CHAB (Combined Heat And Biochar) Camp 2012 at the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) 1

CHAB III at NESFI

August 6 – 10, 2012
New England Small Farm Institute, Belchertown, MA
with Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE, Dr. Paul Anderson, Josh Kearns and others

The Biomass Energy Foundation (BEF) announces the Third Annual CHAB (Combined Heat And Biochar) Camp at the New England Small Farm Institute.

CHAB Camp at NESFI is a four and one-half day immersion learning experience, with a “Meet and Eat” welcoming on Sunday evening, August 5, 2012. The program is designed to end at noon on Friday, August 10, to allow participants to attend the NOFA Summer Conference (http://www.nofasummerconference.org), held nearby on the Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts.

The workshop is organized and directed by Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE (author of Chapters 6, 7 & 8 of The Biochar Revolution – available at http://biomassenergyfndn.org/bef/storefront) and Paul Anderson, PhD (“Dr TLUD” – author of Chapter 11 of TBR). In addition, this year will feature a guest instructor, Josh Kearns, PhD Candidate (http://vimeo.com/user2565416/videos/sort:date – use “Couch Mode” to view) leading an effort on using biochar as a locally produced water purification option to remove pesticides and hydrocarbons from contaminated water supplies.

CHAB III at NESFI will feature two majors and two minors. The “Majors” are CHAB Devices, which are 20 liters or greater biomass capacity and intended to produce biochar with some excess heat utilization, and Gasifying Stoves, which are smaller devices intended to provide controlled heat for cooking and may or may not generate a char byproduct. The “Minors” are Biochar Testing and Utilization in the Soil and Biochar as Adsorbents (c/o Josh Kearns). Attendees may choose a major and minor, or sample a bit of everything that is going on.

CHAB Camps cover both theory and practice, including fabrication skills to construct devices and hands-on experiences operating both proven and prototype devices. A variety of common biomass residues and biomass fuels are provided, along with all fabrication tools and materials. We will even provide gloves – if you forget your favorite pair. Our goal is to convey the underlying theory of CHAB devices, and show how that theory does or doesn’t work in practice.

CHAB Camps are held on the campus of the New England Small Farm Institute (http://www.smallfarm.org) in western Massachusetts. Camping, with cooking facilities and showers, are is available on-site for no charge, in addition to local motels in the Belchertown/Amherst area. Some meals will be provided, with nearby food markets available and local cuisine for the adventurous.

Price for the CHAB III Camp at NESFI, including some meals and available on-site camping, is $400 per attendee. Alternatives, such as discounted rates or a portion of the program, are available, but must be discussed and approved by Hugh McLaughlin. Please contact him directly if an individualized experience is anticipated.

Early registration is requested to facilitate procurement of supplies, but is not necessary. Facilities are available for all activities, rain or shine, although we would cancel the kite-flying competition in the event of a tornado watch.

For further information contact:

Hugh McLaughlin (hsmclaughlin@verizon.net) or info@smallfarm.org