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Natural Gas
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Facelifted Mercedes-Benz B-Class with diesel, gasoline, natural gas and electric drives debuting at Paris show
September 12, 2014
Mercedes-Benz has given its B-Class range—more than 350,000 of which have been sold worldwide since market launch in late 2011—a major facelift including exterior and interior enhancements along with redefined design and equipment lines. Sales of the new B-Class commenced on 12 September, with the world première taking place during the Paris Motor Show (4 to 19 October). The revamped models will be making their way to dealerships from 29 November 2014.
Buyers have a wide choice of powertrains: five diesel models with fuel ranging from 3.6 to 5.0 l/100 km (65.3 to 47 mpg US); four gasoline engines at between 5.4 and 6.6 l/100 km (43.6 and 35.6 mpg US); alternative drive systems (B 200 Natural Gas Drive and B-Class Electric Drive); as well as optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The sports tourer also features a Cd value of less than 0.25. Prices in Europe will start from €27,102.25 (around US$35,000) for the B 180.
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Soros signals Argentina's shale is biggest place to be; doubles stake in YPF SA
September 04, 2014
by James Stafford of Oilprice.com
One of the world's legendary investors is upping his bet on Argentina's shale oil and gas industry in a show of confidence for shale production in South America's largest unconventional prize—and a big boost for both supermajors and smaller players making big waves in the heart of new discovery areas.
George Soros has doubled his stake in YPF SA, the state-owned oil company in Argentina, which sits atop some of the world's largest shale oil and gas resources, and is about to get even larger following a new discovery over the last couple of weeks of a second key shale play.
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US MARAD study finds marine use of natural gas substantially reduces some air pollutants and slightly reduces GHG emissions
August 26, 2014
A recently released total fuel cycle analysis for maritime case studies shows that natural gas fuels reduce some air quality pollutants substantially, and reduce major greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions slightly, when compared to conventional petroleum-based marine fuels (low-sulfur and high-sulfur). The study was released by the US Department of Transportation's (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) and was conducted through a cooperative partnership with the Maritime Administration, the University of Delaware and The Rochester Institute of Technology.
They also found that the upstream configuration for natural gas supply matters in terms of minimizing GHG emissions on a total fuel cycle basis, and that the current infrastructure for marine fuels may produce fewer GHGs. Continued improvements to minimize downstream emissions of methane during vessel-engine operations will also contribute to lower GHG emissions from marine applications of natural gas fuels.
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Volvo Trucks introduces new monofuel natural gas version of FE
August 20, 2014
|Volvo FE CNG. Click to enlarge.
Volvo Trucks is expanding its model range in Europe with a new version of the Volvo FE running entirely on natural gas. The Volvo FE CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) has been primarily developed for operations involving short driving cycles with repeated starts and stops such as refuse collection and local distribution.
The Volvo FE CNG is powered by an all-new 9-liter Euro 6 engine featuring spark plug technology that produces 320 hp (239 kW) and 1356 N·m (1000 lb-ft) of torque. Spark plug technology is particularly suitable for driving cycles where the truck covers short distances with a lot of start-stop traffic, said Christina Eriksson, Business Manager Alternative Drivelines at Volvo Trucks.
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OCM company Siluria pulls in $30M in D round led by Saudi Aramco; methane to fuels and chemicals
Siluria Technologies, a pioneer in the commercialization of an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) technology to produce ethylene from natural gas (earlier post), announced the initial close of its Series D financing round. The round was led by Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures (SAEV), the venture investment subsidiary of Saudi Aramco and included additional investments by all of the major existing investors in Siluria. The total raise for this initial close of the Series D financing was $30 million.
With this initial Series D financing, Siluria has raised just under $100 million since its inception. Siluria is currently in discussions with additional strategic and financial investors to complete a total Series D financing of approximately $50 million.
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U. Mich study: natural-gas-based ICE, BEV and FCV all show promise for environmental benefits relative to conventional ICE
August 19, 2014
Results of a lifecycle analysis by a team at the University of Michigan suggest that multiple types of natural gas-powered vehicles—i.e., natural-gas burning ICE vehicles; battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) recharged with gas-generated electricity; and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) using hydrogen produced from natural gas—all show promise for reducing environmental impacts, energy demand and climate change impacts relative to conventional petroleum-fueled internal combustion engined vehicles for personal mobility.
Qiang Dai and Christian Lastoskie found that BEVs and FCVs in particular offer significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, especially if carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies are implemented at the fuel conversion facilities. Their study appears in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
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Mercedes-Benz showcasing new 7.7L Euro VI natural gas engine for medium-duty commercial vehicles at IAA; replaces two earlier models
August 08, 2014
|Relative (percent) CO2 emissions benefit of the new natural gas variant as compared to the 220 kW diesel engine. Benz et al.. Click to enlarge.
Among its trucks on display at the upcoming IAA in Hanover, Mercedes-Benz will showcase an Econic equipped with its new Euro VI medium-duty natural gas engine (M 936NGT), which is derived from the 7.7-liter Euro VI M 936 inline six-cylinder diesel. This engine will replace the current natural gas engines based on 900 and 400 model series engines, with 6.9 and 12 liters of displacement respectively. These are lean-burn engines and fulfill Euro V EEV emissions specification.
As a mono-fuel engine, the new engine runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and has an output of 221 kW (301 hp) while delivering maximum torque of 1200 N·m (885 lb-ft)—the same performance as the single-stage turbocharged diesel model. CO2 emissions are up to 22% below those of diesel (during high-load conditions), even with the lower efficiency of an Otto-cycle SI combustion engine relative to diesel. Using biogas further improves the carbon footprint.
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DOE to award $9M to promote consensus on future fossil energy technologies
July 20, 2014
The US Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy will award $9 million over five years to organizations to assist it in building domestic and international consensus on future fossil energy technologies (DE-FOA-0001111). The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) anticipates two awards being made: the first for $7 million in the area of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and fossil-fuel-based Clean Energy Systems (CES); the second for $2 million in the area of international oil and natural gas.
One of the key missions of the Office of Fossil Energy is to "ensure the nation can continue to rely on traditional resources for clean, secure and affordable energy while enhancing environmental protection." In pursuit of this, the Office provides outreach and education to many stakeholders, including the general public, in order to allow them to make educated choices about energy.
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Review: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD with bi-fuel CNG option
July 14, 2014
|View of the CNG tank in the bed of a Silverado 2500HD with bi-fuel option. Click to enlarge.
GM's 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the bi-fuel (natural gas) option (earlier post) offers buyers—primarily commercial and fleet buyers—a strong natural-gas option in the ¾-ton pickup market that combines the excellent qualities of the base Silverado 2500HD with the economic (lower cost) and environmental (lower emissions of GHGs and criteria pollutants) benefits of natural gas fuel and packages the two together seamlessly.
As with any vehicle choice, there are trade-offs that need to be balanced against target use. In the case of the 2500HD bi-fuel, the two main trade-offs are a reduction in power and torque in CNG mode compared to gasoline mode, and the loss of a portion of the bed of the truck to the 3,600 psi CNG tank and its box-like enclosure. (It looks like a hefty black tool box mounted across the front of the bed.) Of those two trade-offs, only the second is permanent. The driver can easily switch from CNG to gasoline with the flick of a switch, essentially reverting the 2500HD to its conventional gasoline cousin, with the accompanying boost in power and torque for occasions that might call for it.
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Calysta reports 8-fold improvement in gas fermentation in ARPA-E program; BioGTL
July 10, 2014
Calysta, Inc. reported that it has achieved 8-fold improved performance over traditional fermentation technologies in a high mass transfer bioreactor. The bioreactor technology is under development for efficient methane-to-liquids fermentation processes, enabling rapid, cost-effective methane conversion into protein, industrial chemicals and fuels. (Earlier post.)
The improved performance was achieved in the research phase of a program funded in part by the Department of Energy's ARPA-E program under the REMOTE program (Reducing Emissions using Methanotrophic Organisms for Transportation Energy), awarded in September 2013. (Earlier post.) Calysta develops sustainable industrial products using novel natural gas conversion technology using methane.
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Critical review finds actual measurement data on segments of natural gas lifecycle sparse or lacking
July 08, 2014
After a critical review of the literature on the air impacts of increased natural gas acquisition, processing, and use, a team of US researchers has determined that that actual measurement data on various individual segments of the natural gas life cycle are sparse or critically lacking.
National and state regulators primarily use generic emission inventories to assess the climate, air quality, and health impacts of natural gas systems. These inventories rely on limited, incomplete, and sometimes outdated emission factors and activity data, based on few measurements, they found. In their paper, published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology, they make a number of recommendations to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of the natural gas resource.
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Navigant forecasts MHD vehicle market to nearly double by 2035 with declining share of conventional engines; gases win out over electricity
July 07, 2014
The number of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) in use worldwide will nearly double between 2014 and 2035, according to a new forecast report by Navigant Research. Navigant projects that annual MHDV sales will grow throughout the forecast period at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4%.
Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs)—including battery-electric (BEVs), plug-in hybrid (PHEVs), propane autogas (PAGVs) and natural gas vehicles (NGVs)—will grow from 5.0% of the market in 2014 to 11.2% by 2035. A majority of these AFVs will be NGVs and PAGVs. Vehicles running primarily on hydrogen and electricity will make up less than 1% of all MHDVs in 2035, according to Navigant.
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EDI partners with Greenkraft for parallel-series multi-mode Class-4 CNG-PHEV truck; CEC funding
June 30, 2014
|Greenkraft truck. Click to enlarge.
Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI), a producer of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and continuously variable transmission (CVT) solutions (earlier post), is partnering with Greenkraft, CALSTART, and the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop a Class-4 vehicle that combines the benefits of compressed natural gas (CNG) and PHEV technology. EDI was co-founded by Professor Andy Frank from UC Davis—a key figure in the development of the PHEV concept and technology—in 2006.
The effort combines EDI's intelligent multi-mode PHEV powertrain (EDI-Drive) with Greenkraft's CNG-powered 14,500-pound, Class-4 medium-duty truck, which is equipped with a 6.0L GM engine. EDI's solution can improve the fuel economy of a conventional CNG-powered medium-duty truck by more than 40%, the company said.
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Researchers propose CO2 recycling to improve Fischer-Tropsch GTL efficiency and reduce total CO2 emissions
June 21, 2014
|Overview of the CUGP processes. Credit: ACS, Zhang et al. Click to enlarge.
Researchers in South Korea are suggesting two new carbon-dioxide-utilized Gas-to-Liquids processes (CUGP) to increase the overall efficiency of conventional Fischer-Tropsch GTL. In a paper in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology, they report that the two CUGP options increase carbon efficiency by 21.1−41.3% and thermal efficiency by 15.7−40.7%, with total CO2 emissions reduced by 82.0−88.4%, compared to different conventional F-T processes.
This results in a decrease in total CO2 emissions to less than 5g CO2/MJ F-T product, compared to a range of 27.0 to 36.2g CO2/MJ F-T product for the conventional processes.
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Researchers review risk to water resources from unconventional shale gas development in US
June 19, 2014
A team from Duke University, Stanford University, Dartmouth College and Ohio State University has published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology an overview and synopsis of recent investigations (as of January 2014) into one set of possible environmental impacts from unconventional shale gas development: the potential risks to water resources.
They identified four potential modes of water resource degradation: (1) shallow aquifers contaminated by fugitive natural gas (i.e., stray gas contamination) from leaking shale gas and conventional oil and gas wells, potentially followed by water contamination from hydraulic fracturing fluids and/or formation waters from the deep formations; (2) surface water contamination from spills, leaks, and the disposal of inadequately treated wastewater or hydraulic fracturing fluids; (3) accumulation of toxic and radioactive elements in soil and the sediments of rivers and lakes exposed to wastewater or fluids used in hydraulic fracturing; and (4) the overuse of water resources, which can compete with other water uses such as agriculture in water-limited environments.
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DOE releases report on water-energy nexus
The US Department of Energy (DOE) released a new report that frames an integrated challenge and opportunity space around the water-energy nexus for DOE and its partners and lays the foundation for future efforts.
Present day water and energy systems are tightly intertwined. Water is used in all phases of energy production and electricity generation. Energy is required to extract, convey, and deliver water of appropriate quality for diverse human uses. Recent developments have focused national attention on these connections.
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Porous material polymerizes carbon dioxide at natural gas wellheads; less costly and energy-intensive approach
June 03, 2014
|Particles of nitrogen-containing porous carbon polymerize CO2 from natural gas under pressure at a wellhead. When the pressure is released, the CO2 returns to gaseous form. Courtesy of the Tour Group. Click to enlarge.
Scientists in the Rice University lab of chemist James Tour have developed materials that offer a lower cost, less energy-intensive way to separate carbon dioxide from natural gas at wellheads. The nucleophilic porous carbons, synthesized from simple and inexpensive carbon–sulphur and carbon–nitrogen precursors, pull only carbon dioxide molecules from flowing natural gas and polymerize them while under pressure naturally provided by the well.
