At a time when lots of people are looking for alternate fuel sources and at the same time when our 26,000 acre lake is turning “monkey sh*t” green because of the algae growing in it, this seems very plausible.
http://cc.pubco.net/www.valcent.net/i/misc/Vertigro/index.html
The statement at the end is quite amazing as stated by a good friend from the northeast.
Ric,
Looks like a workable idea.
I’m sure Steve “we need more oil wells” Featherkile" will crap all over this just like wind power. After all…unless “big oil” makes the money it must be a bad idea.
Ralph
I don’t know that “big oil” will be against an idea that is more than smoke and mirrors. Most of those corporations are in the business of producing and delivering energy. How it comes about is just fluff to the creation a sellable product. Honest research has always been embraced, get quick schemes fall away pretty fast.
As I stated, I’m spending good money each day trying to control the algae that is gathering in our marina. It happens everytine the weather becomes extremely hot and the flow of water is slow. Algae is a byproduct of every water plant and storage facility, plus any farmer’s pond, it certainly is readily available and does not create a transportation nightmare from halfway around the World. To grow it in a controlled environment might attract other people than those looking for a handout from our Uncle.
Ralph, get off your Liberial soap box and go run trains! It does look like a do-able, so what is the proccess to get from the green stuff to an oil (liquid) that is useable in the engines? That is the next logical step and more importantly what is the cost?
Paul
Ric:
Thanks for passing that along!
This represents an initiative based on developing advanced technology, which Americans have always excelled at.
Unfortunately it won’t solve your algae problem at the marina, but your situation does go to show how quickly algae grows virtually everywhere. My little pond is subject to large algae blooms at least a couple of times per year. It’s enough of a problem to get that very small patch under control. I can only imagine the magnitude of your problem.
As to Steve’s apparent objections to every possible energy solution not connected to drilling, I now see that Nancy Pelosi has done an about face. Her change of mind about “save the planet, save the planet” seems to have come because it is now an idea being put forth by Democrats, rather than Republicans. That factor makes it acceptable to her.
I just got a message from some conservative wackos saying that the push to do more drilling and the very recent acceptance by some Democrats is damaging the Republican chances at the polls as it takes a major political point out of play. Isn’t it wonderful to know that the price and availability of energy in our country is viewed mostly as a political tool. Talk about something that threatens our current and future well being!
Happy RRing,
Jerry
Jerry Bowers said:
Ric:As to Steve’s apparent objections to every possible energy solution not connected to drilling, …
Jerry
Nancy’s idea that she is saving the planet by stopping the drilling here in the US of A where we have a viable eco ethic as well as strict regulations, and the technology to make it happen; and foist it off on parts of the world where such does not exist is solipsism of the first order.
I’m in favor of trying any idea to see if it will work, and not just line T-Bones pocket’s. In the meantime, we need to exploit our own natural resources (i.e. drill and dig), or we will most surely come under the political and/or economic influence of folks who are not our friends.
Do you really think that Putin’s invasion of Georgia was really about protecting pseudo-Russian ethnics?
Steve:
Glad to read your reasoned position on energy development!
So are you now saying that any possible solution the allows someone to profit (or as you put it ‘line their pockets’) is not acceptable?
Sorry, but I don’t see where Pickens’ proposed energy plan provides him with any more reward than the millions of others who might ‘profit’ from it. That ranges from land owners, engineers and technicians doing the development of both the natural gas and wind systems, builders and installers, plant operators and service people, to the average citizen who could very well see a reduction (or at least not a continuation of the current run up) in their energy bill. All with a relatively low environmental impact.
The only losers would be the Arabs who want to keep us beholden to them.
BTW, I am not at all opposed to drilling and other development of our domestic natural resources, and think Pelosi’s (and other resistance on the basis of environmental harm) is a glaring example of the elitist mentality that pervades much of the ‘environmentalist’ movement. Do as I say, but I am exempt, as my work (or position or location) is too important to limit.
I certainly do not think the invasion of Georgia is about anything other than the Russian power block flexing what little muscle they have left. I truly do worry about our government’s response. Oil is certainly one of the leading factors. So why not support some of the proposals that might make the U.S. way less dependent on foreign oil over the course of the next 5 to 10 years?
Of course Obama will simply have a nice conversation with Putin, and ask him to stop, and apparently over half the folks in our country think that will settle it.
Happy RRing,
Jerry
E. Paul Austin said:
Ralph, get off your Liberial soap box and go run trains! It does look like a do-able, so what is the proccess to get from the green stuff to an oil (liquid) that is useable in the engines? That is the next logical step and more importantly what is the cost?Paul
Jerry, your slip is showing, again.
Ralph, I would head home fast as it is very likly hot than hell where you are and you do not need a glass for a drink of water, just inhale! Lived in Pensacola for a year and a half and could not leave quick enought!! That is why I stay west of the front face of the Rocky Mountains. Only going next year in March for a granddaughter’s wedding.
Back to the subject: I would be interested in what it will take to proccess the Algae into oil (or liquid state)! Would it have enought specific heat to burn in an engine?
Paul
Paul,
Not 100%, but I believe it will be the same process as what is done with corn squeezins.
E. Paul Austin said:
Ralph, I would head home fast as it is very likly hot than hell where you are and you do not need a glass for a drink of water, just inhale! Lived in Pensacola for a year and a half and could not leave quick enought!! That is why I stay west of the front face of the Rocky Mountains. Only going next year in March for a granddaughter's wedding.Back to the subject: I would be interested in what it will take to proccess the Algae into oil (or liquid state)! Would it have enought specific heat to burn in an engine?
Paul
I don’t know either
Ric Golding said:
I don't know that "big oil" will be against an idea that is more than smoke and mirrors. Most of those corporations are in the business of producing and delivering energy. How it comes about is just fluff to the creation a sellable product. Honest research has always been embraced, get quick schemes fall away pretty fast.As I stated, I’m spending good money each day trying to control the algae that is gathering in our marina. It happens everytine the weather becomes extremely hot and the flow of water is slow. Algae is a byproduct of every water plant and storage facility, plus any farmer’s pond, it certainly is readily available and does not create a transportation nightmare from halfway around the World. To grow it in a controlled environment might attract other people than those looking for a handout from our Uncle.
We have a serious problem with the green slimy stuff in the Swan River, which runs through Perth. Certain parts of the river are toxic to fish during summer. The last time I fished the river, a couple of years ago now, the turgid water emanated a smell as bad as it looked. I threw back the one flattie I caught - no way was it going on the wok!
If fuel can be made from the stuff, why not - as long as they don’t grow it in the Swan River!