DIY biofuel tech goes off in Big Island bedroom
Stephen Finch of Laupahoehoe checked in after reading my post sbout Hawaii biofuel potentials.
Turns out, Finch is brewing his own fuel in his bedroom with a new technology he’s developed.
His pilot scale ethanol/butanol extraction plant is small, yet it can run with sugar cane, sweet sorghum, food-grade sorghum, switchgrass, and other types of carbohydrates.
Finch’s pilot plant is a high tech method of membrane technology, and does not require the use of distillation or dryers. So, he can run it “off grid” due to the reduction in energy requirements.
This means you can produce your fuel quicker and at a much lower cost.
Finch can also separate the ethanol or butanol with oil and sulphur.
Oh, and, Finch knows fuels, having been involved with ethanol, DME and butanol for 17years and having degrees in Food Process Technology.
I get the impression Finch would love to hear from folks who wanna DIY their fuel, too.
Finch is certainly committed to help make these island more sustainable, and is available for this kine work on each island.
Check this out.
Published by Ken on March 9th, 2008 tagged Community Initiatives, Energy
One Response to “DIY biofuel tech goes off in Big Island bedroom”
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March 10th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Hats off to these fellows. This is hard-core sushi at its best. Out of Laupahoehoe, no less.