Thermodepolymerization (making oil from anything!)

well, sure, if we could do away with fossil fuels entirely that would be great. However, until then it'd be nice to do away with our landfills while decreasing our dependency on foreign oil at the same time, yubdub.

not to mention burning fossil fuels is a fuckload cleaner now than it was 30 years ago

I'm still trying to educate myself on these topics so I'm not sure of the validity of this. Quoted from http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash. net/


What about that new technology that can turn anything into oil?


"Thermal depolymerization" which can transform many kinds of waste into oil, could help us raise our energy efficiency as we lose power due to oil depletion. While it could help us ameliorate the crash, it is not a true solution.


Like all other forms of alternative energy, we have run out of time to implement it before the crash. Currently, only one thermal depolymerization plant is operational. Thousands of such plants would need to come online before this technology would make even a small difference in our situation.


Furthermore, whatever comes out of the process must carry less useful energy than what went into the process, as required by the laws of thermodynamics. Finally, most of the waste input (such as plastics and tires) requires high grade oil to make in the first place.


The biggest problem with thermal depolymerization is that it is being advertised as a means to maintain business as usual. Such advertising promotes further consumption, provides us with a dangerously false sense of security, and encourages us to continue thinking that we don't need to make this issue a priority.

that guy forgets that they're making oil from TURKEY GUTS, not tires and plastic with the process

DoW[-RedDeath']that guy forgets that they're making oil from TURKEY GUTS, not tires and plastic with the process


Cool, Thanksgiving can now be held 10 times a year. :slurp:

Have any of you fools recognized the dangers of Peak Turkey?

oh noes!

i'd imagine the process could also be used on stuff like leafy waste, and other farming byproducts

I think there is merrit to some of the things said in lifeafterthecrash. If nothing else, it gives you pause to think about how dependent we have become on technology and certain elements of our national infrastructure. It's enough to make you store some sparklettes out in your garage ;)

However, I think the author is taking a very pessimistic view in regards to emerging technologies and alternative fuel sources. In particular he seems to dismiss thermodepolymerization out of hand, without any facts to back up his "too little, too late" claims.

Everyone using the 'laws of thermodynamics' argument have it wrong. While true, this runs on the same material it produces, it produces more than it requires, much like a diesel oil pump. (I don't know anything about oil pumps)

Or like a farmer. Farmers grow food, they also eat it. However, they only eat a fraction of what they grow. You could use the 'law of thermodynamics' to prove that farmers need to eat more crops than they grow. :rolleyes:



This isn't a system where energy isn't lost. This is a system converting one thing to another, and yes, energy is lost. Just not in a sense we immediately care about. The energy we want, hydrocarbons, is converted from carbohydrates, lipids, and protiens, just fine. It just so happens that the produced material is one that the device can convert to energy in its operational processes.

the energy is already stored in the material that's being processed, and the process is powered by gas made from the material. so of course it abides by the laws of thermodynamics, but the oil is made from something that would have gone to waste anyway so it's all basically free

Everyone using the 'laws of thermodynamics' argument have it wrong. While true, this runs on the same material it produces, it produces more than it requires, much like a diesel oil pump. (I don't know anything about oil pumps)

Or like a farmer. Farmers grow food, they also eat it. However, they only eat a fraction of what they grow. You could use the 'law of thermodynamics' to prove that farmers need to eat more crops than they grow. :rolleyes:



This isn't a system where energy isn't lost. This is a system converting one thing to another, and yes, energy is lost. Just not in a sense we immediately care about. The energy we want, hydrocarbons, is converted from carbohydrates, lipids, and protiens, just fine. It just so happens that the produced material is one that the device can convert to energy in its operational processes.
For once, Chikaze says something intelligent and relevant. Are you ok?

For once, Chikaze says something intelligent and relevant. Are you ok?

It took a world-wide oil crisis, and the potential extinction of our species, but proud TribalWarriors are finally seeing eye-to-eye.

For once, I've made a statement that aligns with your perspective and experience.

Yes, I'm feeling quite right. :p

It took a world-wide oil crisis, and the potential extinction of our species, but proud TribalWarriors are finally seeing eye-to-eye.
:rofl: