NationStates Jolt Archive

Anyone remember the power source for the car in Back to the Future?

This is basically the same thing.

http://www.mindfully.org/Energy/2003/Anything-Into-Oil1may03.htm

Discuss.

Anyone remember the power source for the car in Back to the Future?

This is basically the same thing.

http://www.mindfully.org/Energy/2003/Anything-Into-Oil1may03.htm

Discuss.

Not quite. It generates oil. Which itself, when burned, produces greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming.

This technology is also expensive, and only has a small scope.

Our best option, quite frankly, is to attempt to move away from fossil fuels.

Not quite. It generates oil. Which itself, when burned, produces greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming.

This technology is also expensive, and only has a small scope.

Our best option, quite frankly, is to attempt to move away from fossil fuels.

Yeah, it does burn gas, but it closes the cycle. We have an open cycle, and that is what truly is hurting us.

And the technology is already there, oil companies use it all the time when refining oil.

And Global Warming is a myth. The planet is just in a warmer part of the cycle.

And Global Warming is a myth. The planet is just in a warmer part of the cycle.
Perhaps. It could also just be a prank in order to justify the usage of fossil fuel. The greenhouse gasses can't be completely harmless.

Anyone remember the power source for the car in Back to the Future?

This is basically the same thing.

http://www.mindfully.org/Energy/2003/Anything-Into-Oil1may03.htm

Discuss.

*buys stock* :D

*buys stock* :D

You can't yet! They haven't offered it!

Trust me on this, I looked. :D

Actually, it is physically possible.

Couldn't find the patent information, the patent office website seems to be having problems.

I read about thermal depolymerization two years ago. I was impressed then, I'm impressed now. The beneficial impact to the environment this could have(processing of sewage and industrial wastes) far outweighs the potential negative impacts of oil production. After all, we are turning completely useless toxins into useful products that produce some toxins. SOunds like a plan to me.

At least a few cities, including chicago, are interested in this technology for it's sewage handling needs. Until recently, there were questions about the smell, but it seems that these complaints were unfounded. I think within five years, we will see a jump in this technology.

As near as I can figure it, the only potential problem is that not all wastes are created equal. Waste that is too 'wet' or too 'dry' are not as efficient for production as something with nearly the perfect consistency(like turkey guts). Nevertheless, just the potential for recycling hazardous materials into useful products is (in my opinion) a small loss. If there is a loss. Turkey Guts can actually produce enough natural gas to continue running the system making the oil generated by the process pure surplus. Even if processing sewage resulted in a 0-sum gain, I'm in. :)

You can't yet! They haven't offered it!

Trust me on this, I looked.

DAMNIT!!!

*waits* :p

And Global Warming is a myth. The planet is just in a warmer part of the cycle.

That's absurd. The greenhouse effect clearly exists, and we are clearly increasing the amount of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere. The only question is how much of the increase in global temperatures humans are responsible for.

This technology looks like it could be useful if it can be used on a large scale. I don't see it affecting global warming, but finding ways to reuse waste is definitely good.

The thing about the combustion of petroleum products sourced from thermal depolymerization of food waste, is that the carbon is sourced ultimately from the atmosphere, not from sources sequestered deep in the earth.

Essentially, that means it doesn't really add to the problem, though it isn't a solution either.

There is link to the chemists' comments at the top of the page that might be of interest to anyone seriously considering buying the stock of the company . :headbang:

There is link to the chemists' comments at the top of the page that might be of interest to anyone seriously considering buying the stock of the company . :headbang:

Yes, that puts the whole thing in better perspective... The original article was so damn positive and enthusiastic, and then the comments afterwrads barely addressed the actual subject. Looks like a complete scam.

being able to get oil from waste could be useful in the change to clean, sustainable energy sources, as polymers (which are derived from the monomers in oil) are needed for the developement of solar, wind, wave and other 'alternative' power sources.

There is link to the chemists' comments at the top of the page that might be of interest to anyone seriously considering buying the stock of the company . :headbang:

I read it. I think the esteemed Dr. Paul Palmer doesn't know his asshole from a hole in he ground. :p

I read it. I think the esteemed Dr. Paul Palmer doesn't know his asshole from a hole in he ground. :p

Says the person who dances in the night while cosplaying as a hotdog. :p

Says the person who dances in the night while cosplaying as a hotdog. :p

Exactly.

I can smell my own kind. :)

Oddly enough, I can't find the link.