Post-Trip PresentationNathan Arroyo, Nicolas Campos,

Melissa Lindsey, and Sarah Watzman

BiodigesterMontaña de Luz

Pre-Departure

Biodigester in functional state.Define operational parameters for the

biodigester.

Original Project Objectives

Evacuate gases from chamber Clean debris from biodigester Fill the biodigester with water Obtain initial charge of

biomass Charge biodigester Stir contents of biodigester

with a stick Create compost pit in a

convenient location near biodigester

Mark buckets for use

Post signs about usage Conduct pH test on effluent Let biodigester sit for 2

weeks to allow bacterial growth inside the chamber and to allow the compost pile to grow

Train staff on usage through a training session including safety precautions

Create manual for continued operation

Original Plan of Action

Project Implementation

Biodigester had already been cleaned outContents were consistency of wet sand

Starting adding waterAfter 2.5 buckets, effluent began to run out

Effluent pH testedToo high, about 8.5

Pile of organic turned and moved towards pig pens

Gases evacuated from gas lines

Brainstorming session for removing effluent and for composting

Monday

3-stage compost bin was constructed in one of the pig pensCompost will be used for solid component in

influent

In the afternoon, preliminary surveying of the compound at MdL was completed

Tuesday

Organic waste was moved into the compost area

pH of water was still too highIt was determined that the only way to

fix the biodigester would be to completely clean it out and start overRemove cap and use a septic pump to

remove the solidsComposting was further researched

Must be turned and kept dampOutlines of pictorial posters were

createdRatio for biodigester influent was

determined

Wednesday

Compost area was turned, watered, mixedEffluent was removed from outflow

Pictorial posters were created and laminated

Thursday

Surveying

Afternoon- met with faculty and gave an update about biodigesterPosted signs in biodigester area

Friday

Send instructional manuals to MdLSelect and send appropriate septic pump

Post-Trip

Compost area constructed and functionalBiodigester was not left functional, but

important information was gained for the futureA pump will be sent in order to remove solid

from biodigesterOperational parameters for the compost area

and biodigester were determinedInfluent for biodigesterGuidelines for composting

Results and Objectives Achieved

Surveying Project

The compound of MdL was surveyed and mapped in order to help future projectsDimensions of buildingRelation of buildings to each otherElectrical, water systems mapped

Elevation of water tower from water pump was surveyed

Run more gas lines from biodigester

Combine systems of MdLTilapia pond, biodigester, garden

Back up power source for water pump

Future Recommendations

Survey Map

1. Dr. John Merrill: Led and structured class based on service learning for engineers, class placed large emphasis on the role of the citizen engineer in society 2. Dr. Roger Dzywonczyk: Presented material pertaining to documenting and recording work and data from research using “scope of work” method 3. Greg Bixler: Presented material concerning humanitarian engineering, emphasized need for acknowledgement of difference between wanted and needed projects as well as the affect of projects on the local community. 4. Brad Doudican: Helped in development and troubleshooting of the implementation plan for the biodigester at Montana de Luz. Also instructed the team on how to use the surveying equipment and made the smart map. 5. Dr. Jay Martin: Presented material about biodigester and aquaponics technology, very informative in the initial stages of creating the biodigester project and developing a plan of action. 6. Miriam Simon: Led weekly basic Spanish language classes. 7. Montana de Luz Staff: Provided information and schematics of the biodigester at Montana de Luz and the materials used in its construction. Specifically, Ruth coordinated the entire trip, made sure we had the necessary materials, translated when needed, and helped ensure the project was beneficial to Montana de Luz; Karin checked the Spanish translations for the posters and made sure they followed common Honduran terms; Saul made priceless suggestions on effluent removal and composting regarding the biodigester along with leading the building of the walls for the compost area; Alexandra made suggestions on placement of the compost area to make it most useful to Montana de Luz. 8. www.appropedia.com: Contained great deal of information about the operation, usage, maintenance, and safety of biodigesters. Provided pdf download of operation manual of multiple biodigester designs.  9. www.wasteage.com/mag/waste_profiles_garbage_food/ : Provided information concerning kitchen waste including density and percent water.

10. www.compost-info-guide.com/make_better_compost.htm: Provided details on the best practices in composting.

References

Questions?