APIX Pilot Plant Design Project – Recycling Wastes

Hari, since the agrowastes will likely comprise the bulk of input into the system, can we describe the daily agrowastes achievable in both quantity and quality on a daily bases. For human waste, food waste, and garden (household and yard) wastes will be quite dependent on the population of the 1000 HA. If the 1000 HA is densely populated, then, of course, there would be less demand on the 1000 HA for agrowaste. Also, the climate would also indicate the amount of agrowaste available. Is it possible that the cellulose portion of the agrowaste be diverted into other than energy uses?

Over all, I really like your process flow diagram. This does give us something to work with. We can now balance the input and out put such as to account for all of the material and energy throughout the system. One thing we might consider, however, is reducing the residual time in the digester and, if the sugar content it sufficient, diverting a portion of the digester input to an ethanol system. The ethanol system would be a second module and a vacuum still a third module. The still module could, in some areas, be fully solar powered in that ethanol boiling point is 78.5 C, (173.3 F) and is quite achievable to the boiling point of water with a solar concentrator.

I also believe that the residual time for the bio-digester could be reduced from the 30 days you propose to 10 days. Most of the digestion that produces methane is completed in the first 7 to 10 days. However, if the mash does contain an extraordinarily large cellulose fraction, then, of course the 30 days may be needed. Also, one could consider two modules, one for the sugar digestion at 10 days and one for the cellulose digestion at 30 days.

Hi chtank

The design is based on "average estimate" of ALL AVAILABLE AGRO-BIOGENICS (which comprise of Plants clippings/ vegetation matter/ agrowastes/ animal waste matter/ food wastes/ toilet wastes). The more focused illustration is here:

It would be observed that the DESIGN is based on the "prescribed" inputs PER DAY (from 1000 ha area in most Tropical countries - Philippines/ Indonesia/ India/ Myanmar are examples), resulting in corresponding outputs.

# Although this design is for 1000 ha area, it is possible to "redesign" downward level for 100 ha and also for the SMALLEST Module that would be 1/35th of this design. Thus we would have THREE MODULES in Agro-Biogenic Energy system

# It may be noted that the estimated values of the various "outputs" have been presented in a highly conservative manner, as the INPUTS would often vary qualitatively. These variations DO NOT MATTER, for all of them however, generate the range of end Product/ output, although with some variations, which is taken care of through our overall "conservative" design.

# This design HAS been specifically worked out on the basis of Anaerobic process, in view of the superior methane gas generation potentials in almost all vegetation matter in the Tropics. And, the 30-days residence time is considered so that the anaerobic fermentation is COMPLETE, releasing the MOST OPTIMUM volume of Biogas, through complete digestion. It would also make sure that the entire pathogens are destroyed and the Sludge Fertilizer would be of superior quality (all available Nitrogen fully "fixed"). These reactions are aided by the higher average temperatures prevalent in the tropics

# A combination Anaerobic/ Aerobic/ Solar system needs to be designed, for which chandu would definitely be happy to bring in his inputs...he is our "solar-man". And we wish to have ALL YOUR INVALUABLE inputs too.

It is NOW NECESSARY that we take up the COMPLETE ENGINEERING DESIGN of the Process systems, so that the Modules, as mentioned above are made available to the Public at large...and to manilaman in particular

As yet our PROBLEM of CARBON CREDIT calculations has NOT been solved!

pvhramani

As a non-technical person, I'm passing on these sites on Carbon Credits which I have gathered in the course of my Internet Reseach - perchance these might be of help to our Carbon Credit Experts. Consider: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools, http://www.chicagoclimatex.com/content.jsf?id=64, http://www.carbonfund.org/, http://www.gafunds.com/lp21.asp?YHALTEFUND, http://www.dwsclimatechange.com/fund.html, http://zerofootprint.net/. Candidly, I did not dare to understand all of the above. But it is clear enough to me that Carbon Credits are monetary incentives for the use of Alternative Energy.

Thank you Ernie

As usual, you are fast and prompt and your perseverance in "finding the right" answer for the "problem" is commendable.

Incidentally, the TOOLS in one of the links suggested have been downloaded here, and I am trying to learn the "art" and "tricks"...but frankly, I feel it would be a while before I myself (singularly) could come out with appropriate corroboration with respect to our APIX-SEP energy systems

I have also understood that there is a CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) through which the Developed nations attempt to trade in the market against Carbon Credits created in the Developing world. On a first study and analyses, I wish to observe that all these are NOT the BEST solutions for reducing Carbon in the atmosphere, for at the moment it looks as though the CDM's are in a way subsidizing Pollution of the atmosphere by the Developed world. in this connection we are trying to arrive at a plausible UNIVERSAL Operational Definition for SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, and codify and systematize the different aspects and criteria

Be that as it may, on the short term, Carbon Credits and CDM work in tandem to help some Industries to be developed in the so-called underdeveloped world. And, I am sure this economic incentive would help your customer in taking appropriate decisions.

In the meanwhile, we have an immediate problem whereby we now need to Design all the Modules of our APIX-SEP Agro-Biogenic Energy system

pvhramani

Hari:

Apart from a long list of Philippine-based Industrial Prospects whom I am hot on pursuing (after I get to have our finally defined "ideal" AE Solutions custom-designed for my Case Study # 1 and # 2), I plan to have APIX Phils Inc (API) go into rural-based Property Development with our APIX Concept as the prime mover for Mass low-cost Housing provided with independent sustainable off-grid Electricity; for scientific high-value Agri-Aquaculture with related tropical Food Processing; for labor-intensive export-grade Cottage fashion Handicrafts & Furniture. Owing to my frequent travels to the Luzon Countryside (prior to my emergency quadruple Heart By-pass in May 2003), I have developed close ties with Rural Folks in at least 10 "Good Sites" which could be our API's Model Communities.

