Effect of retention time on gas production and fertilizer value of biodigester effluent

Posted in: Energy by admin on January 1, 2003 | No Comments

Biotechnology – The Consumer’s Viewpoint

Posted in: Energy by admin on January 1, 2002 | No Comments

Although the quantity of contamination can often be harmless, it is still a contamination, which bothers consumers. Some reasons that technologies fail is when a “risk-free” (any new technology has its share of risks), hiding negatives about the product (instead, offer problems and what is being done to correct it), providing no choice, and bashing of competition. Biotechnology needs to have limits, needs to be adapted slowly (not rushed), and it needs to be proven safe.

Saving Money by Maximizing Energy Use Efficiency in Swine Production

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With the rising price of gas, there is energy saving techniques that can be used to reduce the cost of production. Proper management includes monitoring, setting, and maintenance of equipment to minimize the energy bill. An example of this is running fans too fast in winter, which will increase heating. Benchmarking will allow a farm to monitor energy use on a comparative basis. Creep heating can be made more efficient by using high radiant output/lower wattage heat lamps, diode dimmer switches to meet growing piglet needs, and hot water floor heating or electric heat pads to replace heat lamps. Hot water heating improves air quality and is the most efficient source. Radiant tube heating heats objects in the room rather than the air. Forced air systems heat the air itself, and must be re-circulated to disperse this heat. Gas-fired forced air systems consume oxygen and give off carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapour. The new standards for lighting are T-8 fluorescent tubes with electronic ballast. These are 4 times more efficient than conventional incandescent lamps. Ventilation fans must be properly sized to meet production requirements. A properly designed system will optimize cubic foot/meter output and reduce capital costs. A heat exchanger can be used to recover heat from exhaust air.

Fuel for Thought: Alternative Energy Sources for Agriculture

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Many energy sources exist today that can replace traditional energy supplies. Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground to heat a building, while reversing it can suck the heat out and cool the building. Biogas is produced by microbial digestion of manure and can be used for heat or electricity. Wind energy converts the moving energy of the wind and converts it into electricity or mechanical energy (they typically require about 15 km/h of wind speed). Solar energy can be used, but is dependent on the climate. Biodiesel is derived from plant or animal oil but requires careful consideration. Hydroelectric power is water-turning turbines to create energy (obviously the barn must be located near a source of water). Cogeneration uses a single energy source and outputs electricity and thermal energy in the form of hot water or steam. Microturbines can run on low or high-pressure natural gas, propane, diesel, and up to 7% H2S. Fuel cells are devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and heat.

It's Not "Waste" Anymore!

Posted in: Energy by admin on January 1, 2001 | No Comments

The article profiles a Saskatchewan company that recycles hog slurry into heat and energy. Clear Green Biotechnologies promises to make traditional waste management methods obsolete. Minimizing lagoon construction, no danger of groundwater contanimation and quick startup are some of the benefits. The heart of the solution is Biorek, Bioscan’s organic waste refinery. Biorek’s plants convert hog slurry into usable energy, fertilizer components, and clean water. The waste separation and conversion system (Biorek) has been established through joint ventures in many countries.With Western Canada’s increase in livestock production, the companies process can play an important role. With the money saved over lagoon and other systems, farmers will have the capital to take an equity position in the plant and even earn returns from it. Perhaps this system could sell energy into the provincial power grid because as “green” energy it could market at a premium.

POWER DELIVERY EFFICIENCY: A VALID MEASURE OF BELT AND TIRE TRACTOR PERFORMANCE

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Hog manure power

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Some projects take you places you hadna

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ATOMIZATION CHARACTERISTICS OF FIFTEEN BIODIESEL FUEL TYPES

Posted in: Energy by admin on January 1, 2000 | No Comments

Wet/Dry Feeders and Manure Production – Is There a Relationship?

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In a 12-month period beginning in the spring of 1998, a study was run to examine the impact of wet/dry feeders on manure production, manure nutrient levels, and water use in feeder pig barns. This type of feeder is a popular choice in feeder barns. Manure samples were collected every second month from 21 farms. Average water requirement for wet/dry feeder barns was significantly less than dry feeder barns but not average manure production. Manure nutrient levels varied among farms with the average nitrogen content around 0.65% and manure dry matter values for wet/dry feeder barns at 3-11%.

Green Electricity – The Way Forward?

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The production of electricity via anaerobic digestion and biogas is enjoying a renewed lease on life. M.A.V. nv is the company responsible for building a large scale biogas plant located in the port area of Gent, Belgium. The result of the process is a daily production of 30000 – 40000 m3 of biogas which has a gross energy content of 160 – 230 MWh. The biogas is used for the production of electricity, steam and hotwater. The plant produces about 40 tonnes per day of solid material, effectively fertilizer, in a granular form. The article also includes a testimonial from a Belgium farmer that is using this system .