This paper discusses biodiesel, a mono alkalyl ester of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats processed and refined for use as a fuel in diesel engines, and its associated problems.
Abstract This paper explains that biodiesel is a revolutionary change and therefore has a revolutionary effect on the cultural, social, political, economic and health aspects of society. The author points out that, although biodiesel is claimed to be "green", with minimum pollutions, this fuel has some known toxicity, which is more lethal than the regular diesel. The paper relates that another objection with the biodiesel production is the use of massive land for the commercial purpose; however, conventional techniques of farming and the modifications propagated for the farmer's well-being could counteract this problem.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Coping with the Materials
The Financial Factor
Substituting Fuel with Food
Starvation and Biodiesel The Land and Farming
Biodiesels and Toxicity Complains
The Cultural Dynamics
Political Issues and Taxation
Experimental Outcome
High in the Sky
Summary
Suggestions
Social Responses
Conclusion
From the Paper "Despite, the efficacy and proficiency of the fuel, there are some problems associated with its usage. First, is the compatibility of the diesel with the material of the pipes used, through which the diesel flows. The O ring and hoses made of rubber which are the parts of gasket made before early 90's were of a nature to get shrunk with the use of such gas. These materials got dissolved by the degradable bio agents in the gas and have to be replaced by Viton or other type of Biodiesel compatible materials. This highly viscous biochemical has a tendency to clean out old carbon sludge from a fuel tank of an older vehicle, resulting in severely clogged fuel filter, so whenever and older vehicle is used, it became necessary to check its fuel filter intermittently. The most pronouncing problem linked to Biodiesel is that it solidifies at freezing temperatures. In a temperature below than 40 [degrees] F, the biodiesel should be made warm, blended with cold- weather anti-gel additive or mixed with normal synthetic diesel."
Abstract This paper analyzes sales promotion of the Ford biodiesel vehicle. It defines and describes the psychological validation and tangible factors that exist to justify the immediate launch of the biodiesel line. The paper also develops a schedule for designation and development of the Ford biodiesel vehicle over the next twelve months.
From the Paper " Initial Sales Promotion Schedule for Ford Biodiesel Vehicles Sales promotion of the Ford biodiesel vehicles needs to take advantage of several critical factors that have the potential to influence the general consumer population. Ford could not, however, ask for a better time in which to announce a new product line. There are currently a number of factors that support both the psychological validation of investing in a biodiesel vehicle in addition to tangible factors. This paper shall define and describe these factors to justify the immediate launch of the biodiesel line, as well as develop a schedule for designation and development over the next twelve months. The current environment strongly favor the development and use of vehicles powered by biodiesel fuel. Highly publicized events have made alternatives to conventional fossil fuels a viable option for consumers. The rising cost of gas helps justify the purchase on an economic level. "
Abstract This paper provides a business plan to develop a biodiesel production and refinery business in Tampa Florida. It contains an industry analysis and a target market analysis describing the nature of the current market and what areas of this market can be expanded to new markets. In addition, the paper provides a competition analysis of all the local and regional biodiesel players, a strategic position and risk assessment and a marketing plan and sales strategy. The paper also describes operations, a current and future technology plan and the management and organization planned. Finally, the paper discusses development, milestones, exit strategy and a financial analysis. The paper contains images.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary "Biodiesel Business plan in Tampa Florida"
Mission Statement
Industry Analysis and Trends
Target Market
Competition
Strategic Position and Risk Assessment
Marketing Plan and Sales Strategy
Mission Statement:
Operations
Financials
Technology Plan
Management and Organization
Development Milestones and Exit Plan
From the Paper "The general technology of producing biodiesel is relatively simple. One converts the soy bean oil by transesterfication, which is the process of neutralizing the free fatty acids in oil , removing glycerol and creating an alcohol ester. One goes about this by mixing methanol (wood alcohol) with lye (sodium hydroxide) to create sodium methoxide and then mixing this liquid with soy bean oil. The mixture then settles, which the glycerol at the bottom and methyl esters (the pure biodiesel) rises to the top. The two liquids are separated naturally pulling the glycerol from the bottom, until the tank reaches the fuel in which case the fuel is loaded into a series of holding tanks in different stages of washing, filtering and refining the product."
