Archive for February, 2009

What is Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO)

There is much information on vegetable oil how it is made, what it is use for from the time it is process to the time it is considered a waste product. Usually the point it becomes a waste product is when it leaves the fryer. Just because it’s already considered a waste material, doesn’t mean that it’s the end of its serviceable life as there is an increasing interest to use this waste oil as fuel, biodiesel and biofuel.

So how is waste vegetable oil or WVO turned into fuel? First of all, this needs to be done at room temperature at about 70 degrees Farenheit – add some sodium hydroxide (lye), methanol (heet), and vegetable oil. Adding these three ingredients together in correct quantities and mix them until they are completely blended. At this point you let the mixture settle it will separate into layers the bottom layer will be glycerin and the top layer will be Biodiesel .

The process above was with clean oil but what about the oils and grease from fryers grills etc. what to do when you have old oil that isn’t very clean ? Well at the start of the process you need to filter the oil there are many ways to do this Bag filters are the easiest, cheapest and slowest processing tool that you have other than strait settling to process WVO . Oil will run through a 100 micron filter bag at 2-5 gallons per minute however, if the oil is dirty or just creamy the flow rate will deteriorate rapidly . Pre-heating the oil helps as does larger/longer filter bags . You can use filter bags after settling, but the best advise is to use the centrifuge to get more precision process.

Cartridge WVO filters, tee strainers ECT, should be used only with heated oil or heating of the filter.  Waxy precipitates in cool oil quickly clog cartridge filters and no amount of pressure will resolve this issue.  Reserve cartridge filters for final polishing/filtering at transfer into the vehicle or very low volume/emergency use.   Any mechanical cartridge filter will require an amount of pressure to work, finding an appropriate pump, plumbing and pressure relief system can be difficult and large spills are possible.

Another way is to use what I call “Forced Settling” WVO centrifuges can clean WVO to sub micron levels as well as removing heavier liquid contaminants such as water.  If you are looking at having to deal with hundreds of gallons or more, a centrifuge is your only solution.

You probably don’t stop to think about it, but all fuels have a shelf life that depends on their chemical composition and storage conditions. The chemical stability of biodiesel depends on the oil from which it was derived. Biodiesel from oils that naturally contain the antioxidant tocopherol or vitamin E (e.g., rapeseed oil) remain usable longer than biodiesel from other types of vegetable oils. Stability is noticeably diminished after 10 days and the fuel may be unusable after 2 months. Temperature also affects fuel stability in that excessive temperatures may denature the fuel.

 

Traffic Mirrors – Silent Saviours of the Highway

A significant proportion of RTAs are caused by drivers who are not aware that other road users are close to their own vehicle.These accidents often occur at junctions, crossings, roundabouts or blind turns.  If larger vehicles are involved, these accidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.  Surprisingly, it is in the face of such serious consequences that the humble roadside traffic mirror can prove to be a potential life saver.

We see them in everyday use, mostly for purposes of security in shops and warehouses – convex safety mirrors which come in either rectangular or circular form.These convex mirrors consist of a reflective face made of shatterproof acrylic and housing made from unbreakable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic which is UV treated to protect it from the discolouring of bright sunlight.

Traffic mirrors are suitable at sites where traffic on the road is travelling at a speed where visibility for oncoming or emerging vehicles is virtually zero.They assist drivers in avoiding situations that could lead to accidents – common high risk collision hotspots are driveways, concealed entrances as well as crossroads and intersections.

These mirrors are found not just on the roads but also on the vehicles that travel on them, being as they are a vital road safety component of the rear view mirrors on HGVs.It is vital that the drivers of these vehicles pay particular attention to what is in their blind spot as visibility is of paramount importance.

As well as paying attention to your rear view mirrors, make sure that you also keep your eyes moving around on the view ahead.Many drivers can develop a hypnotic stare at a point of on the road in front of them and not consider what is in their peripheral vision.This lapse in concentration could prove to be costly – if they failed to notice the mirror letting them know about the HGV hurtling around the next blind turn, it could be the last mistake they ever make.

Tips When Purchasing A Go Kart

a go kart

If you want to buy a go kart, then a great way to start the process is to go to a kart track. For a fee, you can drive 2 or 4 cycle go karts for a taste of what type of kart best fits your needs. It is a good idea to do some research on go karts before you make the investment, in order to be fully informed about what is available. This is an ideal strategy to get a feel for go karting. Here are a few points to consider when contemplating purchasing a kart.

