OrionWorks
Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:28:47 -0700
> Yep!, It's a Fuji. > > Remember that public relations (PR) is the bedrock of credibility. Howdy Richard Speaking of PR I'm drawn to BLP's recent press release, specifically the sentence: "BLP plans on developing pilot plants with architecture and engineering firms with anticipated delivery in approximately 12 to 18 months." I gather that means BLP "anticipates" that they will be able to publicly display the first prototypes possibly by the end of 2010. I expect inevitable delays. ...perhaps by 2011, or 2012. maybe. Every s/w project that I've worked on has never come in on the original anticipated deadline date. Granted, in BLP's case they are dealing with hardware as compared to software. Nevertheless, I suspect the R&D issues are not all that different. In BLP's case they need to figure out how to convert the current batch-fed process of loading the solid fuel - and change it into a regenerative process that is completely self-powered by the BLP process with oodles of power left over to feed into the grid. Mike Carrell has already eluded to the fact that there will need to be some serious chemical engineering involved. Not impossible, mind you - just serious no-nonsense R&D. I suspect there are currently a handful of engineers (chemical and mechanical) who had recently been informed by their respective employer's that they are to work on a special project. I bet most of them are ecstatic at having been given the assignment. That's good cuz I suspect they may need to tap into all of their enthusiasm when the going begins to throw them unexpected curve balls. It would not surprise me in the least if these teams encounter situations where the "regenerative process" doesn't seem to be as efficient as originally conceived on paper or in the computer simulations. But such is the nature of tackling new engineering challenges. Where's the fun in it if it isn't a challenge, where your job and/or reputation isn't on the line! When putting together a brand new process never before conceived of, there are bound to be a number of unanticipated glitches that are likely to throw a wrench into the anticipated deadline date. I'm therefore mentally preparing myself for inevitable delays. Meanwhile, to compensate for disappointment brought on by inevitable delays it would not surprise me if BLP may be willing to compromise just a tad and begin coughing up a few more "hardware" details as they approach their final goal. But that's all just speculation on my part. Regards, Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks