Archive for February, 2009

Feb 28 2009

Waste Vegetable Oil or (WVO)

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There is much information on vegetable oil how it is made, what it is use for from the time it is process to the time it is considered a waste product. Usually the point it becomes a waste product is when it leaves the fryer. But is that the end of its serviceable life some say no there is an increasing interest to use this waste oil as fuel, biodiesel and biofuel.

So how is waste vegetable oil or WVO turned into fuel? First all this needs to be done at room temperature (70 degrees F) you need sodium hydroxide (lye), methanol (Heet), and vegetable oil. You add these three ingredients together in the correct quantities and mix them until they are completely blended . At this point, you let the mixture settle and it will separate into layers where the bottom layer will be the glycerin and the top layer the biodiesel.

The process above was with clean oil but what about the oils and grease from fryers grills etc. what to do when you have old oil that isn’t very clean ? Well at the start of the process you need to filter the oil there are many ways to do this Bag filters are the easiest, cheapest and slowest processing tool that you have other than strait settling to process WVO . Oil will run through the 100 micron filter bag at 2-5 gallons per minute however, if the oil is dirty or just creamy and the flow rate will deteriorate rapidly. Pre-heating the oil helps as does larger/longer filter bags . You can use filter bags after settling .

Cartridge WVO filters, tee strainers ECT, should be used only with heated oil or heating of the filter.  Waxy precipitates in cool oil quickly clog cartridge filters and no amount of pressure will resolve this issue.  Reserve cartridge filters for final polishing/filtering at transfer into the vehicle or very low volume/emergency use.   Any mechanical cartridge filter will require an amount of pressure to work, finding an appropriate pump, plumbing and pressure relief system can be difficult and large spills are possible.

Another way is to use what I call “Forced Settling” WVO centrifuges can clean WVO to sub micron levels as well as removing heavier liquid contaminants such as water.  If you are looking at having to deal with hundreds of gallons or more, a centrifuge is your only solution.

You probably don’t stop to think about it, but all fuels have a shelf life that depends on their chemical composition and storage conditions. The chemical stability of biodiesel depends on the oil from which it was derived. Biodiesel from oils that naturally contain the antioxidant tocopherol or vitamin E (e.g., rapeseed oil) remain usable longer than biodiesel from other types of vegetable oils. Stability is noticeably diminished after 10 days and the fuel may be unusable after 2 months. Temperature also affects fuel stability in that excessive temperatures may denature the fuel.

 

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Feb 28 2009

Traffic Mirrors - Silent Saviours of the Highway

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A significant proportion of road traffic accidents are caused by drivers who are not aware that other road users are driving in close proximity to their own vehicle.These accidents often occur at junctions, crossings, roundabouts or blind turns.  If larger vehicles are involved, these accidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.  Surprisingly, it is in the face of such serious consequences that the humble roadside traffic mirror can prove to be a potential life saver.

We see them all the time in everyday use, mostly for purposes of security in shops and warehouses - convex safety mirrors which come in either rectangular or circular form.These convex mirrors consist of a reflective face made of shatterproof acrylic and housing made from unbreakable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic which is UV treated to protect it from the discolouring of bright sunlight.

Traffic mirrors are suitable at sites where traffic on the road is travelling at a speed where visibility for oncoming or emerging vehicles is virtually zero.  They assist drivers to avoid dangerous situations or conditions that could lead to accidents or collisions - common high risk collision hotspots are driveways, concealed entrances and exits as well as crossroads and intersections.

These mirrors are found not just on the roads but also on the vehicles that travel on them, being as they are a vital road safety component of the rear view mirrors on HGVs.It is critical that these lorry drivers pay particular attention to what is in their blind spot as visibility is always an issue.

As well as paying attention to your rear view mirrors, make sure that you also keep your eyes moving around on the view ahead.Many drivers can develop a hypnotic stare at a point of on the road in front of them and not consider what is in their peripheral vision.This lapse in concentration could prove to be a serious mistake - if they failed to notice the mirror letting them know about the HGV hurtling around the next blind turn, it could be the last mistake they ever make.