There are two important features to consider when buying a gokart, such as what size do you need and does it come with safety features? Remember to take into consideration the age and driver training of the primary driver operating the go kart. There are gokarts especially designed for varying degrees of experience; from beginner karts for kids under age ten, to intermediate karts for pre-teens, to full-sized karts for the experienced teen and adult.

Since they are so close to the ground, gokarts are pretty difficult to roll. In the rare event that a kart does roll over, most have roll bars or brush cages which provide increased safety. Unless they are for racing, the karts have limited speeds; usually less than 50 mph.

Next, consider whether you want to buy a new or a used go kart. If you plan on buying a go kart that is used, then there are some important points to ponder. First and foremost, research the seller. Ask the seller why they are selling the kart. You most assuredly do not want to buy a kart that you thought was a good deal only to discover that you threw away your money on a worn out engine or chassis.

Take your time and decide how much you are willing to spend on a used kart. You can expect to spend $800 to $1500 or more for what is called a rolling chassis. A rolling chassis includes the chassis, rims, axle, a gas tank and various other go kart parts.

If you want to purchase a new go kart, then there are other expenses to consider. If you buy a new chassis and engine, you will increase the total cost of your go kart. When shopping for a new chassis, you need to determine the brand you prefer. The better known the brand is, the more expensive it will be.

A new chassis can cost from $1500 to $2500 or more depending on the brand and year. An engine can be bought from a local supplier and will vary in price depending on your preferences, but generally they are anywhere from $750 to $2000 or more.

Hopefully, this has given you some helpful hints to consider before purchasing a go kart. Remember, consider the age and size of the primary driver. Also think about where the kart will be driven and what safety features are available. After purchasing just the right kart, you will be on your way to providing hours of fun for your family and friends!

Too Many Cars to Choose From?

So lately I have been looking to with buy a BMW or buy a Mercedes, but since visiting garages around my local area I have realised that a lot of the smaller vehicles which are also a lot less pricey might be the better option for me.

The reason that I got turned off the larger cars slightly was because of the sheer amount of petrol that they guzzle not to mention the pollution that they emit to the environment. So after a long consideration I have whittled myself to look at a selection of new cars with small engines, below is a few positives and negatives that I am weighing my decision on.

1) The first motor to catch my eye was a 1.2 engine, I know this would end up being very economical for me, but the downside is that it will not get me anywhere fast and I am the type of person that is always in a rush.
2) My second option was a 1.6 Turbo, this would be able to keep up with me but my only worry was how much petrol it would consume.
3) The third one to catch my attention was the two litre turbo diesel, this would be very efficient for me but again with the rising prices of fuel it may cost me quite a bit.
4) Well the best was saved until last, and I would have chosen an electric car if there were more charge points in the UK. So if the government do decide to hurry and release these then I will go out and get myself a vehicle that does not pollute the environment.

For now I feel that I would have to go for the turbo diesel as this will save me the most amount of money in the long run.

Travelling to Work Equals Polluting the Planet

The government has been campaigning a lot lately for people to start using public transport a lot more.

But is this a big ask for a country that is said to be a set of couch potatoes? Let us take a glance as to why the routine will just not work.

1) The country is just too cold; the worst thing is waking up on a cold winter's day and thinking about making your trek to work. In times when it gets chilly, public transport is much more likely to get cancelled. I can tell you now that I would much rather prefer to jump into my car put on the heaters and relaxingly drive to work.
2) Folk in Britain have become a lot lazier and the reason for this is because they sit infront of the TV all day.
3) Stress is probably the main reason as to why people do not use public transport. Do you remember the freezing winter mornings when you are queuing for a train and then it says cancelled, you are left in a right stressful state thinking of ways to get to work on the dot, it's just a problem that should not be occurring in your life.

So it does not matter what employers do I still firmly believe that the most stress free way to get to work is by car. The government loves to offer things such as bike riding incentives, but I guarantee if it is a cold day, they will be the first to jump in a car.

Obviously people can buy petrol guzzling new cars such as to buy a bmw or buy a Mercedes, so this is what the government should really be concentrating on and that is creating less emitting vehicles.

WIndshield Replacement Prices vs Auto Glass Repairs

After reading this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not your auto glass should be repaired or repalced.

