Posted: 7/31/2009 11:42:26 AM EDT
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One topic I have not seen here, or in any of the 'survival fiction' I have read, is the use of an Anerobic Digester to produce fuel for a generator or cooking.
They work, cost nothing to run, as they are 'fueled' by anything from dead cats to yard waste, and are fairly efficient. Methane produced by one can be compressed and stored, and burns fine in a range, heater or generator. As a fuel source in a novel like "Lights Out" or "Patriots", it would make sense. |
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We have a big one where I work.
Cuts the boiler gas bill down a few milion $$$ per year. I'd say it's worth researching. You need to adjust the PH to keep the "bugs" happy/healthy. We use caustic for that, and for scrubbing the Hydrogen Sulfide out of the poo gass before it gets compressed and sent to burn. There is a lot to it, but may well be worth your effort. Local community colleged often offer a course for Wastwater Treatment Operators... Look into that. 
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From Home Power
http://home.att.net/~desert_aip/Biodigester.pdf |
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Quoted:
We have a big one where I work. Cuts the boiler gas bill down a few milion $$$ per year. I'd say it's worth researching. You need to adjust the PH to keep the "bugs" happy/healthy. We use caustic for that, and for scrubbing the Hydrogen Sulfide out of the poo gass before it gets compressed and sent to burn. There is a lot to it, but may well be worth your effort. Local community colleged often offer a course for Wastwater Treatment Operators... Look into that. I have some friends here in town, that research these, build them custom for farms, and small towns, and a few for individual use. They have all the knowledge, skills, and practical knowledge regarding digester's anyone would ever need. I would love to see sustainable technology like this incorporated into some of today's survival fiction. |
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the fellows I know say the hottest fuel for a digester that they have ever found, is the waste water from Tempeh production.
In a survival community, the sustainable production of Soy Tempeh, would provide high quality protein, and the waste would produce the fuel needed to cook the beans, and to power a stove or generator. |