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Feb 28 2009

Replacing or Repairing a Damaged Windshield

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Auto glass replacements can be expensive at times. After reading this article, you’ll know whether you should repair your damaged windshield or just buy a new one.

Purchasing a Tucson auto glass replacement windshield for your car isn’t always cheap Sometimes the damage to your windshield can be repaired much cheaper than the cost of replacing your entire windshield. This only will apply to certain situations. Unfortunately, there will be times that you get pelted by a huge rock right in your field of vision and you won’t have any choice but to replace your windshield.

So how do you determine whether your windshield should be repaired or replaced?

If the damage to your windshield is smaller than a dollar bill, it can usually be repaired. Sometimes this isn’t always the case. If your windshield has more than 3 chips or cracks, it might be cheaper than buying an auto glass replacement.

There are times when air can become trapped behind dirt inside the chip or crack preventing the air from being extracted and the glass resign from sealing the cracks. In this situation, it’s nice to have an auto glass service that will guarantee their work, especially if you don’t have glass coverage.

A Tucson auto glass repair will cost any where between $15-$35 dollars depending on which auto glass shop you go to. If you are thinking about repairing your windshield, be sure to find an auto glass repair service that guarantees their work.

Most windshield replacements will range between $100-$300 dollars. If you have glass coverage, your insurance company will cover the expenses to repair or replace your auto glass. If your windshield’s damage is in your line of vision, your insurance company will most likely recommend an auto glass replacement.

When considering these price points, keep in mind that your safety is the most important aspect when deciding whether you should repair or replace your windshield. If you have less than three dings in your auto glass, it might be cheaper just to repair your windshield! But if not, your better off replacing your auto glass.

Your Auto Glass May be More Important Than You Think

When deciding whether you should get your windshield repaired or replaced, it’s very important to consider the importance of your safety and your passengers. Even though your windshield protects you from flying debris, rain, and wind, your auto glass also protects you in ways that may actually surprise you.

Your vehicles auto glass provides your vehicle with additional strength. It also acts as your personal safety net in case of an accident. Even a small chip in your windshield could impact your safety in a car accident. If your automobile is equipped with air bags and they don’t deploy, having a windshield without damage could save your life.

Auto glass is a lot stronger than most would believe. Did you know that your windshield is responsible for over half of the strength of your vehicles integrity in a rollover accident? A sound windshield will help keep everyone inside the vehicle and foreign objects out during a car accident.

So when determining whether a replacement windshield or a repair is right for you, think about the importance of you and your passengers safety first.

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Feb 27 2009

Is it best to buy new or second-hand cars?

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It seems that it is quite a sensible move to buy a second hand car. There is no reason why they should not be reliable if you buy them from a trusted source or do your homework thoroughly on the car before you commit to buying. It also makes excellent financial sense in that as soon as a new car is driven off the forecourt it starts to lose money, but a second-hand car has already made this loss.

When you take the plunge and buy used you can usually afford to select a more upmarket model than if you were buying new.

However maybe a disadvantage to buying used is that financing is often more expensive although this could be offset by cheaper insurance rates. If however you prefer to lease a car then a used car is not a viable option. You could also be missing out on some of the latest gadgets and safety devices and I suppose there is nothing better than the feeling that you are the first owner of a brand spanking new car!

Let’s face it a lot of the first time buyers of cars are youngsters who cannot really afford the expense of a new car.

One of the most popular cars for teens is the Honda Civic.The Civic is one of the finest small sporty cars around and is quite reasonably priced. This car is fuel efficient and is very safety conscious with antilock brakes, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags which are standard on all models. It has a body shell which is designed to withstand an impact with a much heavier vehicle. There is the choice of a zippy coupe or a more sensible sedan.

The Mazda 3 has earned itself a reputation for being economical and fun to drive. It has plenty of power, great looks and top notch handling.

Another favourite is the Ford Focus because they are quite cheap plus they have a system which allows the use of ipods and cell phones with voice commands which mean the driver can keep their eyes fixed firmly on the road.The sporty 2 door Focus coupe is very popular as it offers the same amount of back seat and boot space as the four door version.