When the pressure is released, the carbon dioxide spontaneously depolymerizes and frees the sorbent material to collect more. All of this works in ambient temperatures, unlike current high-temperature capture technologies that use up a portion of the energy being produced.
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DOE issues request for information for Grand Challenges in Subsurface Engineering
May 11, 2014
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a request for information for Grand Challenges in Subsurface Engineering (DE-FOA-0001135). The purpose of the RFI is to gather information from industry, academia, national laboratories, and other federal agency stakeholders on critical subsurface knowledge and/or technology gaps that, if filled, will enable significant improvements in the understanding of the character and behavior of the subsurface environment and improve the ability to access, predict, manipulate and monitor the subsurface. Responses to this RFI are due no later than 8:00 PM ET on 23 May 2014.
Background. Subsurface reservoirs account for more than 80% of US primary energy, and also offer potential for the storage of energy, CO2, and nuclear waste. Despite decades of development, DOE notes, current technologies do not allow full utilization of subsurface energy resources; for example, only ~10 to 40% of the oil and gas is recovered from shale and conventional reservoirs, respectively.
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Motiv Engines introduces 2nd-generation split-cycle concept; MkII Clarke-Brayton heavy-duty engine being designed for LNG
May 08, 2014
|Section of the MkII Clarke-Brayton split-cycle engine. Note the three different cylinder sizes. Air moves sequentially from induction (top cylinder) to combustion (middle cylinder) to expansion (bottom cylinder). Click to enlarge.
Motiv Engines, LLC introduced the second-generation of its engine concept dubbed the MkII Clarke-Brayton Engine, which it intends to develop into a heavy-duty on-highway engine fueled by liquid natural gas (LNG). The prototype is fueled by diesel, a first step in proving the technology before developing a new LNG fuel system.
The MkII Clarke-Brayton Engine is a boxer-configuration split-cycle engine implementing what Motiv calls the Clarke-Brayton cycle. The thermodynamics of the engine are virtually identical to the company's previous CCI (Compact Compression Ignition) design, as described in a 2013 SAE paper, but are implemented in a much more conventional way.
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DOE to award up to $35M for environmentally-prudent unconventional resource development
May 04, 2014
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a funding opportunity announcement (DE-FOA-0001076) for projects in Fiscal Year 2014 (FY2014) that focus on improving the environmental performance of unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG)—i.e., shale gas, tight oil, and tight gas—resource development. DOE expects approximately $25-35 million to be available for new awards under the FOA.
While in-place, unconventional resources are substantial, recovery efficiencies are commonly low in these reservoirs. Current industry practice includes decreasing well and frac stage spacing to increase overall recovery. The objective of the new FOA is to address critical gaps of knowledge of the characterization, basic subsurface science, and completion/stimulation strategies of tight oil, tight gas, and shale gas resources to enable more efficient resource recovery from fewer and less environmentally impactful wells.
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Cambridge study of near-term alternative London bus technologies finds lean-burn CNG most costly with greater climate impact than diesel
May 01, 2014
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have conducted a comprehensive environmental cost–benefit analysis of near-term alternative bus technologies. The study considered emissions of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), CO, NOx, PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3), as well as the lifecycle climate impact of CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHG) on a CO2-equivalent basis.
Their findings indicated that emission control strategy retrofits are the least costly near-term intervention to reduce urban air pollution. Although hybrid buses provide net GHG reductions and air quality improvements, associated costs are higher and more uncertain than emission retrofits. Lean-burn (spark ignition) compressed natural gas (LB-CNG) delivers the lowest health impacts due to the significant reduction of PM2.5, but has relatively high associated CO2e emissions that negate the health benefits, they found. As a result, current LB-CNG vehicles are the most costly of all of the modeled technologies, they concluded. Their study appears in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.
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Westport and Weichai launch WP12 engine and begin development of WD10 engine with Westport HPDI 2.0 technology
April 28, 2014
Westport Innovations Inc. has launched the final customer validation units of the next-generation Westport high pressure direct injection (Westport HPDI 2.0, earlier post) on the Weichai Westport WP12 engine platform. The Weichai Westport WP 12 HPDI is China's first engine featuring Westport HPDI technology, delivering the power and performance of the base diesel engine, while replacing up to 95% of diesel fuel with cleaner burning, less expensive natural gas. Using Westport HPDI, the WP12 engine is expected to meet China V emission standards (roughly equivalent to Euro V) without a complex after-treatment system.
Weichai Westport plans to release 30 trucks for customer validation through 2014 with factory production expected to start in 2015. Weichai and Westport have also agreed to develop the 10-liter Weichai Westport WD10 engine with Westport HPDI 2.0. Weichai Westport will provide funding for the development with Westport supplying key components and engineering support.
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DOE to award up to $20M for further studies on methane hydrates; projects worth up to $80M
April 14, 2014
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a funding opportunity announcement for up to $20 million (DE-FOA-0001023) for applications for selection and award in FY 2014 that focus on the (1) methane hydrate reservoir-response field experiments in Alaska; and (2) field programs for marine gas hydrate characterization. DOE anticipates that individual total project values may be up to $80 million depending on the number of awards, complexity, duration, and level of recipient cost share.
These projects are to support program goals and represent a critical component of advancing several of the specific mandates previously established for the Methane Hydrate Program under the Methane Hydrate Act of 2000 (as amended by Section 968 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005).
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DOE releases five-year strategic plan, 2014-2018; supporting "all of the above" energy strategy
April 08, 2014
The US Department of Energy (DOE) released its five-year 2014-2018 Strategic Plan. The plan is organized into 12 strategic objectives aimed at three distinct goals: Science and Energy; Nuclear Security; and Management and Performance. These objectives represent broad cross-cutting and collaborative efforts across DOE headquarters, site offices, and national laboratories.
The overarching goal for Science and Energy is: "Advance foundational science, innovate energy technologies, and inform data driven policies that enhance US economic growth and job creation, energy security, and environmental quality, with emphasis on implementation of the President's Climate Action Plan to mitigate the risks of and enhance resilience against climate change." Under that, the plan sketches out 3 strategic goals:
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ERTRAC publishes roadmap on energy carriers and powertrains; role for power-to-gas
April 07, 2014
|Main technology trends and the vision share of engines in Europe. [ERTRAC / EUCAR] Click to enlarge.
The European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) has published a new roadmap assessing energy carriers and powertrains in the context of the European target to achieve a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions from transport by 2050. ERTRAC is the European Technology Platform (ETP) for Road Transport recognized and supported by the European Commission. ERTRAC has more than 50 members, representing all the actors of the Road Transport System: transport industry, European associations, EU Member States, local authorities, European Commission services, etc.
The analysis concludes that while the goal is challenging, it is also realizable; however the overall high-level goals need to be segmented into precise targets for the different industries and stakeholders. For the topic of future road mobility these are the development of alternative and decarbonized fuels and energy carriers; and higher powertrain efficiency leading to cleaner mobility and reduction in resource demand.
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NRC report offers guidance on development of Phase 2 rules to reduce fuel consumption and GHG from medium-and heavy-duty vehicles; more natural gas and aerodyanamics, expanded lifecycle considerations
April 03, 2014
Expanding the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and greater use of aerodynamic devices on trailers are among the 17 overarching strategies recommended by a new National Research Council report for reducing fuel consumption by tractor-trailers, transit buses, commercial vehicles, trucks, and other medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs).
The report follows a 2010 Research Council report the findings and recommendations of which informed the "Phase I Rule" on fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles issued jointly by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and US Environmental Protection Agency. (Earlier post.) The new report offers guidance for the "Phase II Rule" under development, which is directed at technologies and programs in the post-2018 time frame. (Earlier post.) The committee will expand upon this new work and issue a final report in 2016 that will cover a broader range of technologies and approaches that address the 2025-2030 time frame.
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MIT Energy Initiative announces 2014 seed grant awards
March 30, 2014
The MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) announced its latest round of seed grants to support early-stage innovative energy projects. A total of more than $1.6 million was awarded to 11 projects, each lasting up to two years. With this latest round, the MITEI Seed Fund Program has supported 129 early-stage research proposals, with total funding of about $15.8 million.
This year's winners address a wide range of topics including new methods of designing and using catalysts; assessment of natural gas technologies; novel design concepts for batteries, energy harvesters, and capacitors; integrated photovoltaic–electrochemical devices to reduce CO2 for fuel production; and investigations into public opinion on various state energy policies.
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Synthetic biology company launches JV to commercialize gas-to-liquids bioconversion; isobutanol first target
March 28, 2014
Synthetic biology company Intrexon Corporation has formed Intrexon Energy Partners (IEP), a joint venture with a group of external investors, to optimize and to scale-up Intrexon's gas-to-liquids (GTL) bioconversion platform. IEP's first target product is isobutanol for gasoline blending.
Intrexon's natural gas upgrading program is targeting the development of an engineered microbial cell line for industrial-scale bioconversion of natural gas to chemicals, lubricants and fuels, as opposed to employing standard chemical routes. Intrexon says it has already achieved initial proof of concept with an engineered microbial host converting methane into isobutanol in a laboratory-scale bioreactor.
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JEC updates well-to-wheels study on automotive fuels and powertrains; electro-mobility, natural gas and biofuels
March 27, 2014
|WTW energy expended and GHG emissions for conventional fuels ICE and hybrid vehicles shows the potential for improvement of conventional fuels and ICE based vehicles. Source: EUR 26236 EN - 2014 Click to enlarge.
Europe's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and its partners in the JEC Consortium—JRC, EUCAR (the European Council for Automotive R&D) and CONCAWE (the oil companies European association for environment, health and safety in refining and distribution)—have published a new version of the Well-to-Wheels Analysis of Future Automotive Fuels and Powertrains in the European Context. (Earlier post.)
The updated version includes a longer-term outlook by expanding the time horizon from 2010 and beyond to 2020 and beyond. It adds an assessment of electrically chargeable vehicle configurations, such as plug-in hybrid, range extended, battery and fuel-cell electric vehicles. It also introduces an update of natural gas pathways, taking into account the addition of a European shale gas pathway. Furthermore, biofuel pathways, including an entirely new approach to NOx emissions from farming, were thoroughly revised.
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KAIST researchers develop box-shaped pressure vessel for storage and transportation of pressurized gases and fluids
March 25, 2014
|Scaled-down model of prismatic pressure vessel. Click to enlarge.
Professors Pål G. Bergan and Daejun Chang and of Ocean Systems Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a box-type, large-size pressure vessel for the storage and transportation of liquids such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The project was sponsored by POSCO, a multinational steel-making company based in Pohang, Republic of Korea.
Pressure vessels have many applications and are widely used within the petrochemical, energy, and other industrial sectors where the transport and storage of many types of pressurized gases and fluids are essential. Pressure vessels must be designed, manufactured, installed, and operated strictly in accordance with the appropriate codes and standards since they can, in cases of leak or rupture, pose considerable health and safety hazards.
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Velocys, Waste Management, NRG Energy and Ventech form JV for small-scale gas-to-liquids plants
March 24, 2014
Velocys plc, a developer of smaller-scale microchannel gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, has entered a joint venture (JV) with Waste Management, NRG Energy (NRG), and Ventech Engineers International (Ventech) to develop gas-to-liquids (GTL) plants in the United States and other select geographies.
The JV will pursue the development of multiple plants utilizing a combination of renewable biogas (including landfill gas) and natural gas. Waste Management intends to supply renewable gas and, in certain cases, project sites. All four members will work exclusively through the JV to pursue the intended application (GTL using renewable gas, optionally in conjunction with natural gas) in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and China.
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BlackPak awarded $4.6M ARPA-E project for container-less natural gas fuel tank technology development
March 21, 2014
The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) has awarded BlackPak, Inc., a private technology company developing innovative packaging solutions for natural gas fuel sources, a $4.6-million cooperative agreement for the development of its natural gas fuel tank technology under ARPA-E's Methane Opportunities for Vehicular Energy (MOVE) Program.
Under the ARPA-E award, Blackpak will use high-strength, high-surface-area carbon to develop a sorbent-based natural gas storage vessel in which the sorbent itself is the container, eliminating the external pressure vessel altogether. BlackPak, together with its partners, ATMI, Inc. and SRI International, is developing adsorbed natural gas storage systems for automotive and commercial applications with a target system-level energy density greater than 6 MJ/L at 500 psi pressure.
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Siluria Technologies unveils new development unit for liquid fuels from natural gas based on OCM and ETL technologies
Siluria Technologies, the developer of novel bio-templated catalysts for the economic direct conversion of methane (CH4) to ethylene (C2H4) (earlier post), unveiled a development unit for producing liquid fuels from natural gas based on Siluria's proprietary oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) and ethylene-to-liquid (ETL) technologies.
Together, Siluria's OCM and ETL technologies form a unique and efficient process for transforming methane into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other liquid fuels. Unlike the high-temperature, high-pressure cracking processes employed today to produce fuels and chemicals, Siluria's process employs catalytic processes to create longer-chain, higher-value materials, thereby significantly reducing operating costs and capital.
