methane

here is a string of e-mails about methane use in cars in South Africa. I feel a conference coming up...

Hi mate

sounds most interesting and you should try get hold of a copy of her research docos if you can. There is no doubt that when one produces methane at marginal costing it's much cheaper than petrol. Consequently, a (relatively) few people should fully capitalise on their position to exploit the resource at marginal cost.

It would be interesting to see her costings and see the cost of a conversion plant, as well as the amount of raw material (volumetric conversion rate) and conversion time required to make the gas.

Pls send info, I'll do a bit more research on my end as well - I'll also look at the Indian web sites.......

Cheers
GT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Douglas [mailto:douglas@racionzer.net]
Sent: Tuesday, 29 August 2006 5:11 PM
To: Gianni Torta
Subject: Fw: methane query


Dear Gianni

I got this response from Marlene the methane mama today. Thought you may be interested...

Regards

Dug
----- Original Message -----
From: Marlene
To: Douglas
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 6:19 PM
Subject: Re: methane query


Dear Douglas

Thank you for this enquiry. In short, I am most willing to share experience, as time allows! It will be my pleasure. The "project" was a "pet research" project where I looked into the purification of methane from some 56 to 95% via membrane systems (Okkie v Schalwyk 082 859 0833) now retired but previously from Atomic Energy Coorporation - and investigated applications in terms of convertion of diesel and petrol vehicles, use as household gas in place of propane (easi) gas, also heating hot houses from raw methane from anaerobic digesters (Indian deisgn), etc. I have left the findings and doc in the possesion of Mogale City (I left their service about 3 months ago) - and requested that they provide it to any interested persons - no charge. You may contact with magda at 951 2104 or 951 2000 ask for water and sanitation dept. This will be usefull info, but admittedly - I never "prgressed" to the stage where I wrote up a scientific paper on the findings.

Finally, a definite YES it is worth loooking into it - it was even worth doing so 6 years ago when the fuel price bordered on R 3-70 something and the trend in energy was already an indicator in its own right.

I trust the above will meet some of your initial requirements - please feel free to email me anytime - I will try to get back asap.

Kind regards
Marlene


Dr M van der Merwe-Botha

Specialist: Water and Wastewater, Municipal













----- Original Message -----
From: Douglas
To: Marlene van der Merwe
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 5:12 AM
Subject: methane query


Dear Marlene

I was referred to you from Mr. Mostert at the Baviaanspoort Works and then Tina at your office gave me your e-mail address.

I am a social entrepreneur who is looking at the possibilities of using methane to fuel the vehicles in our orgnaization.

Apparantly you not only have done extensive research on this process but hat you have actually converted vehicles. Some of my fellows in new delhi, Brazil and Pakaitan use methane extensilvely in to fuel their vehicles.

With the current petrol price nudging R7/litre, is it worth looking into methane production?

Would you be willing to share some information and even some of your research results and opinions with me on this matter? If so on what terms?

Your assistance in this matter is appreciated.

Kind regards

Douglas Racionzer
www.sunstyle.co.za

Ps check-out my website and blogs to see where I'm coming from on this.