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Thread: Alternative Fuels

  1. #1
    Senior Member SARKY's Avatar
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    Default Alternative Fuels

    How many of you have looked into homemade alternative fuels? Has anyone checked out the Chineese Tallow Tree(also known as the popcorn tree) ? The fruits from this tree can be squeezed, filtered and used as desiel fuel with no other processing. For a homesteader with a desiel tractor and generator, a plot of these trees would keep you in fuel!
    I know what hunts you.


  2. #2
    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    From what I read it's an invasive specie and changes the soil conditions that it grows in.

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0225084502.htm
    Tracks Across the High Plains...Death on the Bombay Line...A Touch of Death and Mayhem...Dead Rock...The Griswald Mine Boys...All On Amazon Books.

  3. #3

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    I was just going to write that, Rick.

    We really need to be careful about bringing in new species. Not only the species themselves, but also the diseases, insects, fungi, etc that may be hitching a ride.
    Earth - love it or leave it.

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    Senior Member SARKY's Avatar
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    The trees are already in the country and in fact are being used as a diesel fiel source.
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  5. #5
    Thoreauvian endurance's Avatar
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    Do a google search on biogas fermenters and you can find some amazing things to do with animal manure. Basically making methane on a small scale from waste. Cool stuff. While compressing it to run a car might be impossible, using it off the tap to cook and heat with (possibly even running a propane/natural gas generator?) seems like a very doable option with the right animals and set up.
    I'll rest when I'm dead...

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    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    There are a number of farms in the Midwest doing just that. That capture the methane from the manure and use it to power the farm.
    Tracks Across the High Plains...Death on the Bombay Line...A Touch of Death and Mayhem...Dead Rock...The Griswald Mine Boys...All On Amazon Books.

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    The methane gas from manure is some work but is a good alternative or a great primary in the field for short periods of time.

  8. #8
    Senior Member SARKY's Avatar
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    The farmers in Maine would run coils of pipe in their manure piles to heat water for the house and tap the gas for cooking and the furnace.
    I know what hunts you.

  9. #9
    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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  10. #10
    MMhmMmmm
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    Quote Originally Posted by SARKY View Post
    The farmers in Maine would run coils of pipe in their manure piles to heat water for the house and tap the gas for cooking and the furnace.
    Good idea, easier than digging and burying them!
    Mountain Man

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