[Stoves] Retted Switchgrass Fireball Article

[Jeff Davis]

Hi Sharon,


> 1) How long do you soak the switchgrass to ret it?

It was outside for about 9 months. Soaking in bugs and worms (nature).


> 2) Do you chop the switchgrass up some before you start?  If so what
> length
> are the pieces?

Yes, retting and ball mill (rock mill). Length is a good question and I am
lacking a good a answer. Not sure how I would measure that, maybe with a
microscope? I never looked that close at it before they dried.



> 3) When dipping the fireballs, how long are they in the oil each time?

A dip was no more than 1 second. One fireball at a time, by hand.

> How
> long between dippings?

>From 4 hours to the next day.

>
> 4) When you drain the balls for the last time, what sort of draining
> apparatus works well.

I did not have a draining apparatus. One could just dip once, in a wire
basket, for a longer time and allow to drain above WVO oil container.



> 5) Is there someone who could/would test the switchgrass fireball ash with
> respect to its use as a compost or fertilizer?  It seems like there is
> enough there percentage wise to be a good resource.
>

I have had switchgrass tested at Penn State but I am lacking in time for
all the details. Someday!



Jeff


-- 
Jeff Davis

Some where 20 miles south of Lake Erie, USA