We're off!

Tuesday, August 11

RFP's continued financing is dependent on achieving continuous production of fuel from its reactor. August 11 we set out run 24/hrs until we produce 600 gallons of perfect diesel. We have $1.6 million riding on it; that's $2,400 / gallon.

Investor checked us out, hired 3rd party verification guy said we're doing something unique. Peter and Ben got our hot oily brazilian (aka "the reactor") stabilized. Challenging day of shuttling investor around (but very cool guy) and getting the reaction settled in.

Major last minute surgery on the cracking column as we started to wax up after 5 hours. Ben plumbed into the stainless steel plates to drain the lower levels of the column while running. Normally this is done by shutting down and "de-coking" but we need to do it on they fly as we only have one reactor and need to keep it going full time.

Jose and I have the first night shift. 12:06 Peter left, Ben is across the street in the hangar sleeping but on call. We will be relieved at 6AM by Jaime and Peter.