make your bets. But you do want to be with the one that will show the most promise. Ron
That's my point. We do need to stand out but we are finding it difficult to do it with a new product. In contrast, we could be the ones that perfect the much needed technology in producing Biodiesel. No I am not missing the point. My priorities are just different. That being the case the other set of priorities does not appear to be working in a timely fashion.
By standing out do mean that the testing for production and utilization of USSE Biofuel is not being done or disclosed on purpose? Ron
One other thing that I did wish to share; and that is with respect to the concept and production of USSE Biofuel. I do believe that this will be the ultimate process and quality of Biodiesel to be expected in the future. As it presently stands, I don't think anyone producing Biodiesel using the current techniques will ever be able to show profit without the green certificates. I also think that the certificates will end if and when there is a solid technique utilized in the production of Biodiesel on a large scale. I do believe that the Rivera Process will be recognized as the most efficient means of producing a high quality Biodiesel and will be envyed by most. And that is why I do believe that this process will succeed eventually. It may not be as USSEC but it will be the basis for the survival of Biodiesel. Without some change I can't visualize the endurance of present technique in Biodiesel Production. Ron
Wechoose: After reviewing the attributes as listed by you in your post, I immediately am reminded of something that has been bugging me for some time. And that is "Why do they not refer to the USSE Biofuel as Biodiesel?" I think that if they were to push this product as such it would revolutionize the entire industry of Biodiesel production. The only drawback appears to be the high acidity and that could be curtailed with a blending. It would appear to me that it they were promoting this fuel as "Biodiesel" it would be accepted much more readily as a "High Grade Biodiesel" than the diversity of products that they are proposing now. Are they simply wanting to keep it separate intentionally. I say this because if it,as they say, can be utilized as a direct source of fuel for any #2 Diesel motor as soon as it comes out of the reactors and centrifuges then it would need to be classified as Diesel or Biodiesel. I know they can further fractionate it as they do crude oil but that is another story. What are your thoughts along these lines? Ron
I am under the impression that JR bought Agrimax thru USSE or SSTP. Which is why he has been "tweaking" the Biodiesel production and the entire scenario of Phase 1,2,&3 are in process. Am I wrong with this assumption? Ron
Raven Dave; I have thought for a considerable period of time that what USSEC is actually producing is a form of Biodiesel. The revolutionary part is in the technique and yield potential. I say this primarily because they can take the "Biofuel" straight from the reactors, after it has been centrifuged, and put it in a Diesel tank of any Diesel Motor that can run on #2 Petrodiesel. The technique that is used in the production in conjunction with the improved properties compared to the Biodiesel produced using todays standard technique could very likely save Biodiesel. Using "Biofuel" as Biodiesel one would not have to worry about keeping the storage tank warm in winter because the cloud point would be -92 degrees versus the current 33 degrees. Plus being able to produce 4-5 gallons per bushel of Soybeans compared to the current 1.5 gallons of Biodiesel per bushel of Soybeans. From this I can see a great future for the Rivera Process. But then again if they can sell it for $25-35.gal as an additive then "more power to them".
Thanks Rockdoc, and I do agree with what you have to say. Ron
Re: "SSTP was created as a means to rip off USSE shareholders--it was taken from them without consent or compensation, just to enrich the insiders at shareholder expense"
How many shares did the insiders get and how did they get them? And it may seem like a ripoff at first glance but then it could have been the only way to preserve USSEC, i.e. the best means of building capital $. Did the insiders purchase shares on the open market or were they given shares empirically?
That is one of the questions to query. Most of what you are saying is an overall opinion, I am looking for a valid explanation of that which I bring up. And yes, I am familiar with most of JR's history. I do think, though, that he does not want this one to fail. And if this were simply that of an intended scam we would still be getting many PR's. Since we are not getting PR's I don't think this to be an intentional scam. There are many questions that I have and I have tried to make contact with JR but can't seem to make definitive contact. I don't know how those here that have make contact did it. I have now given up on that idea. Ron
I must say that I am somewhat surprised at the paucity of response prompted by my post #52154. Since no questions were answered I will post it again here:
"I think that I may be a little confused with respect to the propriety of USSE .vs SSTP. I am with the understanding that the Biofuel is produced solely by USSEC, and SSTP then purchases the fuel from USSEC and distributes it. I also think that USSEC owns all reactors that produce the Biofuel. SSTP as I understand it is simply a shell with no real assets other than maybe some office equipment and supplies. And the vacant building with their name out front which is probably being leased.
