Frank Jeffers Athens, Georgia carbon-negative biochar, biofuel & biogas

Frank Jeffers was employed at the EPRIDA research facility at the University of Georgia in Athens, and worked with Danny Day to study pyrolysis processes, manipulate parameters, optimize selected outputs, characterize feedstocks, and capture biofuels.

After the demise of the EPRIDA UGA facility in late 2008, Frank began his own research effort, not targeted on large-scale, complex, industrial, proprietary technology, but to develop backyard-style, farm-scale equipment and operations. Frank used only public domain technology, or obvious developments of public domain technology, so that whatever processes and equipment he develops will be freely available locally to farms and communities, and globally to developing 3rd world populations.

In 2009, Frank built a prototype high-temperature barrel burner, and assembled a simple water-cooled condenser to collect liquids distilled out by pyrolysis. Using little that is more elaborate or exotic than supplies from building & construction stores, and simple fabrication methods, Frank built a 2-barrel biochar burner that burns with a white-hot, smokeless flame.

Frank then fashioned PVC and metal pipe into a pair of water-jacketed condensers that are connected to ordinary garden hose. Initially, Frank collected the condensible liquids and burned off the flammable gases (photo 10). Later, he added another segment to his condenser, and a tank to capture and store the extra gas.

Saturday, November 14, 2009, Frank was invited to present his equipment at the Biochar Demonstration Day at New England Small Farm Institute in Belchertown, MA. Extra effort was required to drive equipment and crew to New England, but Frank's demonstratiolns of pyrolysis and power provided the high points of the day, and drew a rapt, attentive crowd, despite a temporary deluge.

During the afternoon, Frank successfully demonstrated three notable technological feats: