'Make your own ethanol' refineries hit US market

As the debate over ethanol heats up with creation of a federal biofuels working group and a new Renewable Fuel Standard, a Texas company has made it easier for businesses, farms and municipalities to produce their own.

The systems could benefit companies who want to use alternative fuels in their fleets, potentially save money and simplify their supply chains, but face challenges with the limited availability of the fuel.

Dallas-based Allard Research and Development LLC unveiled the mini refineries capable of producing 100, 200, 500 or 1,000 gallons of ethanol per day, depending on the model. The systems are available in either automated or manual versions.

The fully automated versions include 15in touch-screen LCD monitors and iPhone remote control monitoring capability. The systems also feature stainless steel fermentation, output collection and cooling water tanks, as well as a feature that captures and stores carbon dioxide produced from the fermentation process.

Advanced sensors track temperature, pressure and liquid levels; the systems also have integrated fire suppression technology.

The company said it is aiming to create a closed-loop system for growing food and producing fuel and is working on a book that describes how a 300sq ft swath of land can sustain one person utilising in-ground fish tanks, hydroponically grown vegetables, a greenhouse and other technologies.

A version of this article first appeared at ClimateBiz.com