If what I am saying is true then there simply can't be a functional reactor in Houston at present. If there were I would think that they would have disclosed it in the PR for SSTP.
I am also under the assumption that SSTP received the monies from the IPO or Spinoff from USSEC. But in the spinoff USSEC held 650 mil shares. I suppose this is the reward that SSTP provided USSEC as a thank you for the spinoff. And with this, does anyone know how many shares of SSTP does JR and all insiders own? And how did they acquire these shares? Did they purchase them or did they simply issue to themselves.
It is my impression that the Spinoff was for the purpose of generating the necessary money to continue development Production and Marketing of the Biofuel. They could generate more money if they did not distribute shares to the USSEC shareholders and hence no distribution of shares to USSEC shareholders. I may accept that the Spinoff was beneficial from a monetary standpoint but with such I think everyshareholder of USSEC should be treated in the same way when it comes down to share distribution. Here I am saying that If the USSEC shareholder did not get any shares in the distribution then so should be the case for the insiders.
Everything being said, I ask the question; Are we wrong to be holding USSEC instead of SSTP? It is difficult for me to figure how they could allow the disolution of USSEC because of the fact that USSEC does have assets. A big one, I guess would be the holding of a large portion of SSTP. Would they sell all assets to SSTP and issue the shares to USSEC shareholders (that are not insiders)?
Someone tell me that I am full of crap or explain how my thinking is wrong. I am not bashing; I am just seeking some assistance that I can't seem to get thru the Company "ies"." Ron
Do you think that he is already selling his USSEC shares? I mean the restrictions have been lifted (> 1yr) and the PR's have apparently stopped. I would venture to say that there are many more floating shares now than prior to restriction relief and that the insiders don't have to file form 144 (or whichever it is) to sell Pinks. Ron
Just so that everyone doesn't get excited over the fact that BG100 is being ascribed as being a new and exciting fuel I would like to remind all that Biofuel was demoed as being able to run a gasoline engine at the Vidalia Demo last year. The thing that is new here is that they may now be trying to market it as such. Just a fact. Ron
I think that I may be a little confused with respect to the propriety of USSE .vs SSTP. I am with the understanding that the Biofuel is produced solely be USSEC, and SSTP then purchases the fuel from USSEC and distributes it. I also think that USSEC owns all reactors that produce the Biofuel. SSTP as I understand it is simply a shell with no real assets other than maybe some office equipment and supplies. And the vacant building with their name out front which is probably being leased.
If what I am saying is true then there simply can't be a functional reactor in Houston at present. If there were I would think that they would have disclosed it in the PR for SSTP.
I am also under the assumption that SSTP received the monies from the IPO or Spinoff from USSEC. But in the spinoff USSEC held 650 mil shares. I suppose this is the reward that SSTP provided USSEC as a thank you for the spinoff. And with this, does anyone know how many shares of SSTP does JR and all insiders own? And how did they acquire these shares? Did they purchase them or did they simply issue to themselves.
It is my impression that the Spinoff was for the purpose of generating the necessary money to continue development Production and Marketing of the Biofuel. They could generate more money if they did not distribute shares to the USSEC shareholders and hence no distribution of shares to USSEC shareholders. I may accept that the Spinoff was beneficial from a monetary standpoint but with such I think everyshareholder of USSEC should be treated in the same way when it comes down to share distribution. Here I am saying that If the USSEC shareholder did not get any shares in the distribution then so should be the case for the insiders.
Everything being said, I ask the question; Are we wrong to be holding USSEC instead of SSTP? It is difficult for me to figure how they could allow the disolution of USSEC because of the fact that USSEC does have assets. A big one, I guess would be the holding of a large portion of SSTP. Would they sell all assets to SSTP and issue the shares to USSEC shareholders (that are not insiders)?
