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Sep 29, 2009, 12:46 PM
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#1
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Evolving Member
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Gizmodo: Microfueler Home Ethanol Pump
Sorry if repost, searched didn't find anything:
from gizmodo (article here):
The system takes feedstock (a combination of sugar and yeast) or discarded alcohol, and combines it with water to distill 100% pure ethanol. Turning sugar into gas may sound like the work of mad scientists, but according to CEO Tom Quinn, home ethanol production was advocated and used by Henry Ford when he created the Model T. I imagine that home-made ethanol wasn't as easy to make back then, because if it was, we probably wouldn't have switched to gasoline in the first place.
The MicroFueler produces ethanol using membrane distillation. Sugar, yeast and water are blended together to create the chemical reaction that produces ethanol. After two days, the fermented sugar water is turned into vapor, and the ethanol is separated from the water. By the end of the week, the MicroFueler reservoir will hold 35 gallons of pure ethanol, enough to fill at least two cars. This is a lot like Dean Kamen's water purifier, except in reverse. In fact, creator Floyd Butterfield says the water by-product is clean enough to drink.
The most astounding part is that a car doesn't require pure ethanol to run, due to its higher-than-gasoline octane content. E-Fuel says you can fill up your tank with 75% ethanol and 25% water and your car will run fine.
The price tag may seem steep, but federal, state and local tax credits can bring the price as low as $5000—average cost with credits is more like $7000. The creators say an average home will save around $4200 on gas each year, and the machine will pay for itself in about a year and a half.
That said, people have been doing this on their own for a while. Plans available online estimate a true DIY machine costs about $500 to build, but for those who don't want to run the risk of spontaneous combustion (like me), the MicroFueler seems like a wise alternative. [E-Fuel]
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Sep 29, 2009, 12:54 PM
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#2
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That is just plain awesome.
Been thinking about the Homebrew ethanol for quite some time now as it is not available in DC. This whole business thing it taking away my tinker time!
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Oct 16, 2009, 11:35 AM
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#3
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Very cool!
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Found a driedout gerbil carcass at the bottom of the box—AND it had been shaved.
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Oct 17, 2009, 10:14 AM
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#4
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NTEC Club Forum Leader
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$10k is hard to swallow... plus sugar and consumables. Otherwise I'd be the local E100 crack dealer 
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Oct 17, 2009, 11:30 AM
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#5
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Not to mention many counties frown upon making flammable liquids at home and in the event of a fire I'm sure that your home owners insurance won't be so nice either. Nonetheless, it is definitely a very cool idea and I'm sure that there is a market for it somewhere.
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Oct 19, 2009, 08:58 AM
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#6
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Build it yourself for around ~$500? Hmm I wonder whats needed in a little setup like this, especially since I probably have most of the equipment laying around. 
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E85
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Found a driedout gerbil carcass at the bottom of the box—AND it had been shaved.
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Oct 27, 2009, 11:36 AM
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#7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallen
That is just plain awesome.
Been thinking about the Homebrew ethanol for quite some time now as it is not available in DC. This whole business thing it taking away my tinker time!
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Actually it is available in DC. Just NE of the Airforce Memorial....
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Oct 27, 2009, 12:23 PM
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#8
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thats one expensive moonshine still...
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Oct 27, 2009, 03:48 PM
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#9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallen
That is just plain awesome.
Been thinking about the Homebrew ethanol for quite some time now as it is not available in DC. This whole business thing it taking away my tinker time!
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Georgetown Chevron
Ethanol (E85)
2450 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington DC 20007
Phone: 202-337-6277
There's also another on River Rd by 7-11/Little Falls Pkwy. 
Ethanol (E85)
801 S Joyce St
Arlington VA 22204
Phone: 703-979-0405
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Last edited by lan_evo_mr9; Oct 27, 2009 at 03:52 PM.
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Nov 3, 2009, 09:21 AM
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#10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BenJ
Not to mention many counties frown upon making flammable liquids at home and in the event of a fire I'm sure that your home owners insurance won't be so nice either. Nonetheless, it is definitely a very cool idea and I'm sure that there is a market for it somewhere.
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I imagine with that price tag this has some sort of protection built in. Obviously that can be defeated, but if this thing was going to set something ablaze I'm sure they would have much bigger legal troubles on their hands.
Most places don't have any problem with producing and storing flammables as long as they are done so properly. Might not hurt to talk to the local fire chief anyway.
I'd be very tempted to own this. I wonder what typical consumables costs are.
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Nov 8, 2009, 08:52 AM
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#11
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accordin to their website, if you purchase their special blend of sugars and yeast, then the cost to produce one gallon of 100% ethanol would be $1...that also includes the cost of water and electricity.
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