The vehicle that the teen driver will probably be best suited to must surely be the safest and also the most economical to drive.

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Feb 27 2009

Advantages Of A] 3 Wheel Electric Scooter?

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electric mobility scooter

Electric scooters, also known as mobility scooters, have become a common site at malls, amusement parks and many other public areas. For those individuals who have difficulty walking long distances or standing for an extended period of time, they have become the preferred choice of transportation. You have the option of choosing a 3 wheel electric scooter or a scooter with 4 wheels. While both options provide a comfortable and smooth ride, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the style you choose will likely depend on how you will be using your powered scooter.

In general, the 3 wheel scooter provides more maneuverability, as the design allows for a turning radius that is quite a bit tighter. Normally, these powered scooters are lighter, more portable and narrower, and are especially suited for indoor use. The lighter weight and 3 wheel variety designs are not nearly as effective and have less stability for navigating on uneven roads.

With the heavier weight and design of the outdoor 4 wheel scooter, it does increase the stability and has tougher tires for better traction. However, the 3 wheel electric scooter is more maneuverable and has a better turning radius. Many people find that they do not have the need for increased weight or even the ruggedness of the 4 wheel scooter and they tend to enjoy the lighter weight and maneuverability of the 3 wheel powered scooter.

The 3 wheel scooter is a very popular choice and is available in a wide variety of designs, colors and styles from many different manufacturers. Also remember that it is possible for the electric mobility scooter to be changed and upgraded with different features in case you do cannot find exactly what you are looking for.

It is possible that the scooter you want does not have all of the features that you need, so keep in mind that it may be possible to upgrade from the basic 3 wheel electric scooter. You may be able to add a higher seat back, all-terrain tires and increased suspension. Be aware that many insurance companies will not insure the electric mobility scooter for anything but the basic price, leaving you to pay for the upgrades, etc. If this is the case with your insurance company, then see if your doctor will include a statement to them that these upgrades are a medical necessity. It never hurts to try.

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Feb 27 2009

Keep Your Money In Your Pocket WIth A Clunker

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The key to making big savings is to cut back on the biggest expenses.  For many people, one such large expense is their car. Few people realize how expensive owning a car really is.

Let’s break it down.  If you’re buying a new car that you finance, you have to pay full price and then some (because of interest).  You also have to pay for full insurance on the car, which isn’t cheap for a brand new car.  You still have to pay for maintainence as well.  This all adds up quickly.

Compare all this with something such as a $100- clunker.You’ve spent many thousands less than a new car, and you have no interest payments either.Even if you drop five grand you still are way ahead of the game.

You insurance is now much cheaper.Driving an older car also saves you money on insurance. You now need only pay for the minimum coverage required by your state.

Now, you might be thinking that going for a car this cheap is silly since it will break all the time.  This doesn’t have to be the case.  I like to go for reliable imports such as a used Acura.  These are very reliable, lasting hundredes of thousands of miles.

The best way to find old cars like this is to check used car listings, which will many different vehicle options to choose from.Be sure that you investigate the background of any car you’re looking at before you pull the trigger.

You will be surprised how much money you can save by simply being willing to drive a clunker.By driving a clunker, you have much more money left month to month while still being able to get around just as well.Think about it, you might just be on the path to freeing up your finances more than ever.

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Feb 27 2009

Save Money At The Pump With The Best Gas Mileage Cars

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With the entire globe experiencing an economic crisis, everyone is searching for ways to cut our daily expenses. If you’re like most people, you are spending bundles of cash each month fueling your car or truck. Of course, this amount can increase quite rapidly if you own more than one vehicle. The good news is that with the best gas mileage cars, you can use a lot less fuel while still getting to where you need to go.

Here are just some of the reasons for selecting a vehicle that gets good fuel efficiency:

1. Save Money

Of course, one of the main reasons to choose a car with great fuel efficiency is that you won’t have to gas up as often. Thanks to advances in technology, many cars today get excellent gas mileage. Some vehicles, known as hybrids, actually use a mix of electricity and gasoline to power the engine, and that means less fuel consumed overall. By consuming less fuel to get to where you are going, you’ll save a bundle. Not only that, fuel-efficient cars are usually more compact and thus less expensive than bigger vehicles. Thus, you will not only save cash on gas, but also on the front end.

