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Sample Project: Full-Scale Digester at Dairy Farm

Overview

Continuing a project pursued by ENGS 190 groups in three prior years, students will refine the design and evaluation of an anaerobic digester for conversion of cow manure to methane at a dairy farm. Prototype testing for either the entire process or a portion thereof should be considered, but is not required. The overall objective of the project is to see if investment in a full-scale digester can be justified.

Qualifications: General aptitude and dedication are likely to go a long way in this project. Willingness to work with cow manure required. It would be helpful if at least some group members have familiarity with technical aspects of chemical process design and analysis.

Deliverables

Specific objectives include:

Critical review of the analysis and conclusions of prior groups.
Consideration of the extent of prototype testing appropriate and carrying out such testing.
Identifying key risk factors and ways to ameliorate them.
Identifying key cost factors and ways to ameliorate them.
Identifying potential sponsors for a full-scale project, and a proposal to such a sponsor if appropriate.

Required Facilities

Ability to get to the dairy farm (about 20 minutes away) as needed also likely required.

Knowledge Areas Needed for Project

Chemical engineering
Biochemical engineering
Environmental engineering

Proprietary Information and Confidentiality Requirements

None