Someone tell me that I am full of crap or explain how my thinking is wrong. I am not bashing; I am just seeking some assistance that I can't seem to get thru the Company "ies". Ron
I think that they changed the rules pertaining to the pink sheet stocks last week. Some will report as one class while others will continue not to report. I really think that there are now 4 classes but I can't say exactly what they are. Ron
And they don't borrow large sums of money. ron
I think this load of fuel should be given t Ron free of charge and without questions. After all he is essentially providing a road test for OD-66. And all for the benefit of USSE/SSTP. Surely he is not being charged. But I guess that this would be on the Q.T. Ron
PP, I understand what you are saying. With respect to VC, I am told that JR has refused large offers. The primary reason being that all of them thus far want too much control of the company. He does not wish to give up control his 18 years of work in its development. He has also been down that road before and it didn't work. So I would support his refusal to give up control if he didn't have to.
You keep referring to the concept of his idea being that of an old and well known process of Pyrolysis. Well, my view is that it works like no other. Why, I guess would have to do with the improvements via technology and fine tuning. But the fact remains that it produces a Biofuel like Biodiesel that is far in advance of that presently being used to produce Biodiesel. With the capability of producing 4.5-5.0 gal/bu of soybeans should be considered phenomenal compared to the present process being utilized in the production of Biodiesel. So it may be an old concept, but it works so why should we say that it doesn't. The fuel has been tested by unbiased labs and exceeds all standards present for Biodiesel. To me it is a high grade Biodiesel being produced more efficiently and economically than has ever been done before. The constraint that I see is that it has not been promoted as such yet. I feel that eventually this will be the road that is undertaken though and that is when USSE can enjoy the success.
AS far as proving the value of their product and its efficiency I am in agreement that road test need to be carried out.
If they can make it as OD-66 then more power to them. If they can succeed with improvement of the existing Biodiesel and receive the high price then I can see an excellent future from an economic point. But that still will not decrease the cost of producing Biodiesel using the present technique.
Our only difference PP, is that you try to see it with a pessimistic attitude and I see it with an Optimistic. Both sides may very well be credible. Ron
I totally agree with your suggestion. Maybe someone could recommend that to JR. If I can ever get a conference with JR I may bring that up. Ron
Something that I rarely do on a Message board is argue. But there appears to be an exuberant amount of anxiety and frustration here and I will herein provide some support with regard to how things are and have been handled concerning USSE/SSTP.
1. Are we being scammed? Usually a scam begins with an idea and shell formation with reference to support that idea. Then there will be numerous PR's in support as an aid to get shareholders to buy shares. The insiders keep a high number of shares initially. When the restriction date runs out they will then sell their shares and stop the pr's and let the company simply dry up and, in essence, disappear with no real constructive building or advancing the original idea. It could seem to some that that is what is happening with USSE/SSTP, but I don't think that to be the case. Sure, JR has had problems in the past but he has always been trying to expose his creation to the world. He has made many mistakes with his pursuit and is still paying the price. But they are presently producing Biofuel and are active in trying to identify its niche in the marketplace.
2. The primary reason that a start-up company fails when it is serious with its intentions is related to management of Finances. When they borrow a great amount of money thinking that they will be able to repay said loan when their product is on the market and making money they will have no problem. The one thing that they fail to accept is the time frame in which they must produce in order to make repayment of loan. When they cannot make repayment then you know what has to happen.
USSE/SSTP have not fallen into this trap yet. They have not taken out the huge loans knowing what would happen from experience of those involved, namely JR. And this is where I think SSTP comes into the picture.
3. The Spinoff of SSTP. Why? This has bothered me for a long time thinking that the shareholders simply got screwed. Well I really don't think that now. I think the reason that they spun of SSTP was to generate needed capital for continueing the progress being made with the Biofuel. Had they not gotten the revenue from the spinoff then we may all be sitting here with nothing. As it is, USSE received a rather large amount of money from selling the initial float for SSTP. I cannot think of any other reason that a company would have made the spinoff unless USSE could not have been entitled to the green certs or whatever because they were the manufacrurer of the Biofuel being sold. Then again they could now be getting two sets of certs. I don't know about this.