2. Save Time

Maybe less obvious is the amount of time you’ll save. With fewer fill ups required, you’ll spend less time driving around for the [bestlowest] gas prices, lining up for a free gas pump, filling up your tank, and lining up again to pay. This process can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes depending on how long the lineup is. Recently, with many people trying to take advantage of whatever savings they can get, the gas stations with slightly lower fuel prices are usually packed with people. Thus, fewer fill ups means that you’ll save time as well

3. Save the Planet

Everyone realizes that burning fossil fuels like gasoline results in air pollution and ultimately global warming. These phenomena are affecting the very planet we are living on in very adverse ways, and anything we can do to help reverse this process should be considered. With a fuel-efficient car, you will be burning less fuel which means less pollution - something you can feel good about.

Whether you are trying to save money, time, or the environment, choosing a fuel-efficient car is a smart move. But with so many advantages to selecting a vehicle with good gas mileage, which models fare the best?

One of the best sources to start your research is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Every year, the EPA tests every vehicle sold in the US for gas mileage. To find out which models topped the list, check out http://bestgasmileagecars.biz, a website dedicated to finding the best gas mileage cars available. This site also has many gas saving tips you can try to use up less fuel with your current vehicle.

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Feb 27 2009

Careful driving and how to save petrol

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Most of us have to watch our outgoings nowadays and one fairly major expense is running our cars. The price of petrol seems to be forever going up and so there are a few rules we can all follow to save on fuel.

One thing a lot of us are guilty of at times is putting our foot down when we accelerate. If you drive an automatic it is best to accelerate at a fairly moderate speed in order to give the transmission time to shift to the higher gears. If you accelerate away and brake right away this is a big waste of fuel.

A good way to save on petrol is simply reduce your speed. As speed increases the fuel decreases!

Under inflated tyres are very often overlooked. If they are not at the right pressure they will need to use more fuel to keep the car moving. Get yourself a good tyre gauge and check the tyres at least once a month. One tip is to check them when they are cold because driving the car will warm up the tyres and also the air inside which increases pressure and gives a falsely high reading.

Check your air filter, a dirty one will restrict the flow of air to the engine which will affect performance and also economy.
 
New wheels and tyres may look really good and they can even improve the way that a car handles, but if they are wider they could create more resistance and increase fuel consumption. So it is worth thinking about keeping the old tyres for long road trips which will give you a far smoother ride and far better economy.

If you are thinking of changing your car then maybe this is the ideal time to downsize a little. Nissan and Toyota are two of the leading manufacturers who have developed highly fuel efficient cars.

This may not seem obvious, but look inside your car and give it a bit of a spring clean. We are often guilty of hoarding rubbish in our cars and its surprising how this extra baggage mounts up in the terms of weight. The more weight in the car the more fuel is burnt.

Finally, probably not a very popular thing to say, but if possible why not simply walk?!!

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Feb 25 2009

Auto Insurance Quote Online

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Why You Need an Auto Insurance Quote

Auto insurance is a very important issue, one that every driver needs to be aware of, regardless of their age and driving experience. This is one of the most important things that you will ever do.

There are many reasons why you need an auto insurance quote, but more than anything it is for the safety and financial security of you and your family. Whether you get an online auto insurance quote or go through this in person, if you think you don’t need an auto insurance quote, here is why you are sorely wrong.

What You Need to Know

Even if your car is not all that expensive, without an auto insurance quote you will not be able to find the right auto insurance company for you. As a result, you are not going to have auto insurance on your car, and this means that if anything happens to it, you are basically completely on your own.

If your car gets stolen, is vandalized, or you get in an accident, you are going to be covering the damages – and possibly getting in trouble with the law – if you do not have up to date auto insurance.

