Kirk Dillon's Friends

Kirk Dillon's Discussions

At 11:49am on October 30, 2008, Dennis said…: Hi Kirk:
Getting back to following your introduction remark last month. Since then I and partners have taken the big step of producing EtOH. We used apples that were converted to 180 proof fuel. Ran fine in a tractor and a motorcycle...without dehydration.

The operation looked kinda rough, afterall we're just getting started which involves a certain amount of experimenting and knuckle busting. Two high points however, were the high performance of a C803 still I built from simple steel pipe...and no control valve for cheap. The other was the successful conversion of the apple pomace using pectilase, alpha-amylase, and gluco-amylase in 40 gallon batches.

I'm confident we can do better next time. Improvements under way are a higher volume apple crusher, high pressure hydraulic juice press, a second rectifying still, and vapor dehydration using zeolite. Most of this is being done using metal and parts we have on hand. Again, cheap. More later.

At 9:55am on October 6, 2008, John Mazetier said…: Hello Kirk,

Nice to hear from a fellow Boulder Creekan.

In response to your email, I've no plans for a still as yet. Right now, I'm just learning about all of the possibilities. I am new to Dave's notions, but once I've more info under my belt, I want to at least help disseminate what I've learned. Some of us can work best as propaganda conduits. The potential of Permaculture -- let alone its use toward ethanol production -- is the first good news I've heard in quite a while in the context of our civilization's sad destruction of the planet's ecology.

Looks like many folks here are just beginning to learn...

Yours,
--J

At 9:25pm on September 28, 2008, Rall said…: Prices are getting better,Im checking on some places in the sacramento area, I will keep you informed, do you have your still built.I just purchased t 3 reflux collums, expensive stuff

At 11:24pm on September 22, 2008, Rall said…: Hey Kirk
I will research molases for confection production or even raw sugar,. will keep you informed
Thanks

At 9:43pm on September 21, 2008, Rall said…: Kirk I live by Sacramento, I just started gathering my info to build a still and just take it from there, Im looking to use molases for my endevers, we need to start a type of learning coop in our region

At 11:41am on September 16, 2008, Dennis said…: Kirk,
You and I share a similar goal but you have articulated it better than I can. Good job.

My particular circumstance is a rural location in NE Washington state. Lots of opportunities for crop feedstocks and plenty of good 'ole boy ingenuity and desire for self-sufficiency.

Our initial efforts are underway for a demonstration project involving a 4" column, waste apples and firewood heated boiler. Much of the *plant* is being cobbled together from found materials that we have on hand. If it works, and interest remains high, we'll rebuild over the winter for a more serious attempt next year. Fermentation begins in 3 weeks.

~Dennis

At 11:33pm on August 10, 2008, michael alan popilek said…: kirk, thank you for taking time to reply. i live in the corn belt. i,am talking to alot of people about alcohol can be a gas. when the corn gets cut. were hoping to start. a alcohol still for fuel.at my brothers small 5 acre fram. will keep you posted. god bless. and good luck.

At 12:39pm on August 8, 2008, michael alan popilek said…: KIRK, I LOVE WHAT YOU OUR DOING. WOULD LIKE TO DO SAMETHING IN ILLINOIS. DON,T KNOW MUCH ABOUT MAKING ALCOHOL. BUT I AM TRYING TO LEARN.