[Gasification] Synergism

[Kermit Schlansker]

     Someone asked the question as to which process was better; biodigestion or gasification. My argument would be that both processes are essential. The overwhelming advantage of biodigestion over all other processes is that it is a cold process and preserves nitrogen in the effluent and solids. It also has the advantage that cellulose is the energy source.  I would think that sewage mixed with alfalfa or other hay in serial septic tanks would produce energy, fertilizer, and cleaner effluent Since it takes a lot of energy to produce nitrogen fertilizer this would be a great plus. . 
       The advantage of gasification is that for dry cellulose the throughput for a gasifier is much greater than for a biodigester. In other words a stove is much smaller than a large digestion tank.
        My own thoughts about energy sustainability center around an apartment house that I call an Ecomindium. The Ecomindium would use many energy projects to support a lifestyle that could cause a reduction in energy consumption by as much as 90%. In the argument about bigger or smaller gasification installations the need for cogeneration and comanufacturing is so great that smaller ones must be put into production as heating systems. The improvement in overall efficiency is so great that it overpowers the thought that bigger is more efficient.
         One of the things needed is a process that can make liquid fuel in a small operation. Of course ethanol is such a process but it needs efficiency improvement. The high temperatures and high pressures needed to make liquid fuel would be achievable if a simplified small lock hopper could be designed. Does anyone have any ideas as to how liquid fuel could be made in a basement?
      My own efforts now center around my book, "Blueprint For Sustainability", the construction of a local Ecomindium, and the free piston engine that I am working on. None of these things are going well but all are extremely important. There seems to be no local support for an umbrella  sustainability project. I only wish that the focus of the Ecomindium could bring the few people who have mechanical talent and care about the children together.

                              Kermit Schlansker