Posted on 07/10/2013 3:57:15 PM PDT by Kevmo
Professor Bo Höistad Answers Critics July 8, 2013
Following the negative critique given to the Levi HotCat paper, the Italian magazine, IB Times, conducted an interview with Bo Höistad, one of the seven members of the test team and signatory to the paper. This is an appropriate choice because Ericsson and Pomp are Nuclear physicists at Uppsala. As a peer at the same establishment, Höistad is understandably miffed at the criticism and takes a pot-shot at them in return for their unprofessional attack. I have some sympathy for this. While they made some valid points it was obvious that their own paper was full of non-scientific observations reflecting their determination to find fault.
There is little new information but it is interesting to see Höistad come out fighting and standing by their findings. He does confirm that one of Rossi’s technicians started the eCat but otherwise he and Rossi left them to it. One other interesting snippet is that it is true that they did not get to see Rossi’s surgery to remove the’fuel’ but in his opinion this did not effect their conclusions because the results were in excess of ‘any’ known chemical fuel.
The article is here and the following is a Google translation:
There is no peace for Andrea Rossi and his E-Cat. The publication of the now famous independent third-party testing on the E-Cat high temperature seemed to represent a turning point in the story starring the Italian engineer and his creature, which promises to revolutionize the world of energy.
But even the new test came in the middle of strong controversy, carried out by an article made by Professors Goran Ericsson and Stephan Pomp, nuclear physicists at the University of Uppsala, which is highly critical of the test and puts openly questioned the results.
The criticism of Ericsson and Pomp – Published on arxiv.org , the platform of Cornell University on which they were made public also test the E-Cat, in their report Ericsson Pomp and question the real independence of the testers noting that some of them had already participated in previous demonstrations organized by engineer Rossi. Is also criticized their own qualifications to perform these tests because they do not have adequate preparation for the test to “black box.”
Ericsson Pomp and wonder how testers can be assured that inside the reactor there is nickel and hydrogen if they have not been able to open.
Furthermore, the same reference to “trade secrets” about the “fuel” the reactor brings down a veil of shadow over into the real operation of the reactor itself overshadowing the possibility that it could be used a second source of energy.
This accusation stems from the fact that Ericsson Pomp and do not share the choice to perform the tests in the laboratories Leonardo Corporation made available by engineer Rossi. The two scientists also point out that in both tests the reactors were put into operation by authorized personnel by engineer Rossi and not by testers themselves.
Regarding the measurements, according to Ericsson and Pomp, the December test must be invalidated because no data have been reported on emissivity. For the test in March, the two critics claim to have been able, through the COSMOL (a simulation tool used in physics) to replicate the same results without the involvement of any abnormal heat. The two critics consider that there is no data were provided on the reactor outlet (“dummy”).
Test indipendente Independent test
The conclusions of the report of Ericsson and Pomp were harsh: accuse their colleagues have done prevail their hopes on the scientific rigor and, based on all the observations reported prior, express the conviction that no truly independent test was performed on the E -Cat. Ericcson Pomp and therefore conclude that neither the test published on Arxiv or elsewhere has never been proven to be a “abnormal production of energy.”
The answer of Professor Bo Höistad – This is clearly a very heavy report in which, not only doubt is cast on the operation of the E-Cat, but also the reliability of the same scientists who have carried out two tests in December 2012 and March 2013 so as to explicitly accuse them of having followed a typical method of “pseudo-science”, that is to be skipped to extraordinary conclusions without first having sought explanations in traditional physics.
We therefore decided to contact Professor Bo Höistad, a nuclear physicist and professor at the University of Uppsala and one of the authors of the famous independent testing, to allow it to replicate and to explain its position on the target of criticism by Ericsson and Pomp.
IBTimes: Dear Professor Höistad, Ericsson Pomp and bring into question the independence of the tester, especially Professor Levi and Petterson. How do you respond to this charge?
