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Post by DocD83 on Jul 2, 2004 6:36:05 GMT -5
Where do you get an ethanol-gas mix? I don't recall ever seeing ethanol for sale. I thought it had been banned....more likely I've just not been very observant.
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Post by Lissa on Jul 2, 2004 7:52:41 GMT -5
Definitely not banned! What's being banned is the MTBE additive that's put in gasoline to increase the octane rating. MTBE is a great octane enhancer, and it doesn't hurt your catalytic converter, but it seeps into ground water and that isn't good. Ethanol IS alcohol- the drinking kind. The molecular formula is C2H5OH. If you've seen October Sky, you'll remember that scene where the boys are looking for rocket fuel and go finding grain alcohol? Not too far off from the truth. Anyway, Sue's right- the kind that's used in fuel is commonly made from corn. Because use of ethanol benefits the farmer, there is a government subsidy. (Also, ethanol reduces pollution, although that's not as big a deal in the gasoline engines, because of those catalytic converters.) The USDA is currently doing research on how to make ethanol production cheaper. (check out www.arserrc.gov/ccse/ImprovingEthanolProduction.htm if you're really interested.) I THINK Sue's right, too, that ethanol can be much harsher on certain parts of the engine- namely seals, o-rings, and any other rubber parts of the system. (Steel's fine.) It's not as bad as methanol, which is an alcohol that has one less carbon molecule, which absolutely eats the seals in an engine, but it might still increase wear on those parts. I forget for sure. But every time I see ethanol, I think of Homer's take on the alcohol fueled car. (One for the car, one for me!) Wouldn't advise it though! |
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Post by Lissa on Jul 2, 2004 7:56:46 GMT -5
Oh yeah- it does increase octane rating when you put it in the gasoline. Plus make money for farmers. (Always a good thing!)
And yes, I could have modified my previous post. But this thread seemed a really appropriate place to hit...
POST 666!!!!
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Post by bladestarr on Jul 2, 2004 10:11:01 GMT -5
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Post by duckie on Jul 2, 2004 12:46:40 GMT -5
And to add to Lissa's discussion...
Back in the early 70's, the use of TEL (tetra ethyl lead) as a gasoline additve was banned in the US, due to catalytic converter poisoning issues, as well as the health-related issues with using lead. MTBE was added instead, for several reasons: primarily as an ignition improver (i.e., octane enhancer), but also as an oxygenate for ozone non-attainment areas. However, MTBE was found in the water tables in California and elsewhere, so they looked to replace it with another additive. Ethanol rose to the top of this list, for technical and political reasons. The ethanol lobby has been extremely strong on this one, and pushed for subsidies.
MMT was also considered as a TEL replacement, but it is also now banned in most of the US at significant blend levels. But, they still use it in Canada. It is claimed that MMT can result in learning disabilities, similar to lead. However, this has not been conclusively proven yet, and the issue remains unresolved.
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Post by TheLuckyOne on Jul 2, 2004 13:15:48 GMT -5
Man, am I sick of hearing about random additives and preservatives and chemicals in common household products that have recently been found to cause cancer and learning disabilities and enjoyment of Pauly Shore movies. It's always negative- how come we never hear about the additive that makes you smarter and sexier and able to dance better? Other than beer, I mean.
-D
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Post by DocD83 on Jul 2, 2004 18:45:03 GMT -5
They have one...it's called Deca-Oxygenated Carbon Doohicky-83, but it's only available to the ladies. *cocked eyebrow*
[/self-indulgent swagger]
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Post by zappakub on Jul 3, 2004 3:23:29 GMT -5
I know this is a bit late in coming and has no relevance to the topic being discussed. But Sue was wondering about similarities between The Road Warriorand TWaterworld. These are those I can remember (and I won't watch waterworld again to see if there are others) MINOR SPOILERS :
- The main plot : Loner hero on his preferred vehical looking for a rare thing (gas,land) going against a band of thugs witha psycho leader.
-Feral child wich eventually befriends hero
-Intricate pulley like contraptions (said contraptions also visible in City Of Lost Children
-Using old stuff in a new way (recycling)
There are probably others but these are the ones I can remember.
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Post by PoolMan on Jul 3, 2004 12:36:55 GMT -5
Oh I agree, there's a TON of similarities. They even look remarkably the same, considering how different the settings are. However, Waterworld is still just a pretender.
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