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Researchers develop new lower-temperature process for conversion of natural gas alkanes to alcohols
March 14, 2014
Researchers from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) and Brigham Young University have devised a new and more efficient method to convert natural gas into liquid products at much lower temperatures than conventional methods.
Their work, reported in the journal Science, uses main-group metals such as thallium and lead to oxidize methane and the other alkanes contained in natural gas (ethane and propane) to liquid alcohols at about 180 °C instead of the more than 500 °C used in current processes, said SRI Professor Roy Periana, who led the research. This creates the potential to produce fuels and chemicals at much lower cost.
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Eaton and Cummins Westport launch first automated transmission/natural gas engine package for N.A. Market; expanding SmartAdvantage diesel packages
March 10, 2014
|ISXG12 G paired with UltraShift PLUS. Click to enlarge.
Eaton and Cummins Westport, a joint-venture company of Cummins Inc. and Westport Innovations (NASDAQ: WPRT/TSX: WPT), are introducing an integrated powertrain package for the Cummins Westport ISX12 G natural gas engine that will provide customers with the first automated transmission to be paired with a spark-ignited natural gas engine in the North American market. The powertrain will combine an Eaton UltraShift PLUS automated transmission with the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine.
Eaton and Cummins also announced that their popular SmartAdvantage Powertrain package is being expanded to include applications for the ISX12 diesel engine and ISX15 SmartAdvantage applications up to 110,000 lb gross vehicle weight (GVW). The product initially integrated an Eaton Fuller Advantage Series Automated Transmission with the Cummins ISX15 engine.
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Westport and Delphi sign joint development agreement to commercialize natural gas injector technology for heavy-duty applications
March 03, 2014
Westport Innovations Inc. and Delphi Automotive have signed a joint development agreement under which the two will combine their intellectual property and engineering strengths to co-develop and manufacture high-pressure natural gas fuel injectors designed for multiple heavy-duty engine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The first in a family of injectors to be developed will be one of the core components of Westport's recently announced HPDI 2.0 fuel system. (Earlier post.)
Westport HPDI uses natural gas as the primary fuel in a diesel (compression ignition) cycle along with a small amount of diesel fuel as an ignition source. Core to the approach is a patented injector with a dual-concentric needle design. This allows small quantities of diesel fuel and large quantities of natural gas to be delivered at high pressure to the combustion chamber.
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Magna to introduce lightweight natural gas vehicle concept at Geneva; less than 49 gCO2/km
February 26, 2014
|MILA Blue. Click to enlarge.
To showcase its capabilities, global automotive supplier Magna International Inc. will showcase the MILA Blue vehicle concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2014. MILA Blue is a natural-gas powered, A-segment lightweight vehicle that produces less than 49g CO2/km.
MILA Blue, the seventh concept vehicle in the MILA family, represents a new lightweight design approach. Realized through a combination of an optimized vehicle architecture and lightweight design concepts as well as novel materials and joining technologies, MILA Blue achieves a weight savings of 300 kg (661 lbs) compared to typical current A-segment vehicles.
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Study concludes that NG leakage higher than reflected in inventories; transportation fuel climate benefits questioned
February 14, 2014
A review of 20 years of technical literature on natural gas (NG) emissions in the United States and Canada comprising more than 200 papers has concluded that official inventories consistently underestimate actual CH4 emissions due to leakage from the natural gas system. "Atmospheric tests covering the entire country indicate emissions around 50 percent more than EPA estimates," said lead author Adam Brandt at Stanford University. The study, which is authored by researchers from seven universities, several national laboratories and federal government bodies and other organizations, is published in the journal Science.
Among the other high-level findings of the review are that (i) the natural gas and oil sectors are important contributors to the leakage; (ii) many independent experiments suggest that a small number of "superemitters" could be responsible for a large fraction of leakage; (iii) recent regional atmospheric studies with very high emissions rates are unlikely to be representative of typical natural gas system leakage rates; and (iv) assessments using 100-year impact indicators show system-wide leakage is unlikely to be large enough to negate climate benefits of coal-to-NG substitution.
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Tata and Westport introduce new 5L engine with GEMDi dual-fuel technology, new 3.8L SI gas engine
February 12, 2014
|Tata 5L engine with GEMdi. Click to enlarge.
Westport Innovations Inc. unveiled its newest proprietary dual-fuel technology: Westport gas enhanced methane diesel (Westport GEMDi), applied to Tata Motors' new 5-liter dual-fuel methane-diesel engine. Westport GEMDi technology enables engine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to offer a fully integrated, high performance engine optimized for dual fuel operation.
Westport co-developed GEMDi technology with Tata Motors on the next-generation 5L engine, targeting medium-duty trucks and buses in India. This technology provides fuel flexibility, beneficial in regions where natural gas infrastructure is emerging, such as India, and is designed to meet Euro IV and V emissions standards.
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Primus Green Energy's STG+ patent for liquid fuel synthesis from syngas approved
February 05, 2014
Primus Green Energy Inc., an alternative fuel company that converts natural gas and other feedstocks directly into drop-in transportation fuels and solvents (earlier post), announced that its patent application covering its STG+ liquid fuel synthesis technology has been allowed by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). STG+ produces high-quality, cost-effective, drop-in liquid transportation fuels directly from syngas derived from natural gas and other carbon-rich feedstocks in a single-loop process.
STG+ essentially improves upon commercial methanol synthesis processes and ExxonMobil's methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) process, combining them into an integrated, optimized system that efficiently converts syngas directly to fuels. In addition to the gasoline product, the STG+ process can also produce jet fuel, diesel and high-value chemicals by changing the catalysts and operating conditions. The company, which is currently producing synthetic gasoline at its demonstration plant (earlier post), plans to build several more reactors in parallel to the current production train for other fuel products.
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Report argues advanced HD natural gas vehicles foundational for California to hit air and climate goals; near zero-emission potential
January 28, 2014
|Five technology paths for very-low-NOx and GHG emissions from heavy-duty natural gas engines. Click to enlarge.
Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), a consulting firm specializing in market development for low emission and alternative fuel vehicle technologies, infrastructure, and fuels for both on- and off-road applications, released a report examining the critical role that ultra-low-emission heavy-duty (HD) natural gas engines can play in helping California achieve its air quality, climate protection and petroleum-displacement goals.
The "Pathways to Near-Zero-Emission Natural Gas Heavy Duty Vehicles" report, authored by GNA on behalf of Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), showcases the technologies currently under development that could deliver near-zero-emission heavy-duty natural gas engines by the end of this decade.
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California Energy Commission to award up to $10.8M in incentives for new natural gas vehicles
The California Energy Commission is soliciting (PON-13-610) applications for a total of $10.8 million in funding for natural gas vehicle incentives to reduce the purchase price of new on-road natural gas vehicles. The incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis and at varying levels depending on the gross vehicle weight.
The solicitation is open to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For purposes of the solicitation, an OEM is defined as an entity that manufactures and assembles vehicle chassis or engines, and sells under its name or badge complete light-, medium-, or heavy-duty vehicles or school buses. An OEM may reserve incentives directly for eligible vehicles that are sold through its dealers and distributors. Incentives are available through this solicitation only for vehicles meeting all of the following requirements:
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Berkeley Lab-led team re-engineering new enzyme and metabolic cycle for direct production of liquid transportation fuels from methane
January 16, 2014
A Berkeley Lab-led team is working to re-engineer an enzyme for the efficient conversion of methane to liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels. The project was awarded $3.5 million by the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) as part of its REMOTE (Reducing Emissions using Methanotrophic Organisms for Transportation Energy) program. (Earlier post.)
Methane can be converted to liquid hydrocarbons by thermochemical processes; however, these processes are both energy intensive and often non-selective. There are bacteria in nature—methanotrophs—that consume methane and convert it to chemicals that can be fashioned into fuel. Unfortunately, the enabling enzyme doesn't produce chemicals with the efficiency needed to make transportation fuels. While some scientists are working to make this enzyme more efficient, Dr. Christer Jansson's team is taking a new approach by starting with a different enzyme that ordinarily takes in carbon dioxide.
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Swiss WTW study finds important role for alternative fuels as well as alt drivetrains in move to low-emissions vehicles
January 03, 2014
|WTW energy demand and GHG emissions for EV and PHEV drivetrains for various electricity sources; gasoline ICE vehicle is solid square, hybrid the hollow square. Click to enlarge.
A comprehensive analysis of well-to-wheel (WTW) primary energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the operation of conventional and alternative passenger vehicle drivetrains in Switzerland has concluded that alternative combustion fuels—not only alternative drivetrains such as PEVs or FCVs—play an important role in the transition towards low-emission vehicles.
The study by a team at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, reported in the Journal of Power Sources, is novel in three respects, the researchers said. First, it considers the performance of both mature and novel hydrogen production processes, multiple electricity generation pathways and several alternative drivetrains. Second, it is specific to Switzerland. Third, the analysis offers a novel comparison of drivetrain and energy carrier production pathways based on natural resource categories.
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ARB posts six new LCFS pathway applications for comment; new PFAD biodiesel approach
December 18, 2013
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted six new Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) pathway applications to the LCFS public comment web site: corn ethanol; molasses ethanol (from Brazil); palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD) to biodiesel; and landfill gas to LNG, L-CNG, and CNG.
The LCFS requires oil producers, importers and other fuel providers gradually to reduce, on a full-fuel lifecycle basis, the carbon intensity (CI) of their transportation fuel mix (measured in gCO2e/MJ) by from 0.25% in 2011 to 10% by 2020. (Earlier post.) The current batch of new applications covers quite a range of carbon intensity in the fuels: from 88.69 gCO2e/MJ for the corn ethanol, down to 10.64 gCO2e/MJ for biodiesel produced from PFAD—the first such pathway considered for the LCFS program. The baseline carbon intensity for gasoline in the LCFS lookup table is 99.18 gCO2e/MJ and 98.03 gCO2e/MJ for diesel.
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EnerG2 develops new carbon adsorbent material for on-board natural gas storage
EnerG2, a manufacturer of advanced carbon materials for next-generation energy storage (generally for batteries and ultracapacitors), has leveraged its polymer chemistry technologies to develop materials for adsorbed natural gas (ANG) applications. The ultra-high surface area carbon adsorbent material, which packs at optimal density and has been produced at scale, is compatible with any and all tank geometries and systems, the company says.
Currently, natural gas vehicles are fitted with on-board fuel tanks that are too large, cumbersome, and expensive to properly facilitate the widespread adoption of natural gas vehicles in the US and globally. Additionally, the low volumetric density of natural gas (~30% less energy by volume than gasoline) limits range, and makes cost-effective storage solutions a significant challenge. One possible solution is adsorbed storage; the interest is so keen, that ARPA-E awarded a combined $10.875 million in 2012 to four different projects (led by Ford, GTI, Texas A&M and SRI) to develop new sorbent materials for on-board natural gas storage. (Earlier post.)
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Rice study: higher ethanol blends require different approach to deal with vapor intrusion in buildings; extreme event, low probability
December 16, 2013
A study lead by researchers at Rice University suggests that current approaches to manage the vapor intrusion risk into buildings in the vicinity of conventional fuel spills might need to be modified when dealing with some higher ethanol blend fuel (i.e., E20 up to E95) releases. The study is published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.
The basis of the concern is that ethanol-blended fuel spills usually stimulate methanogenesis in the subsurface, which could pose an explosion risk if methane accumulates in a confined space above the ground where ignitable conditions exist. The ethanol-derived methane may also increase the vapor intrusion potential of toxic fuel hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene) by stimulating the depletion of oxygen by the methanotrophs, and thus inhibiting aerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbon vapors.
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ExxonMobil Outlook: 35% growth in energy demand by 2040; hybrids to account for ~50% of new vehicle sales
December 15, 2013
|By 2040, hybrids are expected to account for about 35% of the global light-duty vehicle fleet, up from less than 1% in 2010. Hybrids are expected to account for about half of global new-car sales by 2040. Source: ExxonMobil. Click to enlarge.
Driven by increasing population, urbanization and rising living standards, the world will require some 35% more energy in 2040, according to ExxonMobil's annual forecast report: Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040. Anticipated population growth will reach nearly 9 billion in 2040 from about 7 billion today, and the global economy is projected to double—at an annual growth rate of nearly 3%—largely in the developing world.
Demand for energy in non-OECD nations will grow by about two-thirds, accounting for essentially all of the increase in global energy use. ExxonMobil projects that meeting future energy demand will be supported by more efficient energy-saving practices and technologies; increased use of less-carbon-intensive fuels such as natural gas, nuclear and renewables; as well as the continued development of technology advances to develop new energy sources. Without the projected gains in efficiency, global energy demand could have risen by more than 100%.
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Westport unveils next-generation High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI 2.0) natural gas system for HD trucks
December 10, 2013
Westport Innovations Inc. unveiled its next generation of high pressure direct injection natural gas technology platform, Westport HPDI 2.0. Westport is now working with seven OEM applications with engine sizes ranging from trucks to trains at various stages of development with the goal of vertically integrated Westport HPDI 2.0 OEM product lines. Westport anticipates first availability of customer products in late 2014 and 2015.
