Pilot production of biodiesel on the NEZ Perce Tribe reservation
- Nez Perce Tribe, Lapwai, ID (United States)
Native Americans always honor and respect the characteristics of Mother Earth. They always seek and utilize natural resources that are renewable and environmentally friendly. For thousands of years, they survive mostly on subsistence and sustainability of the natural resources around them. When the opportunity exists to incorporate their values with technology for a better future, they always attempt to practice their beliefs and tradition. Hence, the Nez Perce Tribe availed a simple technology that is within their reach and capability. The pilot project located at Lapwai, Idaho, relates to a renewable fuel from vegetable oil or animal fat and alcohol. The fuel, termed as biodiesel, is produced through a modified transesterification process. Biodiesel is comparable to diesel fuel with respect to chemical and physical attributes, and combustion characteristics. Biodiesel is also, biodegradable, cleaner burning and safer, and has environmentally friendly attributes. The unit produces up to 1,150 liters of biodiesel per batch, with initial batches of methanol and used cooking oil as raw materials. For demonstration purposes, both biodiesel and diesel are used in diesel powered vehicles and small engines. The raw materials and biodiesel are analyzed, and the vehicles/engines are tested for emissions and performance.
- OSTI ID:
- 478658
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960958--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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