How to Do it

Getting insurance quotes is probably much easier than you think. Many people fear processes like this because they think that it will take a lot of time and get them frustrated. Well, in today’s technologically advanced day and age, it is a very quick and simple process, and in fact you can do it all online.

You don’t even have to go from one place to another to get an auto insurance quote variation, and instead can go on an insurance comparison site, on which you will only need to input your required personal information once. After this, the company will take a few minutes to process it and will then present you with various results from the top auto insurance companies in your area.

As you can see, it certainly does not have to be hard to get auto insurance quotes. In just a matter of an hour you can find the right company, get signed up, and be ready to head out on the road in your vehicle. You will not only be doing things by the book by getting auto insurance, but as well you will feel much more at ease and relaxed and are less likely to be tense at the wheel and getting into accidents.

You Get What You Pay For: Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

For those companies or single proprietorship business that has a vehicle or owns a fleet of vehicles, a priority for those businesses is the obtaining of auto insurance. The best type of auto insurance to get if the company operates their business using vehicles is to obtain commercial auto insurance.

Therefore, if looking into obtaining commercial auto insurance it is important to know what commercial auto insurance is, why this type of insurance is needed and what are the best ways to obtain commercial auto insurance quotes. auto insurance san diego policy could include collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, towing package, etc.

Additionally, if a company owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles they will want to look into commercial auto insurance. Therefore, it is important to know what commercial auto insurance is and how to best shop for the best commercial auto insurance quote.

Getting Quotes

If you have access to the internet, then you are mere minutes away from getting quotes from every single [cheap auto insurance]

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Feb 25 2009

V10 Audi R8. The one to have

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Audi has truly outdone itself this time, no longer can Audi be considered the bridesmaid among the super-car brands – that’s right step aside Porsche, step aside Lamborghini – there could be a whole new bride in town.

The Audi team has really stepped up the latest version of their R8 to be viable competition with the other big boys on the circuit.  The 2010 model is super powerful – five hundred and twenty-five horsepower powerful, but is still quiet and controllable enough to actually be used on a regular basis unlike some of the Italian super-cars.

This ultra powerful version of the R8 is capable of flying from zero to sixty mph in less than four seconds, but what makes it an even better alternative to the Porches, Lamborghinis and Ferraris of the world is that the power it brings is so nicely complemented by the incredible handling that you experience behind the wheel.

How Much? 

The price tag on the 2010 Audi R8 has jumped almost as much as the quality of the car and at nearly one hundred and fifty thousand dollars the price is another close point of comparison between the new R8 and the Porsche 911.  The 911 though was often consider a poor rich man’s version of the Ferraris or Lamborghinis of the world, but the new R8 brings with it much too much to be considered second rate to anything.For a sports cars the R8 V10 is the on the frienly side bugdet wise despite producing a competitive 525 hp. The 2010 R8’s V10 engine (which uses much of the very same technology as that of the racing engine) is very well fast and powerful enough to be grouped among the other super-cars, but it’s a car you can feel comfortable and confident in driving every day.

The Look 

As should be expected from a car with such a lofty price tag, the 2010 Audi R8 is beautiful both inside and out.  The older version of the R8 managed to scoop up “car of the year” honors based on power and beauty, and this year’s model is both more powerful and more beautiful.There is virtually no difference between this new R8 V10 and the slightly smaller V8 R8.

The 2010 Audi R8 is most likely the only one of the super-cars that has enough space to stow enough luggage for a week long holiday with nearly seven cubic feet of storage available, and the space that is occupied is loaded with features you’d be hard pressed to find in a car with a smaller price tag.

There are any number of options in order to accessorize or customize the new R8, but in reality you don’t really need any of them – the stock model comes complete with heated seats, a GPS navigation system, an incredible sound system, automatic air and a built in alarm.

The 2010 R8 is off the charts when it comes to power, handling and performance but it also gets incredibly high marks in both safety and design further cementing its place at the top of the list for anyone who wants to own a super-car but has needs for an automobile that can be driven every day.

By M.E Bapela

BMW 1 Series For Sale  | Cars For Sale By Owner  | Free Car Advertising

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