Bo Höistad: First, let me point out that the article of Pomp and Ericsson is written with a provision very negative towards Rossi and tried to find all the possible arguments to support their idea that Rossi there is cheating. As a result they are very critical about our results tentatively positive. Their paper, instead of directly discuss our findings in a scientific manner, focuses on a number circumstantial issues that have no relevance to the primary outcome ie if our results are correct within the errors estimated. For most of us give different statements that are false. Also there are many deliberate omissions, unwarranted opinions and false claims. Finally, their article is written in a polemical style tended to insult and ridicule rather than bring clarity to a complex scientific controversy.
On the question of independence, is an obvious contradiction that the result of our measurements may be rejected only because one of our authors (Levi) and Rossi know. Our result should be judged on scientific grounds and not on the basis of insignificant relationships.
IBTimes: In the report of Ericsson Pomp and it is also said that neither she nor the other authors of the study have the appropriate skills to carry out a test “black-box”. Is that so?
Bo Höistad: How researchers in experimental physics, chemistry and radiology with a long experience in advanced techniques of high precision our expertise is evident. It should be noted that both Ericsson Pomp that are nuclear physicists, while our group includes a much broader field of science.
IBTimes: We come to criticism “technical”, the fact that the tests were carried out in the laboratories of Leonardo Corporation puts into question in any way the results published by you and your team?
Bo Höistad: We used our experimental tools. Rossi has only provided his E-Cat reactor with its electrical box. It also allowed us to use his laboratory we have carefully inspected before testing. Rossi was not involved in the test in any way. One of his technicians helped us to operate the E-Cat, but then did not take part in any way to the measurements.
IBTimes: The report some questions that are addressed in the study. As you know that inside the reactor is nickel and hydrogen because you could not open it? Because the reactor was put into operation by technicians assigned by Rossi?
Bo Höistad: We were there when Rossi emptied the reactor fuel, although we have not seen him doing it. We have also implemented a fuel analysis after the operation of the reactor. But strictly speaking we can not be 100% sure that the fuel that we have analyzed is the same that was present in the reactor. However, this has no relevance to the main result of the measurement that has produced a large excess heat compared to the combustion chemistry of ANY substance (see story)
IBTimes: What can you tell us about the “fuel” and “trade secrets” that surround him? Is it really possible – as suggested in the study by Ericsson and Pomp – which has been used a second source of energy?
Bo Höistad: If you are referring to some form of hidden energy to cheat, we have made every effort to unmask an agreement of this kind.
At this point of our investigation does not make sense to make assumptions about the nature of the excess heat produced by the reactor fuel. In particular, any hypothesis on the prevalence of a nuclear reaction is understandable only if a nuclear transition can be localized, and so far has not been so.
Note that we communicated in the “Indication of anomalous heat energy production in a reactor device containing hydrogen loaded nickel powder” (the title of the third-party testing, ed), and our results should certainly be controlled by more comprehensive studies. Our current results are interesting enough to continue these studies. Presumably there is still a long way to go before we can confirm or deny the operation of the E-Cat reactor (I made this observation to the Swedish newspaper Ny Tekink, New Technology, and Ericsson and Pomp know).
IBTimes: How do you respond to criticism on the measurements for both the December test for the March?
Bo Höistad: Their conjectures about the difference in the excess heat produced between the test in December and March are incorrect. Just look at our article.
IBTimes: Finally Ericsson Pomp and argue that in tests made by you will encounter a typical attitude of pseudo-science, which is extraordinary steps quickly to conclusions rather than trying to find explanations in the physical standard. It is a very heavy criticism: How do you respond?
Bo Höistad: It is very unfortunate that Ericsson Pomp and resort to bad comments and mischievous. Accusing colleagues with a long and distinguished series of hundreds of scientific articles published in the most important international journals in physics be hired to pseudo-science is simply an insult severe and beyond any reasonable level of a decent academic behavior. Frankly speaking I am ashamed of having colleagues at the University of Uppsala that you refrain from personal attacks of such a low level.