Hello Ernie

Your "thought process" and "action plans" are commendable and outstanding! Although you had not been involved in the "full length" discussions/ interactions and other presentations engaged into by our Group (from as early as Nov-Dec 2007), when we began our first thread, your steady grasp of the whole gamut of operations that we plan in APIX-SEP seem to fall in line one-by-one! And that too, within a span of just about three weeks! For your convenience here is a gist of the Total APIX-SEP Downstream processes and potentials:

In continuing your observations on Rural Model systems, it is to be mentioned once again that for us the opportunities are based on AVAILABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCES (AND LOCAL MANPOWER), all of which would be converted into Alternate Engineering Materials, Alternate Energy, Alternate Petrochemicals and Bio-fertilizers. In doing these we shall be guided by tried and tested technologies, but our Operations would be based on INNOVATIVE management of renewable resources and local manpower, taking into full cognizance the need for benign approach toward environment and ecology.

pvhramani

There seems to be some "gap" in understanding the DEPTH of our APIX-SEP systems of Energy and Materials Engineering. Consider this village/ farm area in Philippines, for example:

It is evident that in the illustration here, there are Coconut Trees that stand out as the most visible. Let us assume that the major "cash crop" here is Coconut. We also see a huge amount of vegetation systems in the form of weeds, grasses, trees, etc. The following Agro-biogenic material systems are available, per annum per ha:

1. 22, 500 coconuts minimum (giving nuts + husk + shells)

2. 1500 to 2000 Fronds (leaf systems) minimum (20 to 25 tons)

3. Various other agrowastes (75 tons minimum)

Thus, if we were to organize an APIX-SEP program in 1000 ha farmland of this nature, we could have various operations such as FOOD PROCESSING (Coconut Oil, Dessicated Coconut, Processed Coconut water etc) ... all multiplied 1000 times based on the per annum per ha materials availability. Coconut Oil and coconuts could also be used for certain pharmaceutical chemical preparations, Soaps, etc. The various Agrowastes and all Agro-Biogenics (including human wastes and animal matter in the area) could be converted into Energy, Bio-Fertilizer, and various other GREEN products. The overall Business potential in such a farmland area (1000 ha) would be in the range of US $30 million and above. (Compare this with what would be the present commercial values in such a farmland)

pvhramani

Let me extend further Hari's example:

I can speak only for myself as a citizen of the United States of America!

Here, in the USA, we are mostly an urban society. Each week, most of us cut our lawn, trim our shrubbery, pick up fallen tree limb and leaves, replace the annuals in our gardens, grow tomatoes and other vegetables, etc. All of these activities produce lots of rubbish which we dispose of in some manner. Many of us place it with our other household trash to be carried off to a landfill. Some of us place this in a compost pile to be broken down by bacteria to be re-used in our gardens and/or on our lawns. Some of us simple gather some of the fruits and leave the rest to rot in place. All of the tons of waste described above can be converted into green energy and fertilizer.

In the USA, many of our rural homes have septic tanks to dispose of our human, animal, and household wastes that we who live in urban areas have replaced with a community run sewer system. All of this waste is bio-digested and treated to make it almost safe to "dump" into our soil, streams, rivers, and oceans. All of the tons of waste can be converted into green energy and fertilizer.

In the USA, we read newspapers, magazines, and print out tons of computer generated text. We consume tons upon tons of paper and, for that matter lumber and other wood products, all of which can be either recycled or converted into green energy.

In the USA there are many local recycling programs, most of which are ignored by our citizens as too much trouble to bother with, or too costly to use, or they simply leave to the the "they" who "aught to do something about that!", not realizing that the "they" is actually "them".

In the USA, our citizens have the wealth and the means to go well beyond the simple, inexpensive measures being promoted by the APIX-SEProjects. However, there is absolutely no reason why we cannot adopt the APIX-SEProjects on a national scale, saving many tax dollars for other important community projects, and cleaning up our environment fr the well being of our children. One close look at the APIX-SEProjects will show that even in the most effluent communities it would easily lower taxes, improve the economy, reduce pollution, open up landfills for other uses, and help us to improve our carbon footprint. The USA is just 5% for the world's population but contributes over 25% of the world's pollution. The USA is, beyond a doubt, the most wasteful nation in the world, with China and Europe not far behind.

Yes, the APIX-SEProject is most important and very usable by all of us. This is why I give full support to the APIX-SEProject and I am using it in my own MESS-SEProject. You can take a look at both projects, and others, by going to http://www.chtank.org or by joining the CR4 sustainability forum to join in the discussions. By joining, you will be making some positive contributions to the economy of the world, helping the poor and developing people everywhere, and you will be making life on earth far more secure and safe.

To rehash my suggestions, and add one, here you go: Make clean toys from the agro polymer. Make gas from waste. Make electricity from gas, or batteries. Shares in the company are insurance policy pooled in a trust to enable workers to compete with capital. Further contract with Google Earth to sell latitude and longitude appropriate systems. Keep on the good side of CR-4 and Global Spec. The Chtank plastic garbage can gas generator that runs a 20 amp methane run dynamo is something I look forward to as a kit plan for my rented home.