Re: (erielack) On-topic? Trains to run on vegetable oil?!? :)

[Hhaines_@_aol.com]

Paul and all:

Kind of old news.  There have been locomotive demonstrations using biodiesel 
over the last six years.  Biodiesel is a topic I have worked with for over 20 
years.  Yes, former EL 3657 (nee MRL 332) had been slated to be one in a 
similar power plant line up here in Montana (assigned and permitted for Three 
Forks, Montana--EL content).  Thanks for the status on the California doings.

The biodiesel reduces carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, air toxins, and 
either oxides of nitrogen (NOx) or particulate matter.  The fuel readily 
oxides soot in diesel engines, and thus lowers particulate to such a great 
degree that the engine can then be re-timed to reduce NOx.  Even old EL 
locomotives without turbochargers--if the prime mover is OK.

Howard Haines
Bioenergy Engineering Specialist, Montana Dept of Environmental Quality and
ELHS #1447

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