Use of experimental patent-pending "Noah" Unit to convert biomass into medium-BTU combustible hydrocarbon fuel gas

The purpose of this award is for the grantee to demonstrate the unique capabilities of "Noah" units for the practical, efficient, low-cost, non-polluting, thermo-chemical conversion of biomass into high-quality (over 600 BTUs per cubic foot) hydrocarbon fuel gas and mineral ash (equivalent to a 3-3.5-7 non-toxic fertilizer) at four separate EQIP-eligible producer sites in four separate Arkansas NRCS RC&D project areas. An innovative technology has recently been developed to address the natural resource concern of foreign petroleum consumption as well as air quality and agricultural practices. This new technology has been incorporated into a unique patent-pending device called a "Noah" unit. The Noah unit accepts biomass and agricultural waste as input which it converts to a medium-BTU (over 600 BTUs per cubic foot) hydrocarbon fuel gas suitable for most uses similar to natural gas. The unit produces only one other output besides the fuel gas, which is an ash equivalent to a 3-3.5-7 non-toxic fertilizer, suitable for vegetables and pasture. The Southwest Arkansas RC&D Project Area will purchase a Noah unit as part of the Southwest Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Project Areas initiative to enhance air quality and atmospheric resources through bio-based Energy opportunities. Under the direction of the Southwest Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Project Area, EQIP-eligible producers will be enabled to obtain Noah units for application to bio-based Energy opportunities in their areas.