Abstract The paper provides a SWOT analysis of the Tampa-based biodiesel production facility that identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the Tampa market. The paper evaluates the target market and presents a marketing plan that addresses the product, price, place and promotion of the biodiesel product lines. The paper includes several tables and a graph.
Outline:
Background and Overview
SWOT Analysis
Target Market
Marketing Plan
From the Paper "Biodiesel is a processed fuel that is produced from biological sources that are biodegradable and produce less C02 than conventional diesel (Woodman, 2007). The biodiesel industry today is well situated to take advantage of the combination of increasing consumer dissatisfaction with American reliance on foreign fossil-fuel energy sources while representing an environmentally responsible alternative as well. While the current consumer demand for biodiesel in the United States and abroad remains relatively modest, a growing number of private and public sector organizations are turning to biodiesel as a viable alternative to their energy needs. Despite these advantages, there are a number of constraints and potential threats to growth in the industry that must also be taken into account."
Abstract This a brief description of the organizational buyers groups and consumers who will be purchasing the biodiesel products.
From the Paper "Those targeted, as biodiesel consumers exist within three separate groups. One group represents the general population of consumers and small business owners (i.e. farmers, construction workers, contractors). The other two groups represent a significantly large population and whose annual diesel consumption is an extremely important factor in the success of the Ford biodiesel product. These consumer groups are known on the organization level as "Producers" and "Intermediaries" and are described below: Producers: The "producers" represent large company who are service providers and who main concern deals with trucking, transportation and freight. A few example companies chosen on the basis of their market capitalization are: JB Hunt Transport, Yellow Roadway, Landstar Systems and Heartland Express. Each of these companies is located nationally and penetrates all markets and have delivery routes in all given metropolitan areas in the United States ("Industry Center-Trucking", 2005)."
Abstract The technology of converting of food into fuel (bio fuel) is examined in this paper. The chemical process is explained and the various forms of food that could possibly be used, are listed. The advantages and disadvantages of such a process are discussed and environmental considerations provided.
From the Paper "Research shows that several types of vegetable oils are applicable for diesel engine work, such as canola, coconut, peanut, corn, cottonseed, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, sunflower, and soybean oil. Both pure and waste oils are applicable, known as Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) and Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO), based on local abundance and preference of each region. It also opens opportunities to use animal fat as the substitute of the oils."
Abstract This paper explains the differences between three alternative automobile fuels, explains why it is preferable to use these fuels instead of oil and looks at how the alternative fuels are produced and their cost efficiency.
From the Paper "Alcohol can be blended with gasoline for use as transportation fuel and may be produced from a wide variety of organic feedstock (Alcohol pp). The most common alcohol fuels are methanol, which can be produced from coal, natural gas, wood and organic waste, and ethanol, which is usually made from agricultural plants containing sugar (Alcohol pp). Twelve percent of the nation's motor fuel is blended with ethanol (Alcohol pp). "Producers can lock in prices on the futures market, using their known production cost figures, rather than relying on the volatile spot market" (Alcohol pp). In 1998, the federal government extended federal ethanol fuel excise tax incentives through the year 2007, meaning that the fuel blender can take either an income tax credit of 54 cents per gallon of ethanol used, or an exemption from the excise tax of 5.4 cents per gallon of 10 percent blended fuel (Alcohol pp). "
Abstract The paper examines a plan of action for the successful launch of a new product, by Ford Motor Company, developed in conjunction with the Midland fuel company. The paper details step by step instructions to gauge an accurate level of success or failure, so that modifications can be made to the plan.
From the Paper "In order to combat the ever-increasing fuel costs, Ford Motor Company is joining with Midland fuel to launch a new and more efficient biodiesel fuel product. Due to fuel shortages and increases in price, consumers have been aggressively seeking alternative modes of transportation. For many consumers the answer to their fuel cost dilemmas are to simply trade in their normal gas powered vehicle for one that is both battery and gas powered, better known as a hybrid vehicle. However depending on your plan and use of your vehicle, will depend on whether a hybrid is the right vehicle for you. Knowing this Ford wanted to develop an alternative for those individuals who needed a more rugged and heavy duty vehicle that could not be attained or supported by the hybrid engine (Peter, 2004, p. 4)."
