Sensor Electronics of Minneapolis has developed a new gas detector that can detect dangerous concentrations of ethanol. The detector is thought to be ideal for protecting biofuel refineries.
It’s designed for applications in biofuel processing plants, pipelines, pumping stations, storage facilities, fuel dumps, distribution networks and the like.
Calibration is quick, easy: The gas detector simply sniffs a whiff of ethanol, then locks itself into ethanol’s chemical “signature.” Thereafter, any significant concentration triggers an immediate warning.
Because this self-contained gas detector uses no mirrors or beam-splitters, it shrugs off rain, snow, fog, smog. It also ignores temperature/pressure/humidity extremes, as well as interference (false signals) from other gases.
The cylindrical unit measures 8 inches high overall, 2.5 inches diameter. The stainless-steel housing cannot rust or corrode, meaning exceptional operating life.
Seed giant Monsanto and Mendel Biotechnology are teaming up to develop a variety of grass seeds ideal for ethanol and biodiesel production.
The biodiesel-powered boat has started on its round-the-world journey… again. As you might remember, it was nearly a year ago that the “Earthrace” had to abandon its attempt to break the world record for circumnavigation of the globe in a boat.
According to VeraSun’s Don Endres, “With fuel prices where they’re at, with diesel prices where they’re at, we need more fuel, and this will go right into the biodiesel market, fit right into that fuel stream so it’s a much more highly-valued in the fuel stream then, what it is as oil in the fuel.” 
A tentative agreement reached by conference committee members on funding for a new farm bill would reduce the tax incentive for blenders to use ethanol from 51 cents a gallon to 45 cents. The president of the 
“We do understand that they are looking at that in order to pay for cellulosic tax credits and some other important programs,” said Bob Dinneen in an interview Monday. “While we wish they could find other means of paying for those important priorities, we understand the budget constraints that Congress is under.”
England’s Dan Wheldon takes the win in Kansas. The No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone Driver said the race was tight and exciting and, at one point, he said he nearly crashed. But, Dixon said he finally started taking advice on saving his fuel. Instead of getting out in front for most of the race, Dixon said he took every opportunity he could to save on gas. 
The recent criticism of ethanol doesn’t sit too well with the chairman of the