Westport HPDI uses natural gas as the primary fuel in a Diesel (compression ignition) cycle along with a small amount of diesel fuel as an ignition source. Core to the approach is a patented injector with a dual-concentric needle design. This allows small quantities of diesel fuel and large quantities of natural gas to be delivered at high pressure to the combustion chamber. (Earlier post.)
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Canada files to define outer limits of expanded Atlantic continental shelf; preliminary filing on Arctic, targeting North Pole
|Overview of the outer limits of the expanded Canadian continental shelf in the Atlantic Ocean. Click to enlarge.
On 6 December, Canada filed a submission to define the outer limits of its expanded continental shelf area in the Atlantic Ocean with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. At the same time, Canada also filed preliminary information concerning the expanded outer limits of its continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean, which could include the North Pole.
In a news conference on the submission, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said that Canada will indeed try to extend its territorial claims to the North Pole. "What we want to do is claim the biggest geographic area possible for Canada."
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Analysis finds air-quality justification for CNG vehicle conversion in developing cities, despite negative climate impact
December 03, 2013
|Impact pathway approach for modeling policy interventions in (a) air quality and (b) climate impacts. Credit: ACS, Zia and Tanzila. Click to enlarge.
An analysis by a team in Bangladesh found large air quality and associated health benefits accruing to the residents of Dhaka (the capital of Bangladesh) as a result of the rapid conversion of the motor vehicle fleet to CNG. Around 2,045 avoided premature deaths in greater Dhaka can be attributed to air quality improvements from the CNG conversion policy in 2010, resulting in a saving of around US$400 million, they found.
However, CNG conversion was apparently detrimental from a climate change perspective, as CH4 emissions increased. (There is some uncertainty over the impact of ultrafine particulates.) As the greenhouse gas impacts (costs or benefits) are much smaller than the health benefits, the conversion of petroleum vehicles to CNG can be justified on the basis of local air pollution benefits alone, they concluded. Their paper is published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.
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Mazda showcases CNG and hybrid Axela models in Tokyo; Mazda's approach to environmental performance
November 22, 2013
At the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda is showcasing the recently-released Mazda Axela (known as Mazda3 overseas) with a variety of engine types at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, including a CNG concept and hybrid variants. (Earlier post.)
The Axela accounts for more than 30% of global sales; the latest Axela is the third generation. The new Axela range also introduces a hybrid vehicle, and marks the first time for a single model launched on the Japanese market to include gasoline, diesel, and hybrid power plants in its powertrain lineup.
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Sandia partnering with MOgene on ARPA-E project for sunlight-assisted microbial conversion of methane to butanol
November 18, 2013
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories will use their expertise in protein expression, enzyme engineering and high-throughput assays as part of a two-year, $1.5-million award led by MOgene Green Chemicals (MGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of genomics services provider MOgene) targeting the sunlight-assisted conversion of methane to butanol.
The project is one of 15 selected for a total of $34 million in funding by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) as part of its Reducing Emissions using Methanotrophic Organisms for Transportation Energy (REMOTE) program. (Earlier post.) MGC's primary corporate objective is to engineer biocatalysts with novel functionality for production of molecules from non-food feedstocks that can be used for production of transportation fuel as well as commodity and specialty products.
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Omnitek selects DD 12.7L Series 60 and Cat C15 engine models for diesel-to-gas conversion project at Port of Seattle
November 04, 2013
Omnitek Engineering Corporation has selected the 12.7 L Detroit Diesel Series 60 and the Caterpillar C15 engine models for the beginning of the second phase of a Puget Sound Clean Air Agency pilot project, which includes the development of diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion kits for these engine models and obtaining Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval.
Omnitek's diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion system was selected as the best technology under the competitive grant process for the agency's "Piloting Engine Upgrade Technologies in the Freight Mobility Sector" project. (Earlier post.)
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MIT study cautions smaller nations on rushing to develop their natural gas resources; Cyprus as model
October 27, 2013
|Cyprus offshore hydrocarbon exploration blocks. Paltsev et al. Click to enlarge.
Based on the interim results of a new study, MIT researchers are warning smaller nations to proceed with caution in pursuing the development of their natural gas resources. The study is a part of of a larger report that will further take into account the changing dynamics of the regional and global gas markets, giving a comprehensive view of the implications for the long-term development of natural gas in Cyprus and other like nations.
The interim report analyzed the economics of natural gas project development options in Cyprus with a focus on exports. (The authors noted that Cyprus will have sufficient resources for developing export capabilities regardless of the extent of domestic gas substitution in the coming years, given its rather small energy consumption profile.) The report explored three major options for monetizing the resource: an onshore LNG plant; a transnational undersea pipeline; and the deployment of a CNG marine transport system. The researchers expect to finish the larger report in August 2014; the study is sponsored by The Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation.
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Clariant supplying SNG catalyst for methanation unit in Audi's new "Power-to-Gas" plant
October 21, 2013
Clariant, a global provider of specialty chemicals, has supplied a proprietary CO2-SNG (synthetic natural gas) catalyst for the methanation unit of Audi's new power-to-gas facility in Werlte, Germany. (Earlier post.)
The "e-gas plant" was started up in June this year and is part of Audi's sustainability initiative. The plant, which can convert six megawatts of input power, will utilize renewable electricity for electrolysis, producing oxygen and hydrogen, the latter which could one day power fuel-cell vehicles. Because there is not yet a widespread hydrogen infrastructure, however, the hydrogen is reacted with CO2 in a methanation unit to generate renewable synthetic methane, or Audi e-gas.
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GM to introduce CNG-gasoline bi-fuel Chevrolet Impala in US next summer
October 16, 2013
|2015 Chevrolet CNG-Capable, Bi-Fuel Impala. Click to enlarge.
General Motors will build a Chevrolet Impala sedan for retail and fleet customers that operates on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG), GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson announced today. This will be the only manufacturer-produced full-size bi-fuel sedan in the US, and is expected to go on sale next summer as a 2015 model.
Currently, the only natural gas vehicle from a major manufacturer on sale in the US is the Honda Civic Natural Gas. The Chevrolet Impala bi-fuel sedan features a factory-engineered and fully warranted powertrain that switches seamlessly from CNG to gasoline. Total range is expected to be up to 500 miles (805 km).
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New thermoplastic-graphene nanoribbon composite could offer lighter, more effective natural gas storage for vehicles
October 11, 2013
|An electron microscope image shows graphene nanoribbons embedded in a block copolymer. Image by Changsheng Xiang. Click to enlarge.
A new composite material created at Rice University is nearly impervious to gas and may lead to lighter and more efficient storage of compressed natural gas for vehicles. By adding modified, single-atom-thick hexadecyl-functionalized low-defect graphene nanoribbons (HD-GNRs) to thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the Rice lab of chemist James Tour made the resulting material far more impermeable to pressurized gas and far lighter than the metal in tanks now used to contain the gas.
In an open access paper in the journal ACS Nano, Tour and his colleagues at Rice and in Hungary, Slovenia and India reported that nitrogen gas effective diffusivity of the TPU was decreased by three orders of magnitude with only 0.5 wt% GNRs.
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Clean Energy Fuels to distribute biomethane vehicle fuel to fleets and public stations
October 03, 2013
Clean Energy Fuels Corp., North America's largest provider of natural gas for transportation, is commercially offering a biomethane vehicle fuel—Redeem—made from waste streams such as landfills, large dairies and sewage plants directly to fleets around the country and at 35 public Clean Energy stations throughout California. Redeem will be available in either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) form.
Andrew J. Littlefair, president and CEO of Clean Energy, said that the company's goal is to produce and to distribute 15 million gallons of Redeem in the first year. Clean Energy's natural gas fueling infrastructure includes 400 fueling stations throughout the nation; the company is developing multiple biomethane production facilities that are expected to produce Redeem.
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Chevrolet, GMC expand CNG truck and van offerings
October 02, 2013
Chevrolet and GMC will offer new bi-fuel versions of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty trucks and all-new dedicated compressed natural gas versions of the 2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size passenger vans next year. The vehicles were announced at the Green Fleet Conference & Expo, which focuses on clean technologies and alternative-fuel vehicles for fleet operations.
The bi-fuel versions of Silverado HD and Sierra HD expand the range of available configurations to 2500HD and 3500HD pickup models in all cab styles and 2WD and 4WD drivetrains. The 2014 Express and Savana passenger vans join a dedicated CNG lineup that includes cargo versions of the vehicles.
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$4M ARPA-E award to Lanzatech to improve design of bioreactors for waste-gas-to-fuels fermentation technology
September 23, 2013
LanzaTech, a producer of low-carbon fuels and chemicals from waste gases, was awarded a $4-million grant by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) as one of the 15 REMOTE projects (earlier post) receiving a combined $34 million to find advanced biocatalyst technologies that can convert natural gas to liquid fuel for transportation.
LanzaTech and its partners, The City College of New York (CUNY), Louisiana State University (LSU) and Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) will collaborate to extend LanzaTech's core fermentation technology to unlock the potential of waste methane gases through novel and smaller-scale bioreactor design. The project will combine LanzaTech's expertise in gas fermentation and reactor design with experimental reactor design expertise at the CUNY Energy Institute, and reactor modeling capabilities at LSU. LanzaTech and Michigan Tech will validate the economic and life cycle analysis impacts of this innovative technology as compared to the current state of the art.
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ARPA-E awarding $3.5M to Berkeley Lab project to develop novel enzymatic gas-to-liquids pathway
September 22, 2013
On 19 September, the Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) awarded $34 million to 15 projects to find advanced biocatalyst technologies that can convert natural gas to liquid fuel for transportation. (Earlier post.) The largest award in the technical area of High-Efficiency Biological Methane Activation in the new program, (Reducing Emissions using Methanotrophic Organisms for Transportation Energy—REMOTE, earlier post), provides $3.5 million to a team led by Dr. Christer Jansson at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to work on a novel methylation process to convert natural gas to liquid transportation fuels.
The project, called "Enzyme Engineering for Direct Methane Conversion," involves designing a novel enzyme—a PEP methyltransferase (PEPMase)—by engineering an existing enzyme to accept methane instead of carbon dioxide. This methylation process, which does not exist in nature, will be used as the basis for the gas-to-liquids pathway.
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EPA proposes CO2 emission standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants
September 20, 2013
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed Clean Air Act standards to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel fired power plants (electric utility generating units, EGUs). For purposes of this rule, fossil fuel-fired EGUs include utility boilers, IGCC units and certain natural gas-fired stationary combustion turbine EGUs that generate electricity for sale and are larger than 25 megawatts (MW). In addition, EPA said it is working with state, tribal, and local governments, industry and labor leaders, non-profits, and others to establish CO2 standards for existing power plants.
The proposed rulemaking establishes separate standards for natural gas and coal plants. The proposed limits for natural gas units are based on the performance of modern natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) units. New large (>850 mmBtu/h) natural gas-fired turbines would need to meet a limit of 1,000 pounds of CO2 per megawatt-hour, while new small (≤850mmBtu/h) natural gas-fired turbines would need to meet a limit of 1,100 pounds of CO2 per megawatt-hour.
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ARPA-E selects 33 projects for $66M in awards; advanced biocatalysts for gas-to-liquids and lightweight metals
September 19, 2013
The US Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is awarding around $66 million to 33 projects under two new programs. One program, Reducing Emissions using Methanotrophic Organisms for Transportation Energy (REMOTE, earlier post), provides $34 million to 15 projects to find advanced biocatalyst technologies that can convert natural gas to liquid fuel for transportation.
The other program, Modern Electro/Thermochemical Advancements for Light-metal Systems (METALS, earlier post), provides $32 million to 18 projects to find cost-effective and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques to process and recycle metals for lightweight vehicles. The funding opportunity announcements for both programs were released earlier this year in March.
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UT Austin team and partners report on extensive measurements of methane emissions during natural gas production
September 17, 2013
|Estimated inventories of methane emissions from the natural gas production sector, excluding processing and transmission. The findings of the new study are represented in the yellow bar at right, and are similar overall to EPA's latest inventory. The relative contributions of different production components differ, however. Source: UT Austin. Click to enlarge.
A new study from The University of Texas at Austin, published as an open access paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports on extensive measurements of methane emissions—including the first measurements for methane emissions taken directly at the well pad—during completion operations for hydraulically fractured wells ("fracked").
Broadly, the study found that completion emissions are significantly lower than previously estimated; emissions from pneumatic controllers and equipment leaks are higher than EPA national emission projections; and estimates of total emissions (957 Gg ± 200 Gg) are similar to the most recent EPA national inventory of methane emissions from natural gas production (~1200 Gg). The 957 Gg in emissions for completion flowbacks, pneumatics and equipment leaks, coupled with EPA national inventory estimates for other categories, leads to an estimated 2,300 Gg of methane emissions from natural gas production (0.42% of gross gas production).


