Isobutanol: An Alternative Fuel for Equipment?

Isobutanol has a higher heat value than ethanol and is similar to gasoline, but most important to equipment and marine manufacturers initial testing shows that it is safe for use in non-road engine products.

Although the introduction of E15 fuel caused uproar in the fuel marketplace there is new hope '?N????e??(R) isobutanol, a bio-fuel, which is produced by carbonylation of propylene or naturally during the fermentation of carbohydrates.

Last year Briggs & Stratton, the world'?N????e??os largest small-engine maker tested isobutanol on several of its engines that are used in mowers, snow throwers, generators and other midrange-sized equipment.

Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), and a representative of Briggs & Stratton said, '?N????e??The results showed great promise.'?N????e??

Another study done by engineer Jeff Wasil and John McKnight, director of environmental and safety compliance at the National Marine Manufacturers Association tested isobutanol on two popular boat engines with no signs of corrosion.

Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) tested several more popular boat engines, both on the water and in the lab. Although their test results will not be available until next year, Wasil and McKnight said, '?N????e??Results are expected to show similar conclusions.'?N????e??

R. Mark Worden, a chemical engineer and member of the U.S. DOE research team said, '?N????e??One of the big advantages of isobutanol is that it is a direct substitute for gasoline. Ethanol, another alternative fuel, can only be added to gasoline in low concentrations.'?N????e??

Thus far it seems isobutanol is backed by important players; the next move is getting the decision makers on board.