Why doesn't the new "Corn" fuel move through pipe lines?

Question

And since it doesn't move through pipe lines ... how will this fuel be distributed to all regions of the country?

Answer 1

Distillate alcohol is not produced in quantities which would require pipelines. (Pipelines would cost billions$$$) The plan is to open localized plants I believe. From there it will be distributed by truck.

BTW Canadian corn for sale.

http://www.cwb.ca/public/en/customers/bu...

Answer 2

Because it's not pressious enough to move through pipe lines. It's not an investment to secure "lines" for.

Because anyone can grow corn and make biofuel.

People can make it in their garages that's why. It's distributed locally and can be transported just like any other cargo (via ship, train, plain, or truck). If they really want to be "green" they can use biodiesel trucks to transport it within the contenant / regions. That way they don't use gas trucks. That's to say if they want to save money and be green ;-) some just aren't that smart lol ^_^

Anyways, if anyone can make it then there is no reason to waste money on pipe lines ;-)

(and what "JJ" said ;-) he said it well too with other points)

Answer 3

Ethanol unlike petroleum is water soluble.  Therefore It attracts moisture from leaks and condensation from the changes of temperature and humidity in the pipelines over time.  The watered down fuel is hard to separate out and causes the fuel to become substandard and quickly reduces the octane boosting that ethanol provides, risking severe damage to engines that might use it.  

Also there is concern the ethanol will corrode the pipeline and deteriorate the gaskets and "pigs" that run in the pipe to separate different fuels.

Therefore it will not be transported through pipelines anytime soon, unless they can become 100% moisture proof.

Ethanol currently is transported by train and tanker trucks.

http://www.ethanol360.com/2006/05/ethano...

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Answer 4

It does come shooting down the pipe, as a solid.

After a meal containing corn, check, you will see it sticking out of the solid mass that contains it.

How will it be distributed to all regions of the country?

sewage system run amuck???

Answer 5

because, it simply spoils.

think about it...corn can spoil..so a bi-product of it can spoil too.

Answer 6

because it is cheaper to bring the production facilities to the farm communities, rather than bring the corn to them.

the costs of laying pipeline is enormous, so is transportation of grain if you have to transport it long distances. it conserves more fuel and promotes local economies by keeping it local.

along with the miscibility mentioned above, alcohols are also volatile. would you want pipelines of flammable solvents criss-crossing the country every which way?

oil is sometimes transported via pipelines, but it isn't near as volatile as ethanol or methanol. and therefore isn't as explosive.

Answer 7

Its distributed by truck from local cornfields.

Answer 8

Corn fuel can only go short distances through pipes, And those pipes must be sloped downward at a reasonably steep angle. Its not a very good fuel anyway as you have to have a silo fitted to your car and the husks are forever blocking the carburator jets. There are plans to make it runnier though.