text:
Dear Jackie,
In January 2011, my 1988 station wagon refused to start during a snowstorm. My wife and I went online and contacted one of those Cash for Junk Cars companies, and they offered us $350 for the vehicle. Upon pick up, we had the driver sign a bill of sale, but we did not have it notarized. We received the money, handed over the title, and the car was no longer our problem. Fast forward six months. We received a notice from a law firm working for the city of Chicago. That car had been abandoned and incurred $2,800 in fines. The problem: It was still in my name, and I was being sued for the sum of the fines. They offered us a settlement of $700. We declined and faxed them a copy of the bill of sale. They never replied, and we thought the matter closed. Six weeks ago, the accountant at my work tells me that my wages are being garnished. They are going to take $400 a month until it's paid off. At this point, I contacted the towing company, which resulted in many insults getting hurled back and forth. I have tried to contact the law firm but haven't been able to. My question is: How do I make this stop? I cannot afford this garnishment. The law firm is not responding; the towing company is denying everything. I have a bill of sale with a signature, but no notary stamp. Please help! -- Alija from Chicago, Ill.
This stinks! Here is a link to the Illinois Secretary of State office that provides printable forms and an online application for vehicle transactions: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/titleandregistration/apply.html. You are required to complete a Seller's Report of Sale, an Odometer Disclosure Statement and sign over the title. The buyer then needs to go to the Secretary of State's office to take certain steps to complete the transfer of title. I don't see anything requiring a notary. I suspect that the transfer of title requirements were not completed and that, technically, you are still on the hook for the car. These people must have filed a lawsuit against you and obtained a judgment in order to garnish your wages. You should have received notice of the lawsuit. It doesn't sound like you were personally served, so they may have published the service. This means they put a legal ad in a newspaper for a certain amount of time. You could try and get the court to stop the garnishment. You could try and renegotiate with the law firm, but they now have the upper hand. Let this be a lesson to anyone selling a car in Illinois.
Dear Jackie,
I've just gotten my husband approved for Medicaid. He has Alzheimer's, and I need some help with him. I've been told that if my husband predeceases me, Medicaid will come to me for reimbursement of funds that they have spent for him. Is that true? I've been advised that, because of that, I should change my house deed to my children's names so it won't be in jeopardy. Do you have any advice about this situation? -- Marian from Hampton, Va.
Hi, Marian,
You are smart to check into this because there are things you might do to destroy your husband's Medicaid eligibility. There are ways to split assets and get some protection. This is a tricky field and only someone who specializes in Elder law should be advising you. Do not take advice from anyone else but an experienced Elder law attorney. Here is the link to the website for the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: http://www.vaela.org. Go to the website, and click on the "For the General Public" tab. This is a nonprofit organization, and their purpose is to educate their members and others about issues just like yours.
Dear Jackie,
Can you tell me what the consequences for discontinuing to pay my maintenance fees for a timeshare could be? The selling point of a less expensive vacation has evaporated with the rapidly escalated annual cost maintenance. Now that I'm retired, I find the fees to be onerous and never-ending. I would like to find a way to remove this albatross from around my neck. I've attended a time share transfer seminar, and it is obviously merely an extension of the time share sales industry. Any thoughts? -- Doug from Miami, Fla.
Hi, Doug,
My research tells me that you are not alone in your position regarding timeshare value versus maintenance fees. The fees are the top reason owners want to dump their timeshares. The only way to remove this "albatross" is to sell it, rent it, give it away or work something out with the timeshare company. The specifics of not paying the fees will be in your contract. In general, some of the kinds of consequences are that the utilities can be shut off, or the resort owner can take back the timeshare (foreclosure). One of the biggest impacts would be to your credit. A foreclosure would hurt your credit score for 7 years. If they foreclose and sell it again, they can sue you for the difference. Before you just walk away, find a good real estate/timeshare attorney and consult them on this issue.
(Jackie Glass is a lawyer and former district court judge from Las Vegas, Nev. Submit your legal questions to Jackie by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com. You can follow her on Twitter at @theJudgeGlass. This column is being provided for informational purposes only. It may not be relied upon by you as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.)