4. Then there is the 2/1 split by USSE. Usually such a split is rendered because the stock price is becoming too high for the average investor to want to buy and so they just drop the price via the split, and it works. But I don't think that I have ever seen a stock split when its price is .18/sh or whatever it was. I can't explain any good reason for the split other than as a potential calming effect amont shareholders. Afterall they di promise a dividend and felt this would suffice as a substitute. Can you just imagine the investigation of promising a part of the spinoff and then receiving absolutely nothing? Someone might want to help me here. I foresee the ultimate need of a reverse split which is provided as a means of increasing the stock price for whatever reason.
4. What are we investing in USSE for. I surmise that the bulk of shareholders are here because they do believe in the Biofuel, the process and efficiency of its production being revolutionary and the potential of its effects once it hits the market in a big way. The only drawback appears to be the stagnation associated with putting Biofuel in the market and production. I am not really that concerned with an acceleration at this stage. There have been many attempts only to fail for one reason or another and not always at the fault of the Biofuel or management of USSE. Management is trying to keep all of the errors to a minimun to which I fully agree.
5. One of the main hurtles that I do see is related to the real value of Biofuel and just where is it going to fit in the market. We are now on the verge of testing the market with the Biofuel being as an additive that, I think is for the purpose of increased miscibility in the production of OD-66. I don't see this as being the ultimate niche for Biofuel.
6. I think that Biofuel will eventually be recognized as the means by which Biodiesel can be produced efficiently and will shorten the need for government subsidy. At present USSE is producing a fuel that could be identified as a grade A biodiesel and as such will very likely be the replacement of all other inefficient techniques presently being utilized in the production of Biodiesel. I base this last statement on the fact that Biofuel can be utilized in any engine that presently runs on Diesel #2 immediately following the second centrifuge. Some one tell me here what more could the Biodiesel industry ask for.
7. I am tired of typing and will hence stop here for now. These are my opinions at present. They are subject to change if someone can illustrate where my thought process is wrong. Ron
Like I said, I do not have all the particulars apparent to the case. If that was the sole reason for changing the name of the company then your conclusion would have merit. I do not know other than what I have heard. Speaking of the suit though, has there been any net revenue that anyone knows of? Or do they now see the potential of forthcoming revenue and wish to partake therein? Ron
I understand where you are coming from. My thoughts center around the fact that the product is what it is and is produced as effeciently as stated. With there being so many witnesses to the production in conjunction with at least 2 unbiased laboratories analyzing the product with essentially the same results I would have to conclude that the product is what they say it is. This being the case, I think they are still trying to find how and where Biofuel will most effectively fit into the market. Ultimately I would have to believe that Biofuel will be the savior to Biodiesel or possibility a replacement for Biodiesel. The one thing that Biodiesel cannot seem to get past is the cloud point. I appears to be quite miscible unless the temp falls below 0 degrees Centigrade. That is a definite limitation to the acceptance of Biodiesel, in my opinion. If Biofuel can fullfill the needs in the market as an additive then I am all for it. And I, like you would like to know just how and to what extent it will. Ron
With reference to the trade volume I think that most of the longs are in a holding pattern and will remain as such until something happens whether it be good or bad. They are just a little unhappy with the rate of progress. I think it is important that FREEUS is running and there is new equipment being installed. That means that there is progress toward the continued development of a definitive market for the Biofuel. Ron
Mark you are not very patient. The development, production, and marketing of such new and innovative technology takes time. I don't know whether you have noticed or not but there are still many who cannot believe the process is even possible. I think you may need to back up and take another look at what it is that we have in front of us. Don't worry about the pr's I think there will be one coming out next week. I know that has been said before but not by me. You don't have that much to lose by just sitting back and relaxing for now. I am still a supporter because progress is being made as I have posted. It has not been disclosed via PR's yet but it is ongoing. The PR's have slowed because of so many before have not came to fruition that had been expected. Caution, I think is the present attitude. Ron
I did not get the guided tour that I was hoping for. In reports to me there was too much activity at the plant. I did drive by and did confirm tha FREEUS was running and some new equipment being installed in the back adjacent to the ethanol plant. There were two large tanks present in back and one was half full of dark liquid. I thought this could be 1. Biodiesel to be used for blending or 2. Biofuel. Not much else to report from what I saw. I am looking forward to the possibility of getting an inside tour and update of "what is going on" next week. Ron
JR was in his office the day that the news came out on the radio. They weren't trying to find him. From what I gather he could file countersuit for malicious prosecution, slander and defamtion of character if this suit is with reference to another company that has went out of business prior to any net revenue being received. Not sure of the details but that is what it looks like to me from the outside looking in. Ron
Fuge; glad to see you here. I think you are probably more well versed on this subject than I. May need some help with clarificaton so feel free to help me out when you see fit. Ron
They say that they never have to add more catalyst unless the temperature drops below 300 degrees. And I'm not sure this process would work at lower than the current temperatures used. I don't know the answer to that. Ron
That process is quite different than that used by JR. USSE pyrolysis heats to 800-900 degrees, and it is under vacuum, and without water. Apples to oranges. Ron
Ok, then this is what you are looking for.