Abstract In this essay, the writer looks at the introduction and product cycle of a new bio diesel automobile by the Ford Motor Company. The writer points out that this involves a long-term process as the new product is introduced, gains acceptance, grows in the marketplace, reaches maturity, and then goes into a decline. Further, the writer discusses that the length of time this takes depends on a variety of forces, including the value of the product itself, how widely it is accepted, the degree of competition that develops, and any technological changes that may be made affecting the product.
From the Paper "The product life cycle for the new Ford automobile to use bio diesel shows a long-term process as the new product is introduced, gains acceptance, grows in the marketplace, reaches maturity, and then goes into a decline. The length of time this takes depends on a variety of forces, including the value of the product itself, how widely it is accepted, the degree of competition that develops, and any technological changes that may be made affecting the product. The introduction of the bio diesel would come at a time when concern about high gasoline prices is widespread, but concern about the environment has also been a consumer priority for some time. A number of products have made use of a "green" strategy to position themselves as environmentally sensitive in order to attract interests and satisfy consumes with a particular concern for preventing environmental damage."
A look at the growing demand for bio diesel and how the demand is taking precedence over concerns about whether bio diesel actually reduces the costs associated with gasoline production and use.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract The use of bio fuels has long been viewed as a potential solution to solve the world's dependency on petroleum and its negative environmental impact. Recently, many Western countries, Canada among them, have begun to make a deeper examination of bio fuels, and specifically bio diesel, now that both its production costs have been lowered due to technology advances and its cost-basis is improved due to petroleum's high market costs. This paper examines the issue concerning the artificiality of the gasoline demand curve that creates a greater need for bio diesel irrespective of its benefits related to lowering the external costs associated with gasoline.
Abstract This paper addresses the question whether or not governments should mandate the shift to biofuels. To address this issue, the paper discusses various related issues such as the role of governments in the expanded use of biofuels. The author argues in favor of governments mandating the shift to biofuels because of their authority, influence, clout and moral responsibility towards controlling and regulating the challenging shift to biofuels.
Outline:
Introduction
Biofuel Defined
The Role of Governments in the Expanded Use of Biofuels
Ecological & Economic "Ripple Effects"
Further Consequences to Mass Shift to Biofuels
Arguments For/or Against Mandating the Shift to Biofuels
Summary
From the Paper "The impact of biofuel is extensive. With biofuel costing less than fuel derived from traditional sources (Matthews, 2007), their production and use allow countries to save in their petroleum imports and strengthen their energy security by becoming less dependent on foreign oil. Biofuel is also environment friendly as these fuels do not release toxic gas that lead to global warming and greenhouse effect. The production of biofuel also creates income and labor opportunities especially in developing countries (Matthews, 2007; Abano, 2007). This could subsequently lead to poverty alleviation and food security as more people will have jobs and money to buy food (Northoff, 2004). As the production of biofuels can be tailored to the environment of different countries, its production can be cost effective given the local sourcing of raw materials. Similarly, this diversifies agricultural and forestry production for use in a lucrative industry such as alternative fuel production (Northoff, 2004).
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Tags: bioenergy, bioethanol, biodiesel, Philippines, Brazil, UN, energy, agriculture
Abstract The paper states that the US is the largest producer of corn in the world, with the massive overproduction currently directed to producing ethanol. This paper examines the issues relating to corn ethanol production and comparisons are made between corn ethanol and other oil based fuels, as well as a comparison between corn ethanol and other forms of biofuel which have recently been developed.
Outline:
Introduction
Corn Ethanol and Oil Fuels
Importance of Corn Biofuel
Production of Corn Biofuel
Energy Input to Production
Ethanol Practical and Competitive Uses
Other Biofuels
Biologically Based Ethanol
Biodiesel The Future of Biofuels
Conclusions
From the Paper "Early reports showed that there was a requirement for more energy in the process of producing ethanol than the energy source would release and there were several other studies in the twenty years which followed which confirmed these findings. The majority of this energy is assumed to come from fossil fuels (Pimentel and Patzek), which implies that corn ethanol is actually no better than simply using fossil fuels when production is taken into account. It has also been shown that the burning of corn ethanol in automobiles also contributes significantly to air pollution. "