subset: commoncrawl


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Free Syrian Army fighters rest inside a house during a rare light moment in Deir al-Zor, Syria. Read more
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During the March 1999 Geneva Auto Show, Automobili Lamborghini SpA showed the limited edition Diablo GT, only 80 cars were to be made of this special Gran Turismo Diablo, a car capable of carrying you to a top speed of 210 mph.
But on a late 1999 Bologna Motor Show, Lamborghini had an evolution of this GT ready, the Diablo GT-R was a race-ready version of the street legal GT (although it never was legal in the United States and Japan). The Diablo GTR production will be limited to only 40 units, but this car was ready to be raced by a select few in the Lamborghini Supertrophy, organized by the Stephane Ratel Racing Organisation.
The Diablo GTR was in fact the true successor to the Diablo SVR which was used for four consecutive years with great success as a true race car in the special Lamborghini Supertrophy, this GTR has set new boundaries in this Supertrophy, with 590 hp the GTR outpowers the SVR by 50 hp.
A true race oriented chassis has been created, this time with a fully integrated roll-over cage protecting the driver in case of a crash, the massive rear wing was actually directly bolted onto this lightweight chassis. Also the brakes were again upgraded to full Brembo race specifications, the Lucas electronically controlled ABS was however still mounted.
The top speed of this GTR was set at 216 mph., the 6-Litre V-12 engine now produced 590 hp instead of the standard 575 hp from the Diablo GT, still using the five-speed gearbox all this power is transmitted to the light-weight magnesium Speedline 18-inch rear wheels.
The power output of this magnificent V-12 was obtained by using a multi-throttle intake manifold with an individual intake system, a variable intake valve timing system, dynamic air inlet duct system upstream of the intake plenum and titanium connecting rods coupled to a lightened crankshaft. Also responsible for the higher power output was a specially tuned race oriented exhaust system without catalysts and a new improved programming of the engine management system.
Additional cooling systems were mounted for the gearbox and differential oil to cope with the higher demands of racing an exotic V-12 engine, last but not least a special racing type fuel cell was installed replacing the standard tank used on the Diablo GT. The massive single piece 18-inch lightweight magnesium wheels used a race type, one-bolt central locking mechanism with an 85mm bolt, these wheels were designed to accept both standard tires and racing slicks from Pirelli.
The brakes received special racing calipers to match the increase in power, almost the entire body of this GTR was made of Carbon Fibre, only the roof remained in steel for torsional strength while both doors were kept in aluminium for safety reasons.
On the inside the Diablo GTR was also stripped of all unnecessary items, the air conditioning was gone while the passenger seat was also removed, the driver seat now was a light-weight Carbon-Fibre bucket seat with a six-point racing harness, also because this seat was wider than the original seats of the GT, the central transmission tunnel became smaller. The standard buttons were replaced by racing switches, while an obligatory fire extinguisher system from Momo was mounted on the right side of the cockpit with the option of turning it on with a button located on the central tunnel. Also the allready custom steering wheel of the Diablo GT had been replaced by an even lighter race-type unit.
To loose even more weight the side windows were replaced with Plexiglass units, incorporating a small sliding part instead of winding down. Just behind the exterior rear view mirror an air intake was mounted, guiding fresh air into the driver's compartment which could become rather warm during a race, since the isolation between the driver and the engine was also removed to gain even more weightreduction.