From Fugeguy;
One bushel of soybeans weighs 60 pounds.
USSE recovers 5 gallons of fuel, 20 pounds of ash and 70.42 cubic feet of gas. I could not find anything on the density of our fuel but assuming it is close to the S.G. of .88 (biodiesel) the ash and fuel account for roughly 56.5 pounds. That leaves 3.5 pounds for the biogas or a density of .0497 pounds per cubic foot. Natural gases density is .0447 pounds per cubic foot. Based on these admittedly rough calculations the Rivera process is not in violation of the law of conservation of mass.Ron
The catalyst is just that, a catalyst. It does not need to be replaced unless the temperature of the Reactor drops below 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The catalyst simply speeds the process. Ron
Production products are along the laws. The 17,000 BTU'S/lb do sound like they are too high. I was told that this was extraordinary but not impossible. So unless you can find a way to refute the analysis performed by more than one unbiased lab then you need to think a little deeper. The only problem would be that USSEC is not being honest with quantitative production. But that has not been verified by the many that have witnessed production. I understand your concern but you must realize that we are in the high tech age and are learning more everyday. Ron
To further clearify the release of the stored heat is to partially reverse the process by placing the end product (Biofuel) under pressure. This will result in the rapid release of stored energy (heat) with an explosion. For those not aware this is what happens in a diesel engine. The fuel explodes when introduced into compressed air via the cylinders. And this is precisely why this is called Biofuel. Ron
I had almost forgotten about the problem encountered on this board regarding how USSE can obtain more BTU's from a bushel of soybeans than were original present in 1 bushel of soybeans. I had previously given the answer in general terms with reference to the First Law of Thermodynamics and Hess's Law of Thermodynamics. As I remember, it was never fully understood by the doubters, namely PP. Subsequently it appears to have been taken off the radar as an unknown. I don't want it to go down like that I think everyone should know how it occurs.
I will now break it down as to the simple and concise statement of how it is accomplished. The total BTU's that we are dealing include the soybeans+heat of pyrolysis+ the catalyst. Heat is definite energy that is added to the process as a necessity. What the catalyst adds we don't know. I think that most everyone thinks that the heat added during the process of pyrolysis and taken away at the end of the process. This is where there is confusion. All of the heat is not taken away. It is stored in the chemical bonds of the end product, the Biofuel and Biogas. To illustrate, try striking a match adherent to a bushel of soybeans. Nothing happens. Now try and strike a match in the presence of Oxygen, to the end product resulting from pyrolysis of soybeans,ie;Biofuel. Wa-La you get fire and release of the heat energy stored in the Biofuel.
A great portion of the added heat is lost in the process of pyrolysis but much is held and stored in the chemical bonds created by the process of pyrolysis.
Hopefully this will clear up any doubts regarding the BTU'S held within the Biofuel created by USSEC. I am hoping that this explanation to be sufficient for those not holding a degree in Chemical Engineering.
I did drive by the plant today. All I can say is that FREEUS was running. There was also two large 5000gal tanks in back, one was about half fuel of fuel; probably Biodiesel to be blended with ethanol and Biofuel. There was also work on some recently installed equipment just outside the wall of where the ethanol plant is located. Not real sure about what this is. Could it be that they are getting ready to produce Ethanol in the plant? The minireactor was taking a rest today. Ron