Methane Digesters

[Eric]

Just wondering if anyone on here has either seriously considered or went ahead and incorporated a digester into their operation. Any comments on how it's worked, and whether or not you would make the same decision again?

 

Obviously the methane digester has come a long way due to greater technology and greater experience/knowledge of how it works, even just in the past year or two. my question is: do you see digesters taking on an even more significant role in agriculture, and even our nation, in the foreseeable future?  As technology continues to be developed, could methane play a role (even if it is just a small one) in weaning America off fossil fuels?  or do you think digesters are on the way out, and that they had their shot and missed?  

 

Basically i just feel like there is a ton of potential for the methane digester that is being missed. any thoughts or opinions are appreciated.  

[K2]

Good friend has been involved in several projects.  Think 5,000 cow confined operation as a minimum.   Not practical for most of us.

[jeremy gerow]

i know of a 500 cow operation that has one they had alot of trouble getting it going but they swear by it now

[Roy J. Anhalt]

I would have to agree that it does have much potential, especially if there would be grants for a smaller farm version (like those found in China). Farms could be self sufficient.

[Eric]

has anyone ever heard of some type of co-op being formed between a few smaller farms to put up a larger digester?

[matt wunder]

Hey, yeah i have heard of "co-op" digesters there are some in europe where all the small farms in the area and even the residents of the town pool their waste together to run the unit. as far as farms being self sufficient off a digester, it would take a HUGE unit to do it. we have a digester on our farm (1000 cow dairy). and the amout of gas we get is not totaly enough to run a 100kw genset. but we do outher benifits from it as well, and we probly would not be where we are without it.  if you want to know more leave me a message on here.