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Berklee College of Music Puts Music Education In The Palm of Your Hand
There are a lot of jerks out there with videos showing you how to play guitar. Searching for "guitar lesson" on YouTube turns up more than 1.6 million videos. Some of those are bogus, and some of those belong to the Berklee College of Music, one of America's leading music universities.


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Retired members who have premiums deducted from their pension checks for dental and vision coverage must directly contact Delta Dental in the event of any changes in your status.
Any retiree or widow desiring to enroll for dental or vision coverage should also contact Delta Dental directly.
Changes and enrollments are not completed nor forwarded through the Fund office. Any changes to your address and/or coverage must be completed by contacting Delta Dental
Delta Dental contact phone number is (800) 323-1743 ◊ Fax (630) 369-4365 ◊ email firstname.lastname@example.com ◊ Web www.deltadentalil.com
This month's tip:
When making plans for retirement we suggest attending a Pre-Retirement Seminar. The seminar is one-day which offers information on a variety of topics to assist in your future planning.
Enrollment is conducted by contacting CPD Employee Resource Services Division at 312- 745-5342. There are certain qualifications required before enrolling. Future dates for 2013 [ Meeting Dates ]
- Monday, October 13th
The Office will Be Closed
Columbus DAY
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Monthly Investment Meeting
Monday, September 22nd, at 9:00am
Board of Trustee Meeting
Thursday, September 25th, at 9:00am
[Meetings Page]


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Pics! Miley Cyrus Twerks Out All the Stops in 'Bangerz' Tour
February 15, 2014 Music
Giant hot dogs, pink tongue slides and teddy bears, oh my! Miley Cyrus kicked off her "Bangerz" tour in Vancouver on Valentine's Day, and it looks like she didn't leave out any of her now-signature outrageous antics.
Check out the pics!
#moneyhungryhoe #bangerztour 👅 pic.twitter.com/pLrPPwFlJF
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) February 15, 2014
If this wasn't enough, check out what Miley does with a fake Bill Clinton!
Filed Under: Top Stories, Trending Stories, Miley Cyrus, Music


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" Cisco Small Business WRVS4400N Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router - VPN - Wireless router + 4-port switch - EN, Fast EN, Gigabit EN, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n (draft) - Linux "
The WRVS4400N Gigabit Security Router offers next-generation Wireless-N speeds while maintaining compatibility with older devices. The router's "multiple-in, multiple-out" (MIMO) technology extends its range and performance.
The WRVS4400N incorporates advanced security features to keep your network safe from external threats like viruses, spyware, and hacker attacks. Offsite workers can access your network through a secure and easy-to-use virtual private network (VPN) function.
|Product Description:
|Cisco Small Business WRVS4400N Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router - VPN - wireless router - 802.11b/g/n (draft) - desktop
|Device Type:
|Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
|Enclosure Type:
|Data Link Protocol:
|Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
|Frequency Band:
|2.4 GHz
|NAT throughput : 800 Mbps
|VPN tunnels : 5
IPSec VPN tunnels : 5
|Network / Transport Protocol:
|PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, DHCP, DDNS
|Routing Protocol:
|RIP-1, RIP-2, static IP routing
|Remote Management Protocol:
|SNMP 1, SNMP 2c, HTTP, HTTPS
|VoIP Protocols:
|Firewall protection, switching, routing, NAT support, VPN support, PAT support, auto-negotiation, VLAN support, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), DoS attack prevention, content filtering, dynamic DNS server, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), E-mail alert, IPv6 support, VPN passthrough, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), Wireless Distribution System (WDS) support, URL filtering, firmware upgradable, MIMO technology, Quality of Service (QoS), IPv4 support
|Compliant Standards:
|IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.11i, IEEE 802.11n (draft), IEEE 802.11e
|Dimensions (WxDxH):
|19.8 cm x 19.8 cm x 13.1 cm
|0.55 kg
|United Kingdom
|Manufacturer Warranty:
|Limited lifetime warranty


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Level 3 burglary gang plead guilty
The three men caught raiding a major datacentre in central London earlier this week have all pleaded guilty to burglary charges. The trio were remanded at Thames Magistrates Court for sentencing on March 31 at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Police caught John Harrison, 31, of no fixed address, Darren May, 23, of Mansell Court in …
Not surprised...
So, "The maximum sentence for burglary in a building other than a dwelling is ten years' imprisonment. ".
But if some spaced-out little lowlife breaks into & trashes my place, which would terrorise my pets & leave the family feeling completely violated, said lowlife would now attract just a caution.
It really is time we planned the barricades and sought the AKs...
Re: Not surprised...
The maximum sentence for domestic burglary is 14 years.
- Chris Williams
@ Ted Treen
I echo your sentiments wholeheartedly - although Chris rightly states the maximum sentence for domestic burgluary is 14 years, when was the last time anyone ever, even repeated and serial burglers got anything near that?
Looks like if you gots the money, you gets your justice.
Maximum Sentence
What odds would you get that not only do they not get the maximum, if they haven't already got records as long as your arm, they don't even get a custodial sentence?
Only Level 3?
They need to put in a bit more game time to get those stats up. Get grinding chaps!
to the folks saying they are getting this much time because L3 has money, must of missed some thing or not read the same article. The article I read said they have not been sentence yet.
@Only Level 3?
I hear BT is much easier to beat.
Most read
- Analysis iPhone 6: The final straw for Android makers eaten alive by the data parasite?
- TOR users become FBI's No.1 hacking target after legal power grab
- Vid Reg bloke zips through an iPHONE 6 queue from ZERO to 60 SECONDS
- Anal-ysis Buying memory in the iPhone 6: Like wiping your bottom with dollar bills
- Bacon-related medical breakthrough wins Ig Nobel prize


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URL: http://www.entrepreneur.com/answer/221313
The laws are very complex concerning the importation of goods, and from my perspective (although, hey, I'm an attorney), I wouldn't want to start a business--any business--without one. Especially not one involving import/export issues. While there is government information available, these people cannot give you specific legal advice, nor can they draft contracts for you, or specifically advise you about whether the language in any form of contracts you might be using is appropriate for your situation.
More importantly, do you have enough money at your disposal to start this business? Import businesses can involve a certain amount of cash outlay before you are (re)paid by your customers. And having the right advisors on your team are an important factor in your start-up considerations and expenses. Make sure you have put together a business plan and run your proposed finances so that your business can get off to a solid start.
Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under her Ask The Business Lawyer brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes the Making It Legal blog.


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without your permission.
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Ten Skills to Manage Fear and Anxiety in an Unsafe World | Psychology Today http://t.co/Pq9s3vF1
Ten Skills to Manage Fear and Anxiety in an Unsafe World | Psychology Today
RT @TonyMackGD: RT @DrMelanieG: I learned that #courage was not the absence of #fear, but the triumph over it. Nelson Mandela
Five Essential Skills for Leadership in the 21st Century | Psychology Today
What Makes Some Rush In Where Others Fear to Tread? The Six Attributes of #Courage | Psychology Today #values
RT @ThoughtPartner: Writing Skills: 4 Ways to Cut the Clutter From Your Business Writing via @diannabooher
Four Steps to Relationship Repair With The H-E-A-L Technique | Psychology Today #healing #dating #relationships
The Surprising Secret to Success—Be Kind to Yourself | Psychology Today
See what's Trending Now for @DrMelanieG
Follow @DrMelanieG on Twitter