Here the abstract and full text of the study of Ericsson and Pomp
Here the abstract and full text of the independent third-party testing on the E-Cat
[With thanks to Delio77]
ETA – OT for this post but worth highlighting that Cold Fusion Now points out that the US Navy (Pamela Boss et al) has been awarded a patent involving transmutation through LENR. I reserve comment until I’ve studied it except to say that it is an interesting development given that their lab was closed down. Of course, a patent guarantees nothing – even so; US Navy Granted Cold Fusion Patent makes for a good tabloid headline.
After scanning the patent, I see it is for generating particles as reported in reference to their earlier CR-39 results. As with all things LENR, these were attacked at the time (what’s new?). With an application date of 2007, it makes no direct claim for CF or LENR but it is there in f9rm and explicitly references many cold fusion papers and claims].
Then answer the questions and speak plainly. You obviously know... plainly... how I feel about the subject, so quit playing games.
Poor Kevmo, the pseudo intellectual who likes to quote Shakespeare and bits of Latin as he thinks this makes him sound intelligent all the while shilling for Rossi.
Very sad, not enough love or attention as a child?
Name calling. Not allowed.
Have I quoted Shakespeare on this thread?
What does it take to get you to discuss the science behind the claims? And when I didn’t post a direct Rossi thread for over a year, did you STFU? Nope. If you need help with the acronym, let me know. It ain’t latin.
I think there's an exception to the truth.
Oooooh, such a bully sitting behind his keyboard issuing tough guy language.
You sound a little pissy, menopause perhaps? There's meds for that.
How many hours a day do they let you access the computer at the facility you're currently 'residing' in?
I think there’s an exception to the truth.
***If that were so, then ALL of my posts would have survived.
You sound a little pissy, menopause perhaps? There’s meds for that.
***More flamebait insults. You’ve never once discussed the science behind these claims, because you can’t. You don’t know enough, so you downshift into insult mode.
How many hours a day do they let you access the computer at the facility you’re currently ‘residing’ in?
***Yup. More insults. Inane ones at that. No discussion of the scientific evidence. Your contributions on these threads is less than worthless.
Thanks 4 Bumping The Thread T4BTT
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2965392/posts?page=19#19
I’m sure you were picked on as a kid, that much is obvious but you’re an adult now (at least of adult age not necessarily having an adult intellect) so act like one.
There’s truth as 2+2=4 and then there’s the truth you believe such as Rossi creating a functioning LENR reaction.
You talk about flamebait, you’re the one who can’t handle discussing this subject without whining and mentioning that there were 14,700 replications of LENR.
Yet you never address:
1) Rossi originally said he had an E-cat heating his “factory” for two years before he went public with it.
2) Then there’s the BBB which appears to still be where it was during the test what, two years ago?
3) Then there’s Rossi explaining to Florida officials that there isn’t a US factory, his device doesn’t emit radiation and basically is vaporware.
4) What happened to the E-CAT heating his ‘factory’? Down the memory hole. If he is to be believed, he has more factories than Ford.
I thought you might have wised up and would not reply to my post but no, true believer that you are, you have to defend this no matter what.
I hope that patent that was recently posted about turns out to be true that would be wonderful for the world. We’ll see. However, if I was a betting man and I’m not although I offered to bet you with the loser sending the winning funds to FreeRepublic but you weaseled out of that I would bet that this doesn’t turn out like people want it to.
I think it’s time for your meds and if you’re good, you’ll get to watch some TV.
you’re the one who can’t handle discussing this subject without ... mentioning that there were 14,700 replications of LENR.
***Then you ADMIT that it’s been replicated more than 14k times! After 2 years of trolling on these threads, you have FINALLY made some progress.
I’m sure you were picked on as a kid,
***Personal attack. Not allowed.
1) Rossi originally said he had an E-cat heating his “factory” for two years before he went public with it.
***I have mentioned it. In particular, on one of these LENR threads a former skeptic decided that LENR was real because of transmutation, of all things. He talked about his business practices that helped to conceal the truth until his company could come to market with the product. They were exactly the same as Rossi’s. After that, he stopped posting.
2) Then there’s the BBB which appears to still be where it was during the test what, two years ago?
