[Digestion] Your help to up-date costs of farm scale AD plants

[Len Walde]

Luis:

I my opinion, the plug flow technology has not changed to any great extent 
over the years so do not be concerned.  The reason it has survived is its 
simplicity --- plug flow!  You can dress it up with recorders, gauges, and 
data collectors of all types but it is still the same simple system, that 
requires a "Hands-on" approach to operate.

I suggest you search the AG STAR files for Leo Langerwerth ( Check 
Spelling )  as he has continually operated his system since the 1980's, 
except to clean it out of sand,  about ten years ago. ( +/- ) . Much has 
been written about Leo's dairy and system, read all you can about and you 
will get an education in the technology. I doubt Leo will respond to 
requests for information,  as I  bet he is tired of answering the same 
questions over and over again!  I know I would if I were in his place --- as 
I said it is all in the articles.  I think it might be worth your time to 
visit Durham CA  to see his system first hand -- That I think that Leo will 
welcome you if asked nicely.  He is a great guy!

As for the financial end of the business, you will have to "crunch" your own 
numbers, beginning with your business plan built on local costs and economic 
conditions.  If you need help with this I suggest  you contact a local 
University with a Business School, and ask for pro bono help or hire a 
consultant --  ( might be expensive ). If you do your own Business Plan you 
will get an education worth the effort.  I would!  Search the web for 
"Business Plan" and you will see what that effort involves.

The above is shared " for what it is worth".  Good luck

Len Walde, P.E.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Luís Ferreira" <lferreira at isa.utl.pt>
To: <bioenergy at listserv.repp.org>; <digestion at listserv.repp.org>
Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 6:39 AM
Subject: [Digestion] Your help to up-date costs of farm scale AD plants


Dear List,

Has some of you probably have already noticed from the last couple of days, 
I'm trying to learn more about the economics of Farm scale AD Plants based 
on Plug-flow digesters.

Some of the information available from the AgSTAR program case studies has 
almost 10 years. Therefore I feel the need to find the present values of 
these costs to 2007!

I would be very thankfull if I could get your advice (specially comming from 
those who are working in this matters) about what should be the recommendale 
interest rate to be used in this up-date of costs, for U.S reality.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Best wishes,

Luís Ferreira
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