A refreshing idea for barnyard odor (Cow Fart Neutralizer)

boston.com ^ | July 6, 2009 | Tara Ballenger

[PROCON]

W hen Deerfield farmer Peter Melnik heard about a machine that would make energy from cow manure, he was immediately intrigued.

Graphic Farming 'natural gas' Not only would using it make his dairy farm more environmentally friendly, the technology could bring in extra cash by converting methane, an odorous and potent greenhouse gas, into electricity that could be sold to the regional power grid.

The machine, called a methane digester, has been popular in Europe since the 1970s, but the idea is just catching on in the United States. Six farms in Vermont have digesters that produce electricity, and Melnik is hoping to be the first Massachusetts farmer to install the machinery.

[PROCON]

Ping!

[bgill]

That’s nothing. My newfie thinks cat poo is a treat and the kitty litter is the sprinkles on top.

[Woebama]

I have a way to get energy from cow manure. It is a surprisingly simple three step process requiring initial outlays of mechanical and thermal energy. Patent not pending, feel free to apply to your situation.

1) Dry out cow manure.
2) Pile up cow manure.
3) Burn cow manure.

[steelyourfaith]

From the link:"But if all farms worked to reduce methane emissions, it would have a significant impact on global warming, said Ruth Varner, research assistant professor at the Climate Change Research Center of the University of New Hampshire."

 

Beam me to Planet Gore !

[In veno, veritas]

They’ve been using these in Pennsylvania for a number of years. At a conference, one of the people basically said that the income isn’t really worth the investment. Kinda says that in the article, too; 1.7 million in installation has a long payback time to be neutral. Doesn’t talk about maintenance either.