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Hello all and Steven Bolgiano<br>
I couldn't resist giving my input.<br>
<br>
I have been experimenting with digesting grass and foodscraps in bags
and I wonder if you will encounter something similar to me. The upper
surface of the 'contents' tended to dry out and harden into bigger
chunks. No particular problem as I could 'manipulate' the mass by
pushing on the outside of the bag. Large volumes might be more of a
problem, as in your case.<br>
<br>
As Paul Harris suggested a prototype will show up any unforeseen
problems, eg solids settling, ammonium build up or engineering issues
like getting the stuff in and out etc. Later, you could use the
digestate as starter.<br>
<br>
I got a bit confused by your reference to the water table, however in
my case, rain water in the ground underneath the digester robs heat. I
believe you have identified the threat but (for others) make sure the
the digester footprint stays free of ground water and is insulated
well. I didn't quite have a handle on it.<br>
<br>
kia ora<br>
Stephen Rodda<br>
NZ<br>
<br>
<br>
<blockquote type="cite" cite="mid4DD92104.1090204@planetfound.com">Our
plan is as follows:
<br>
1) Run digestion process as a batch process, loading one time
...........<i>snipped and below</i><br>
2) Use "bladder bag" containments ... <br>
3) Each Bladder Bag is set into a shallow excavation with only 6 inches
of bag above ground surface. Each bag system is covered with low
profile "greenhouse" providing passive heat. <br>
<br>
Some of the limiting factors of our region:
<br>
1) We have a very low water table, so in ground constructions with
concrete are problematic.
<br>
2) Federal limitations for lands determined to fall under "wetlands"
regulations cover most of our peninsula
<br>
3) Small to medium sized poultry farm's financial resources and method
of operation are not compatible with existing commercial systems.
<br>
<br>
<br>
Cheers,
<br>
Steven
<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
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