[Waaaaay OT but who cares its cool] We might be able to turn anything in Oil soon.

[JacktheRabbit]

Who needs the Middle East?

http://www.discover.com/may_03/gthere.html?article=featoil.html


This article talks about a company in the good old USA that has developed a process that breaks down any carbon based material at all and turn it into oil, natural gas, and purified minerals.

The process appears to be sound and right in the article the process is demonstrated at approximately 85% efficency. Or to put it more simply. It costs 15% of the energy value of your raw material to convert it into the end result.

Of course there are still problems. You have to build these plants in large numbers before it can replace foreign oil but right now the CEO of the company says he can make a barrel of oil for $15. How much does it cost to buy a barrel of oil?

This is just too cool. In a few years someone may come to your door to buy your garbage from you.

 

[Cedric]

I'm still waiting on Mr. Fusion!

Seriously though, this is really cool...I hope they can get it going strong in the next few years.

Cedric

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

Wow!

 

[EricNoah]

Well, this might solve the supply issue, but I'd rather see more money go into research on less-polluting energy solutions.

 

[Cedric]

Actually Eric, if you read the article the largest by product of this method is potable water. The environmental benefits in that regard are excellent.

I know what you mean about reducing the environmental impact of how the oil/gas are used afterwards though.

Cedric

 

[JacktheRabbit]

Well, this might solve the supply issue, but I'd rather see more money go into research on less-polluting energy solutions.

Oil also has a lot of non-polluting uses as well.

 

[Henry]

Well, this might solve the supply issue, but I'd rather see more money go into research on less-polluting energy solutions.

Only one problem - only one known energy source has the same kind of power output that gasoline and diesel engines have, and that would be a portable nuclear fission reactor. Auto accidents would be some kinda fun!

However, hybrid gasoline/hydrogen fuel cell autos are showing promise, but their strongest suit is in city driving less than 45 mph or so. On interstate travel, where long-haul commuters and diesel trucks prevail, I don't think one gets very good mileage.

The day we see newer forms of battery technology, or cold and affordable fusion reactions, is the day we see a massive revolution in transportation. Until then, electricity in any form is not going to be an easy replacement for piston-driven fossil fuel engines.

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

Auto accidents would be some kinda fun!

hehehe! That just gave me the greatest mental image. There's my fun for the day.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

Oil also has a lot of non-polluting uses as well.

Not doubting you, but what are some? Expand the minds of your fellow posters already.

 

[Angcuru]

So they developed a way to speed up nature. Neat. If you put any organic material under enough pressure for a long enough time, eventually part of it'll turn into oil.