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** Where Does the Author work, what else has s/he written about, an what are his/her credentials? **  This is a paper written by two Virent employed describing the conversion of biomass-derived sugars of conventional liquid fuels through their catalytic process. The paper goes into the different applications and benefits of this process over traditional bio-fuel methods. ** What is the main topic of the text? **  The paper describes the science behind the process used by virent to produce liquid fuels. It also includes information about the economics and feasibility of this technology. This process would be profitable with oil over $60/bbl. The paper goes in-depth into the chemistry of the process. This shows how this process is different from conventional ethanol production. Also the different variables that can be implemented in the feed stock and the final product are discussed. ** Describe at least three ways that the main topic is fleshed out. **  the chemistry involved in the process is realitivly complicated to account for the broad range of usable molecules for a feed stock. The process can accept food sources sugars, and cellulose sugars. The cellulose sugars must go through preprocessing that involves enzymes and acid hydrolysis. This breaks down the tought molecules into usable sugars. The actual process used by Virent involves catalyst and heat to break down sugars into congenital type fuels. There is also the ability to create specific blends of fuels, ** What three quotes capture the critical importance of the text? **  “Vifrent’s BioForming process can economically compete with petroleum fuels at crude oil prices greater that $60/bbl” “unlike ethanol, this process uses minimal energy to genergat fuels compatible at high blends with today’s engines” ** Explain how the argument and evidence in the text support you research focus. **  Compared with traditional bio-fuel, ethanol and bio-diesel, the process used by Virent is a more practical. It has the potential to produce a wider range of fuel from a larger number of feedstocks. Shell has been investing in this company for several years and appears to be committed to a long term investment with the recent completion of the demonstration plant. The country as a whole should open up to new possibilities. Also people need to become more educated to the potential problems with all solutions. This process appears to have fewer issues when compared to fossil fuels and corn based ethanol.
 * Full Citation: **Virent.com, “Production of Conventional Liquid Fuels from Sugars” Paul Bloomel, Bandy Cortright, Viren Energy Systems Inc. August 2008 []