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

[Len Walde]

Tom, Luis, et al:

Here is a correction to the spelling of Leo's name:  It is Leo Langerwerf, 
and wife: Linda
Sorry about that !  ---- ( as the man said " I knew that" )  ----  (:-)

Len

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Len Walde" <sigma at ix.netcom.com>
To: "Luís Ferreira" <lferreira at isa.utl.pt>; <bioenergy at listserv.repp.org>; 
<digestion at listserv.repp.org>
Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: [Digestion] Your help to up-date costs of farm scale AD plants


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 Langerwerf  ( Corrected 
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 --  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.

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