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- Details
- Specs
- Reviews
- Manuals
- What's Included
Dry air can be uncomfortable to breathe and dry out wooden furniture excessively. It also causes an increase in static levels which is especially bad if you like tinkering with electronic devices. Dry air can also cost you more in heating bills because it feels colder than humid air at the same temperature. When you add humidity to your home you can actually feel warmer at 68 degrees than you do at 75 degrees, saving as much as 15% in heating costs.
The ThermoMist is a low maintenance automatic whole-house humidifier suitable for traditional oil or gas fired forced air heating systems. It automatically detects when the heater is blowing and sprays a fine mist into the airflow, and it stops automatically when the airflow stops. The ThermoMist Automatic Humidifier is easy to install: Simply mount the control box and nozzle to your ductwork and attach it to the water supply with the included saddle valve. Plug the AC adapter into a 110V outlet.
Replacement nozzles and filters are sold separately. Optional humidistat control can be added to shut off the humidifier when desired humidity is reached. You can also plug it into an INSTEON ApplianceLinc (sold separately) for integration into your home automation system.
Please Note: This product is not to be used on electric furnaces, heat pumps, or in locations where the air temperature could drop below 40° F. This product is not recommended in areas where the water has a high mineral content. (Use FreshMist or Turbo Mist systems instead.)
Manufacturer: Field Controls Manufacturer Product No.: TM-2000 Dimensions: 4.5" W x 5.5" L x 3.25" D Heating Systems: Traditional oil or gas fired forced air Power Requirements: 110V AC Home Size: Up to 3000 square feet
2 Reviews
- Review of 3281TH Review by CORINNE
Review of 3281TH
very disappointed it was on back order and when it did come it was broken. Customer service was great. But getting a defective product makes us think twice before reordering a new one
Posted on 2/26/2014
- Review of 3281TH Review by BOB
Review of 3281TH
Did not review this unit earlier due to the first one seemingly defective. After receiving second unit, also seemingly defective, found out that both had a manufacturing flaw that made the inlet the outlet and vice versa. It had been put together backwards!! After reversing the input and output line, so far, unit is working properly, but keeping my fingers crossed. Realize it's not Smarthome's fault but manufacturers. They need to step up their game, which is why only 4 star rating, hope to change that to five and not have further issue with unit.
Posted on 2/7/2014
Leave a Review
- 1x - Control box
- 1x - Nozzle
- 1x - Saddle Valve
- 1x - AC adapter
- 1x - Instructions
- 1x - Control box


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Do you remember the first coffee that you loved? Maybe you've been drinking coffee for most of your life, but there was a specific blend or single-origin offering that flipped your coffee-fanatic switch. For me, I'm not ashamed to say it was Starbucks Guatemala Casi Cielo. I'll be the first to admit that Starbucks' offerings can be far from perfect for the educated coffee intelligentsia, but as someone who was used to grocery grade coffee compost, this whole bean selection blew me away.
The Facts: Starbucks Guatemala Casi Cielo sells for $12.95 per pound at your local Starbucks store. It's available during the months of January and February. Starbucks creates the blend from several single origin farm in the Antigua Region of Guatemala and roasts the coffee into 2nd crack. It's definitely not among their darkest roasts, but remember this is Starbucks, so the roast remains in the dark spectrum. The term "Casi Cielo" means "almost heaven" in English. A Chef at the Canlis restaurant in Seattle worked with Starbucks to develop this coffee to be served with fine dining desserts. I believe it's available year round at the restaurant, but Starbucks offers it to the general public in the first months of each year. On their website Starbucks mentions the collaboration and explains:
Together, we created a remarkable coffee with a depth and versatility perfect for a variety of gourmet entrees and desserts – particularly those with savory herbs or cheeses, rich chocolate or berries.
So let's find out for ourselves; is Casi Cielo really as great as Starbucks says it is?
What my nose said: Sweet and cedary. Medium to heavy in body (this is just an estimate by scent of course) with a smoky, chocolate vibe dominating. A very faint hint of brightness is detectable as tones of banana, but is barely there.
What my mouth said: A roast-y medium bodied coffee will smooth tendencies. All flavors here are tenor and bass notes, nothing really in the upper ranges. A very dainty acidity first touches the tongue, and right as you notice it, it's gone. Then this tenor toned zesty roast flavor comes through, it's not necessarily burnt tasting, but close to it. Imagine making toast and stopping right before it would considered "burned". That's what this is like. The body is silky with medium weight. As the coffee flows off the palette a nutty milk chocolate flavor is left behind, like a Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar with Almonds.
The Big Picture: I really like Starbucks Guatemalan Casi Cielo this year. As usual with Starbucks, if the coffee tastes good, then the $12.95 per pound price is worth it. Since this is a blend of many farms in Guatemala's Antigua region, I would wager that not every bag of Casi Cielo will taste the same. I know for a fact that this offering changes in quality from year to year. In 2009 it blew my away, and in 2010 it was a major disappointment. Fortunately it seems that this year Starbucks was able to get a hold of several great coffee lots for the blend. That being said, let's remember what we are reviewing here: a widely available dark roasted blend or Guatemalan coffees. Sure, compared to Tim Horton's coffee this stuff is elegant, but it's no single origin Guatemalan specialty fit for a cupping table.
I'm a huge fan of Guatemalan coffees because they usually flaunt the best of both worlds: tangy, lively acidity, and a muscular, full body. They tend to please almost any sort of coffee drinker, and can work at a wide range of roast levels. This year Casi Cielo tastes good enough as a dark roast blend that I wish we could try it roasted to the Full City level, because it would probably be exceptional.


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"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle."
Ernest Hemingwayemail me if google hasn't got the answer..
Vestito nei colori di natale - Buon Natale!
Details | Shades - vintage Randolph Engineering (in need of straightening after 20 years) Shirt - Un known (FWIW it is a navy cotton with flower print red over dye) | Shorts - RLPL | Loafers - Carmina in shell cordovan
Summer is now winter down here in the Antipodes..
Excellent, let's break in the EG MTO "Shannon" all the way from @LeatherSoul
Opposite ends of family style..
People always comment on the personal style of my Niece & Nephew, then my Sistah & I - then they see my Mom & it all clicks..
Is it DNA or environment or culture?
I'd say a mixture of all the above - if you were to try & isolate each part the end result would be unfinished. Also there is timing.
For example at family/friend gatherings such as weddings or celebrations where (in theory) family & friends all share the same mix of DNA or environment or culture, it is then very apparent that my immediate family stands out. My 1st cousins look like twice removed 2nd cousins, people we grew up with in the same Chinese community for generations look like feuding families & my Niece & Nephew are neat..
What am I saying? Style is personal & developed over time. Don't try & copy look-books etc.
I say this as I get messages all the time about how, why & where - "to get it cheaper"..
The really question should be "when" & the answer is over time.
Currently there is the trend to dress "grown up" or acquire "classic" pieces - this only applies after you have had years of playing around, so go out & explore but please avoid permanent damage such as body art etc. If you must, think back to a few years & see if you still have or cherish that item/experience.
Just my opinion.
Details | Shades - 20 YO Randolph Engineering aviators (before American Optics bought them out to cash in on history)| Jacket (part of suit) - P Johnson in Ariston cotton SoRaro for GW | Pocket Square - Tom FUKING Ford | Leather Bracelet - 20 YO Hermes "Hook & Ring" double wrap leather (way before most the current sprezz trend) | Shirt - 10 YO RLPL (just gets softer & one to hide from MeerCat & Sistah) | Belt - RLPL SS slide buckle + black alligator strap | Pantaloons - 10 YO Banana Republic cotton chinos (when they looked like a travel company & not jumping on the current trend) | DubMunks - John Lobb 2010 St Crepins on 7000 last for Leather Soul for GW
I'm not looking forward to the stinker today - 0730 & already 25c..
* there really is no easy way to stay cool other than loose natural fibres & slow walking
Details | Shades - vintage Moscot "Summer Blonde Lemtosh"Sports Coat - P Johnson inAriston herringbone weave linen for GW | Shirt - Ascot Chang in Thomas Mason for GW | Pocket Square - Drakes | Pantaloons - RLPL linen | Hoofs - Edward Green "Dover" for Leather Soul
Crunch crunch crunch..
Some say suede is a winter skin, I say suede is good all year around just as I wear suede in the rain..
Don't spray any protection as they don't work - well they do, but not for long as the coating cracks off as you walk meaning you need to reapply.
I have no issues with wearing my suede shoes in the rain - just remember to:
* for some reason I have received numerous emails about wearing suede in countries like Singapore.. Just treat as above & always check for mould as the humidity CUSS's the leather.
Details | Pantaloons - RLPL | DubMunks - Edward Green "Westminster" in suede on 888 last & Dainite sole for Leather Soul for GW


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While much of eastern Canada dealt with a late-season, winter-like storm, it was looking and feeling more like summer in the western half of the country earlier this week.
Calgary broke its previous daily record Monday, which was set back in 1910. Meanwhile, places like Medicine Hat, Bow Island and Lethbridge were hovering close to the 30 degree mark.
"We had a strong ridge in the jet stream, and that's been drawing warm air from the south," says Amanda De Monte, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. "That warmth was also being felt in parts of BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.".
On Tuesday, parts of Alberta and southern Saskatchewan reached new record highs once again.
With the heat also comes a slight risk of thunderstorms. Some non-severe storms popped up in BC's southern Interior Monday night and on Tuesday, isolated thundershowers rumbled into Calgary as well.
Most places will see a return to seasonal values Wednesday. Up to 40 mm of rain is also forecast in the hardest hit areas through Friday.


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Getty Images
Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates after scoring a goal in the first period against Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins in Game Five of the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final at United Center on June 22, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The phrase "what do you get for the (insert team name here) fan who has everything" is one of the most clichéd in the sports world, but it is actually the perfect choice of words for the latest piece of memorabilia offered by the Chicago Blackhawks.
That's because the team is actually selling small vials containing pieces of the ice used at the United Center during the team's 2013 Stanley Cup championship run:
"At the end of the season, the crew at the United Center goes about their job of melting and removing the home ice from the floor.
"It's a moment that passes with little fanfare or recognition. All the amazing moments that took place on that ice literally go down the drain. This year, we decided to do something different. We were on-hand for the ice removal to document the occasion and save a few precious pieces of that magical home ice."
The vials will be sold for an as-yet-unannounced amount, and all the money raised will go to Chicago Blackhawks Charities. If you are interested in learning more information about purchasing a piece of the ice, you can visit this link and sign up for an email alert.
In the meantime, here is the video that the team showed at their annual Blackhawks Convention announcing the venture: