Hands-On Biodiesel Production
Weatherbury Farm - Avella, Washington County
Friday, July 10
10:00am--6:00pm
$50 PASA members, $75 non-members. Lunch will be provided. Registration is limited to 25.
This event is sponsored in part by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), in collaboration with Piedmont Biofuels.
Piedmont Biofuels is bringing their innovative mobile processing trailer to PA! This full day hands-on intensive is suitable for all levels of interest in and experience with biofuels. Working in small groups, with detailed step by step instruction, we’ll titrate and process micro-batches of fuel. Then, using the mobile processing trailer, we’ll process 25 gallons of fuel from start to finish, covering materials, production, and proper handling and use. See all the components of a small commercial biodiesel production system in operation. Watch the seed press in action, and learn how to convert plant matter or restaurant waste oil into a high quality fuel for diesel engines. We'll discuss safety, fuel quality (how to test the fuel you make), processing equipment and design (for efficiency, flexibility, and options of scale), and methanol recovery, as well as how to form co-ops for regional farmer biofuel production and use. An NCAT agriculture specialist will be on-hand to offer tips on alternative farm energy topics including resources and services from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
Piedmont Biofuels is a biodiesel cooperative in Pittsboro, North Carolina that markets and sells biodiesel in addition to offering consulting services for establishing biodiesel businesses (plants and stations). They provide fuel maker and lab tech training and run an educational biodiesel plant and farm where worker-members can make their own fuel from locally collected vegetable oil. Serving as a lobbying agent on behalf of biodiesel and renewable energy, their farm is registered with the USDA for oilseed crop research and market gardening. Caleb Daniels, Piedmont Biofuel's Executive Director takes their show on the road teaching intensives on biodiesel and straight vegetable oil with their innovative mobile processing trailer.
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