[Digestion] question about small scale anaerobic digestion devices

[Katahdin Energy Works]

Our's won't be ready until late fall; however you can contact either ARTI-
see http://www.ruralcostarica.com/biogas-india.html     which sells and
inexpensive one, or the Nepalese bio-gas project at
http://www.biogasnepal.org/biogas_designing.htm; or the Zimbabwe Ministry of
Energy and Power development for the specifications and plans for their
CARMATEC biogas digestor at
http://www.energy.gov.zw/renewableenergy/Carmatec%20Biogas%20Digestor.htm or
the two chamber digester from SOLWIND at
http://www.solwind.co.nz/digester.html or the Gold series of modules and
critical components for small farm digesters at
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/terrace/ae198/digesters%20gold%20series%20
plan.html or consult the product line at
http://www.rotaguido.it/eng/prodotti.html.
 
Take a look at this design and it may be exactly what you are looking for
http://www.ashdenawards.org/files/imagecache/large/files/images/biotech07a.j
pg


There are many repositories of designs and digestor components, Swenska
bio-gas has one, see http://www.scandinavianbiogas.com/ . 

We are adapting the best of these many designs into a scaleable design
suitable for N. New England, suitable for a mixed feedstock that could
include human waste; and one which meets a variety of construction, health
and safety concerns. 

Once you get beyond the contained composter design; it gets complicated and
requires careful consideration for handling the slurry; dewatering it,
cleaning and storing the gas, monitoring the processes, etc.

Commercial  means warranties and assurances, regulatory compliance, and
'idiot-proofing' for an appliance like simplicity, think MAYTAG with one
size sheet metal screws and half inch bolts. One explosion and in come the
lawyers, etc. 

Adapting 'third world' rural technologies for the American consumer isn't
easy; but it is possible and there are some fascinating variations in the
designs we hope to provide to our clients, i.e. using spent effluent for
hydroponic farming or aquaculture or algeculture or composting the solids
for heat to warm the digester, or.......

Frank J. Heller, MPA
KATAHDIN ENERGY WORKS
12 Belmont St.
Brunswick, ME 04011-3004
207.729.6090
http://mysite.verizon.net/fjheller/