Soper Farms: FEWG 50% Complete Status
To: Harn Soper
From: Rich Schuler
Date: 6 September 2011
Subj: FEWG 50% Complete Status
Disc: I have currently logged 35 hours on the Soper Farms / FEWG Biogas project. The following
is a compilation of some pictures documenting the progress.
1. A slurry is made from dairy cow manure, sawdust, straw
and water. Top cover (which includes the agitator) and the
agitator motor are installed.
2. “Siphon drain” into second 55 gallon drum is
installed.
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Soper Farms: FEWG 50% Complete Status
3. System begins producing biogas, which is collected in a 30-gallon trash bag. The maximum
recorded daily volume was roughly 30 gallons (i.e., 60% of the anaerobic chamber volume)
with an agitation duty cycle of 5%, and no temperature control.
4. Biogas is measured and “flared off” each evening.
5. Construction of the H2S filter modules for testing &
evaluation at ISU gas testing Lab (Center for Sustainable
Environmental Technologies)
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Soper Farms: FEWG 50% Complete Status
6. Biogas outlet plug becomes clogged overnight. Resulting pressure buildup forces slurry out
of “feeding tube.” The “spill” underscores the need for redundant design and proper
pumping technology.
7. Completed top cover heat exchanger (2 ft x 2 ft).
8. Construction of “hot water tank” from R-10 foam insulation
(i.e., heats bottom of drum using hot water from heat
exchanger), and installation of R-10 walls around drum.
9. Remaining Tasks:
a. Build foam cover for 55 gallon drum.
b. Design and build thermostat system to control hot water pump.
c. Install heat exchanger on cover of aerobic chamber.
d. Install pump in “hot water tank” and fill with water.
e. Install temperature sensors.
f. Load aerobic chamber, and bring anaerobic chamber to 95-100F.
g. Measure temperature changes and biogas output.
h. Compile and write report
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Hot Water Tank