Bio-Oil: Growing Your Own Petroleum Substitute
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 03.24.06
We've shown you how to make your own biodiesel before, and now there's a way to make oil, too (sort of). Bio-oil, more specifically, made from sawdust, wood chips, or just about any organic matter. Wired has a story about some researchers who, hoping to ease America's addiction to oil, have developed a process to create bio-oil that can be processed into fuels and chemicals. Bio-oil is produced through a process called pyrolysis, in which organic scrap materials are finely ground and heated at 400 to 500 degrees Celsius, without oxygen. In just two seconds, about 70 percent of the material vaporizes and is condensed into bio-oil; the end result looks surprisingly similar to petroleum. Though bio-oil is chemically very different from petroleum crude, it can be converted into a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen known as "syngas," which can be processed into a high-grade hydrocarbon fuel, such as automotive diesel. Alternatively, the syngas can be combined with steam to produce pure hydrogen, which could be a handy helping hand for the burgeoning hydrogen economy. Looks a little complicated for a typical DIY, weekend project, but cool nonetheless. Much more at ::Wired via ::Make and ::Jalopnik
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Stop Buying Packaged Cereal! 5 Awesome Granola Recipes to Try Instead
- Surf Green with Eco-Friendly Surf Gear
- How to Make Your Own Infused Vodka
- Green Your Bikini Waxing Routine with Soy, Pine Sap and Organic Bikini Wax
- Veggie Chips
- Chipotle Goes Green, Plus Recipe for Hormone-Free Braised Pork with Chipotle Peppers
is this more biodegradable then? if it is it would be great to use it as motor oil and fuel for boats.
"fuel for boats" captain? The green way is to use the wind and go sailing.
""fuel for boats" captain? The green way is to use the wind and go sailing."
the green way is also to ride a bike instead of drive. Most people aren't concerned with the green way therefore we have to provide them with alternatives that can satisfy both needs.
hi what are the simalaraties and differences between coal and oil when made please hurry i need to know now.
will this be biodegradeable? only as much as the real stuff the real stuff comes from buried plant and animal matter thats decayed over many years
so, any one with lawn clippings and something to put them in may be able make their own oil just how long it takes to go from grass to usabe oil is unknown to me ill be having a go soon i may.. or may not post how it goes on my site