[Stoves] The University of Adelaide dung-burning TLUD project

[Crispin Pemberton-Pigott]

Dear Kevin

A very sensible plan. The loss of the elements that lower the melting
temperature (fluxes) is very important. If the dried cake is pelletized
(dried in small parcels) it becomes really useful at low cost. Perhaps a
densification step can be avoided.

In many places where there is a feedlot manure supply, it is in perennial
over-supply, viz the chicken litter problem in Arkansas.

Regards
Crispin

+++++++

Dear Josh

Feedlot manure is often a disposal problem, and it would make sense to burn
it. However, it seems to me that in many cases where poor people burn dung
as a fuel, the dung would be put to a higher use as a fertilizer or
agricultural supplement. However, as a compromise, where both fuel and
fertilizer are required, it seems to me that a better solution would be to
wash the dung, and apply the washings as a fertilizer solution. What would
remain is the "biologically undigestible fractions of the feed", which would
mainly be lignin.

The "solubles" used for fertilizer would contain major minerals (Ca, Mg, K,
Na, P, etc), trace elements, hormones, and proteins. The remainining
"undigestable fraction", as basically a "Washed Lignin"  
should make a superior, smoke-free fuel, with no danger of formation of
dioxins, and other toxic products of combustion containing chlorine.

What do you think of the practicality and sensibility of washing dung?

Best Wishes,

Kevin Chisholm,
AKA "Dr. Dung."