***A pseudo intellectual uses acronyms when they are not called for. What is BBB and what are you getting at? It seems to have nothing to do with this thread.
3) Then there’s Rossi explaining to Florida officials that there isn’t a US factory, his device doesn’t emit radiation and basically is vaporware.
***His device starts with non-radioactive elements and emits very very little radiation (which is covered by the shielding) so he told the truth. If it is vaporware, how did he get the 7 scientists to test it without him even being present and they presented their paper? This article is about one of those scientists defending their finding in the face of obvious skeptopathic activity.
4) What happened to the E-CAT heating his ‘factory’? Down the memory hole. If he is to be believed, he has more factories than Ford.
***Exaggeration. If he has a factory, it was enough to generate a unit which these 7 scientists tested as a black box and the device works. It is no stretch to believe that if the device worked for them, he’s built other devices for a couple of customers by this time.
I thought you might have wised up and would not reply to my post but no, true believer that you are, you have to defend this no matter what.
***At least TRY to make some sense, okay?
I hope that patent that was recently posted about turns out to be true that would be wonderful for the world.
***There are several LENR patents in effect around the world. The trick is to remove any and all references to LENR, cold fusion, and various other trigger words that the USPTO keys up on so that they can deny a cold fusion patent. But, if you were an informed skeptic, you would know that.
We’ll see. However, if I was a betting man and I’m not
***But that doesn’t stop you from twisting yourself into a pretzel
although I offered to bet you with the loser sending the winning funds to FreeRepublic but you weaseled out of that I would bet that this doesn’t turn out like people want it to.
***I’m engaged in trying to arrange a bet right now.
http://www.mail-archive.com/vortex-
If you can offer the same 10:1 odds offered by Blaze Spinnaker, then I’ll be all over it. But your offer is an insult. I offered you a similar thing and you weaseled out of it: Send me $10,000US and I’ll give you 1:10 odds that Rossi gets arrested for fraud within a year. Go ahead. I’m good for it. My offer is at least as generous as your scoffing POS.
I think it’s time for your meds and if you’re good, you’ll get to watch some TV.
***Yet Another Personal attack. Not allowed. Lurkers will note that this is a relatively standard LENR thread where the detractors engage (over and over) in personal attacks before I ever engage, but for some reason LENR afficianados are held to a higher standard by the mods. One standard for me, another for thee.
Man, the more you write the whackier you get; I can imagine the froth coming out of your mouth.
Have you been tested for tourettes?
Yeah, that’s a great deal, I send you $10k, you put it where it makes interest and I wait a year but as Joseph Newman and Dennis Lee have proved, they’ve made their scams last many years.
As Sammy Hagar said “...you were a sucker...”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsITn7RVFo8
Personal attacks and flamebaiting. Not allowed.
Thanks 4 Bumping The Thread T4BTT
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2965392/posts?page=19#19
If you're still scratching your head, it works like this: I mention that every time you bring up LENR, you mention the 14,700 number. Now show me where it shows I agree with you?
BBB, big blue box, you know that 1mw cargo container Rossi supposedly sold, last I saw it was sitting in the exact same place.
Thanks 4 Bumping The Thread T4BTT
You honestly think bumping this thread helps you?
You post it like you're actually getting over somebody, hint, you aren't.
Is English your first language?
***Are you able to reason inductively? Without flamebait or insults?
Explain to me how you get to me agreeing with you about your continually harping on the 14,700 supposed replications?
***Go ahead. Read what you wrote. You admitted it was replicated 14k times. If you wanna backtrack on that, then tell us all plainly how many times it’s been replicated and tell us your source. You won’t because you can’t.
BBB, big blue box,
***Wow, that’s an impressive display of pseudo-intellectualism, inventing an acronym no one else knows about.
Thanks for bumping the thread.
***Personal attack. Not allowed.
Hey, take it up with the teachers who let you get picked on; it's not my fault you were subjected to unallowed personal attacks.
You really need to switch to meds that last longer. I mentioned that you mention the 14,700 number practically every time you post.
English, learn it, love it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.