Purchasing a Tucson auto glass replacement windshield for your automobile isn’t always cheap Sometimes the damage to your windshield can be repaired much cheaper than the cost of replacing your entire windshield. This only will apply to certain situations. Unfortunately, there will be times that you get pelted by a huge rock right in your field of vision and you won’t have any choice but to replace your windshield.

So how do you determine whether your windshield should be repaired or replaced?

Any time you have a sand blasted windshield, you’re usually better off just replacing your auto glass. If the damaged areas are smaller than 6 inches, you can usually get them repaired. If your windshield has more than 3 chips or cracks, it might be cheaper than buying an auto glass replacement.

There are times when air can become trapped behind dirt inside the chip or crack preventing the air from being extracted and the glass resign from sealing the cracks. In this situation, it’s nice to have an auto glass service that will guarantee their work, especially if you don’t have glass coverage.

A Tucson auto glass repair will cost any where between $15-$35 dollars depending on which auto glass shop you go to. If you are thinking about repairing your windshield, be sure to find an auto glass repair service that guarantees their work.

Most windshield replacements will range between $100-$300 dollars. f the cost to replace your windshield is more than $200 or even three hundred dollars, ask your insurance company about glass coverage. It’s inexpensive, and definitely worth it. If your windshield’s damage is in your line of vision, your insurance company will most likely recommend an auto glass replacement.

When considering these price points, keep in mind that your safety is the most important aspect when deciding whether you should repair or replace your windshield. If you have less than three dings in your auto glass, it might be cheaper just to repair your windshield! But if not, your better off replacing your auto glass.

Windshield Safety Facts

When deciding whether you should get your windshield repaired or replaced, it’s very important to consider the importance of your safety and your passengers. Even though your windshield protects you from flying debris, rain, and wind, your auto glass also protects you in ways that may actually surprise you.

Your vehicles auto glass provides your vehicle with additional strength. If you were to ever get into an accident it will act as a safety net for you and your passengers. Even a small chip in your windshield could impact your safety in a car accident. If your automobile is equipped with air bags and they don’t deploy, having a windshield without damage could save your life.

Your windshield is much stronger than most people think. Did you know that your windshield is responsible for over half of the strength of your vehicles integrity in a rollover accident? A sound windshield will help keep everyone inside the vehicle and foreign objects out during a car accident.

So when determining whether a replacement windshield or a repair is right for you, think about the importance of you and your passengers safety first.

Water4Gas – Another Scam?

Water4Gas is an eBook written by Ozzie Freedom, which shows you exactly how to convert your present car to burn water as fuel, along with gasoline. It is one of the most informative and detailed of all the guides on how to run your car on water. Do you really think I’m playing with you? Find out if this system is a scam or not after reading this Water4Gas review report.

How does Water4Gas system actually work? Well, it is quite simple and the instructions are extremely easy to understand as well. The step by step guide instructs you how to build your own HHO generator with basic home equipment. You will then connect this to the car as shown in the diagram. When you turn on the system, your car battery’s electricity converts this water into a high performance HHO gas that connects with gasoline to give you 40 to 60 miles a gallon.

HHO gas based car systems are the latest breakthrough in terms of an environmentally friendly car modification which allows users to increase their mileage, save money on gasoline costs and drastically reduce car emissions. Such systems rely on HHO gas to assist combustion. It is a fast growing trend for boosting performance and MPG. HHO, also called Brown’s Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and provides TONS of energy – while the end product is just WATER!

The end result is that your car has more power, reduced emission levels and an extremely improved mileage performance. If you save $20 a day on gas, you are saving over $7000 a year. Is this really benefit really that bad to enjoy?

With all these new hard hitting facts, will Water4Gas system remain to be known as a scam? Thousands more including myself can vouch for that it’s not. What’s your opinion? You really don’t have to worry about being scammed since you can get full refund within 60 days via the 3rd party processor, Clickbank!

How Can I Benefit From A Of A] 3 Wheel Electric Scooter?

3 wheel scooter

Electric scooters, also known as mobility scooters, have become a common site at malls, amusement parks and many other public areas. For those individuals who have difficulty walking long distances or standing for an extended period of time, they have become the preferred choice of transportation. You have the option of choosing a 3 wheel electric scooter or a scooter with 4 wheels. While both options provide a comfortable and smooth ride, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the style you choose will likely depend on how you will be using your powered scooter.

