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New energy technology being considered in Sanpete
By David Call
The Messenger Enterprise
Manti, Utah; Thurs., Aug. 22, 2002
It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel. But if the technology works, Sanpete County
will be home to a prototype power plant that could transform garbage and sewage into irrigation
water and electricity.
Two developers, Sterling Allan of Ephraim and Welton Myers of New York, spent last month running the
city council gamut in Sanpete to pitch the plant to individual municipalities. "We wanted to
start with something small," said Allan. "If it works like we think it will, it might mean
a new way for all cities to deal with waste products."
The design merges existing technologies in a way that's never been done before, Allan explains. The
individual components are working in other parts of the country, but this is the first time they
will be merged together in such a way.
The design begins with a crucible of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit and a supply of used tires. As the
tires are melted, the vapors are diverted into a second crucible at a much higher temperature.
This temperature acts like a refining chamber, reducing all components to their elemental states [sic].
As water is injected [sic], it vaporizes
instantly, providing a high pressure byproduct to turn power turbines.
The concept is not new. A similar plant is already [sic]
functioning near St. George. However, there are significant modifications in the Sanpete design.
Dried sewage is used a an additional source of fuel. "Dried sewage burns with about the same
BTUs as coal," says Myers.
In addition, the new design is a closed-loop system. That means all byproducts are recycled. There
won't even be a smokestack," says Myers.
There are also designs to incorporate other waste products such as medical waste or common landfill
garbage as alternate fuel sources. Allan and Myers approached the Sanpete County Landfill
Association to discuss a potential contract under which the landfill would provide the necessary
garbage.
It is the developers' hope that the plant will provide electricity for cities, help to eliminate
waste, and do it without polluting or contaminating the environment.
Two cities, Ephraim and Fairview, have expressed some interested in the plant. Both cities are
hoping to expand their sewer systems and such a processing plant would be a natural fit.
Ephraim Mayor Morris Casperson anticipated that the city would use the spin-off water from the
sewage drying process for irrigation water. Fairview Mayor Don Worley is interested in using this
process in connection with the new microfiltration system, which could extend the life of the
microfiltration system significantly.
Sewage treatment and water are not the only products of such a plant. First and foremost, it is
designed to generate electricity, which could be sold to the sponsoring city at a reduced price -- 5
[sic] cents per kilowatt -- says Myers.
Myers' company, Creative Energy Systems, would foot the bill for project development with the aid of
private donations and is not asking the Sanpete municipalities to finance the operation. Instead,
Myers wants special consideration for the purchase of property, possible tax breaks, and an
assurance from the city that it will purchase the power when the plant becomes operational.
Still, there are a few concerns about the plant. First of all, it's new. Without a proven track
record, cities are being asked to "bet on the come," which is something most government
entities are not willing to do.
Ephraim power board member, Ted Olson, who is also the city's [sic]
UAMPS representative, is cautious about endorsing the scheme. "It would be a good idea to
diversity our power resources -- a little water, wind, solar, geothermal, coal -- this plant would
be another source," he said. "But I wish I could see a working model first."
Another question is whether there would be enough tires and sewage to make the plant functional.
Myers explained, "The plant would be designed in such a way so as to meet the demands of its
supply. We can process as little as 1 ton or as much as 120 tons. It's quite flexible."
When any system is designed that utilizes ultra high temperatures and pressures, safety also becomes
a factor. Although Myers and Allan offer assurances that their plant is safe, but without a working
model it remains a question mark.
Finally, call it the "Indian-giver" dilemma [sic],
but if the plant is built and then fails to work out, a city could be left with a defunct power
plant. If special exemptions or lease terms were extended by the city, it could stand to lose money
in property taxes rather than making money through power generation.
When asked why they chose Sanpete County for their initial proposal, Allan remarked, "We're not
in this to make a huge pile of money. If we wanted to do that, we'd have started in a big city. Both
Welton and I have a soft spot in our hearts for Sanpete County. We figured if any place deserved an
environmentally-friendly power plant, Sanpete did."
After receiving support-in-concept from both Ephraim and Fairview mayors, Myers and Allan are now
under task to come up with preliminary specifications and arrange funding. Myers hopes the plant(s)
will be operational within a year.
Errata
- Statement: "This temperature
acts like a refining chamber, reducing all components to their elemental states."
Correction: The reporter is confusing two systems, thinking they are one and the
same. One, a relatively small unit, is a tire incinerator that can be modified to burn
sewage as well as medical waste. The other, a large unit, is designed to handle
garbage. The plasma arc torches of that burner are what cause the components to go to
their elemental states.
- Statement: "As water is
injected, it vaporizes instantly, providing a high pressure byproduct to turn power
turbines."
Correction: This wording implies the water is inserted into the burning chamber and is
solely responsible for the propelling force. Actually, the water is added to the high
force emissions from the chamber, to cool them so they do not burn the turbines, and to
contribute additional driving force for the turbines.
- Statement: "A similar
plant is already functioning near St. George."
Correction: A similar unit is nearly ready to go in St. George. Another unit is in
St. George that used to be in Boise, and was in operation there for a year.
- Statement: "5 cents per kilowatt."
Correction: The council said they would expect it to be at most 4
cents per kilowatt, or they would not be interested in buying.
- Statement: "Ted Olson, who is
also the city's UAMPS representative..."
Correction: Ted Olson is the Chairman of the Board of UAMPS.
- Statement: "Finally, call it the 'Indian-giver'
dilemma, but if the plant is built and then fails to work out, a city could be left with a
defunct power plant."
Correction: "Indian giver" is one who gives something then asks for it
back. It is not applicable to this scenario.
See also
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