Biofuels are derived from biomass which could be solid biomass, liquid fuels, or biogases. The world over, is looking out for these biofuels for their increasing demands of energy supplies as oil prices are shooting high and in no time would be unreachable for the common man. Alternative energy sources are being searched for by mankind, and therefore the attention towards biofuels. Today biofuels constitute almost as much as two percent of the world transport fuel requirements.
Researchers are working on obtaining bio-fuels from various plant, animal or any other naturally occurring substances which can generate fuel by fermentation of the starch or oils in it. All the first generation biofuels were made out of sugar, starch, and vegetable oil. This lead to concerns by environmentalists about the enormous usage of food supplies for the creation of fuel, thereby reducing the supply for human consumption. There had to be some way in which production of biofuels would not affect the food supply.
Researchers thus came to the idea of biofuels using saw dust. It was brought up by a team of researchers in the University of Calgary, who wanted biofuel that was made out of some natural substance which was of no use. Usage of sawdust for generation of fuels would in no manner harms the food supplies, whereas it would also decrease the unnecessary waste produced and keep the air clean.
The major advancement in this regard was the invention of a machine called the pyrolysis reactor, which can operate under very high temperatures using which the researchers have found a way to extract oil from such inedible resources like sawdust. Pyrolysis refers to a mechanism of thermochemical decomposition of organic materials under very high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis is usually done under high pressure and elevated temperatures of about 430 degree C – 500 degree C.
Dr. Nader Mahinpey believes that he and his team have the answer for 20 percent of the world’s energy requirements. A material as inessential as sawdust can be turned into the world’s saviour for fuel needs. He commented that the world would be in shortage of fuels in the coming years and his work would possibly relieve the world from the tension of acquiring more resources for fuel. This could also save nature as the excavations would come down and we would not require to deplete the earth’s resources before it can be generated.
The research has been underway for almost three years now and Dr. Mahinpey is sure that the commercial production of these sawdust biofuels can be made possible in a few more years. He is certain that within five to ten years it will be out there in the market for usage. It is the time for us to look towards such biofuels before we start destructing the earth in search for more oil and coal. Its time we give earth some rest. Till then biofuels shall answer our energy queries.
Via: Good Clean Tech