In general, the 3 wheel scooter provides more maneuverability, as the design allows for a turning radius that is quite a bit tighter. Normally, these powered scooters are lighter, more portable and narrower, and are especially suited for indoor use. The lighter weight and 3 wheel variety designs are not nearly as effective and have less stability for navigating on uneven roads.

By contrast, the 4 wheel scooters are actually optimized for heavier outdoor use, as the design does offer extra stability. Its weight is much heavier and the rugged tires ensure that you will get better traction but you lose some maneuverability. Many people feel that the 3 wheel electric scooter provides the ease of turning and maneuverability, as well as the design and light weight.

The 3 wheel scooter is a very popular choice and is available in a wide variety of designs, colors and styles from many different manufacturers. Also remember that it is possible for the electric mobility scooter to be changed and upgraded with different features in case you do cannot find exactly what you are looking for.

You may be able to add all-terrain tires, increased suspension, and a higher seat back along with many other upgrades from the basic models. However, most insurance companies will only cover the basic amount of the 3 wheel electric scooter so that means you would be responsible for the upgrades. However, if your doctor agrees that these upgrades on an electric mobility scooter are a medical necessity, then you may be able to at least get a break on the amount of coverage.

Save A Bundle WIth Used Cars

The key to making big savings is to cut back on the biggest expenses.  For many people, one such large expense is their car. Not many people truly understand the expense of owning a car.

Let’s break it down.If you must finance your new car, you’re paying even more in interest.Being a new car, you have to pay for the full insurance coverage.Maintaining the car is yet another expense.This will add up to a big number rather fast.

Compare all this with something such as a $100- clunker.  You’ve just spent less than a grand on the car, which is thousands and thousands less than anything new.Even if you drop five grand you still are way ahead of the game.

The cost for insurance is much lower.Driving an older car also saves you money on insurance. You now need only pay for the minimum coverage required by your state.

This might not seem like the best plan to many of you since it seems like an old car like this would break down constantly.It doesn’t have to be this way.  In order to get the most reliable car for my money, I prefer to go with older imports such as a used Subaru.  These are very reliable, lasting hundredes of thousands of miles.

The best way to find old cars like this is to check used car listings, which will many different vehicle options to choose from.  Just be very careful to check into the background of the car before you go ahead and buy it.

If you are willing to drive an old, beat up car, you will be shocked at how much money you can save.  Driving an old, cheap car really helps free up your budget while still fufilling the basic task of getting you from place to place.  Give some thought to it, you just might make the best financial decision of your life.

BMW 7 Series. The latest episode

The latest release by BMW in its very popular seven series seems to be the best to date – it’s truly way ahead of the pack in its class and is a luxury car with a capital “L” – in every sense of the word.

Power

Under the hood is bigger and better than any previous effort in the seven series – the 750iL boasts a mighty 400 horsepower (which is more than 40 more horses than before) and can rocket from zero to sixty in less than five seconds.  Although the miles per gallon of the new  4.4 liter V8 engine are a bit modest in terms of conservation (15 city and 23 highway), they are still competitive among the big boys in the luxury class.

Comfort

The new 750iL is big in terms of power, but the older versions often came under a lot of criticism when it came to the interior.  Larger bodied individuals often passed up previous cars in the seven series even though the power and handling were second to none, simply because they didn’t feel there was enough room for them in the cockpit.Yet another complaint about the previous model was that there was no seat adjustments to easily accomodate larger individuals.

The new 750iL means to change all the criticisms of its interior by making the cab much roomier in terms of both head and leg room, and they’ve also reconfigured the placement of all of the cars instruments to make the overall driving experience more comfortable for everyone who gets inside.

BMW got the interior spot on with ergonomic design for comfort and ease of use.

Behind the Wheel

Incredible, almost space age options take the driving experience and the luxury car’s handling to unimaginable new levels.As ever the number of choices becomes more dream world like with each generation: night vision, side view cameras, rear wheel drive, and pedestrian detection.

The new 750iL also has greatly improved control with individually operating electronic dampers as well as anti-roll technology.The benefits of advanced electronics is that the car is become evident in the wet where the big 7 is up for the challenge.

BMW has always been a force to be reckoned with in the world of luxury cars, but even they seem to have outdone themselves with the new 750iL.This is a car that will make most owners proud of its looks and its dynamics. Certainly many will not mind the eighty thousand dollar tag.

By: M.E Bapela

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