Jim Mason, May, 2011
There's a new set of photos for the current generation of 10kw GEK Power Pallets:
http://www.gekgasifier.com/wpgallery/10kw-power-pallet-summer-2011/
The current batch is using the new GEK stainless reactor (now standard with all kits) and a new stainless filter custom built for the Power Pallet. The ejector gas drive is now gone and in its place a new dual premixed blower with tall stack and auto-ignition element to ease start up, and keep all nasties well overhead during the process. Keeping operators away from potential CO exposure during start is proving important for regular use by amateurs. A pipe skyward with flame (hopefully) is proving not enough.
In between the new shiny things you might also notice the new ruggedized wiring harness in metal conduit, stainless flex tube gas distribution, and aluminized nomex insulation cozies to keep the TOTTI hotter. Bear also tells me there's lots of new control software, but it doesn't show up very well in the pictures.
Lovers of stainless among us will be pleased to hear the optional stainless version of the GEK is now the new standard.
As of May 2011 we're delivering the GEK in both raw kit form, and full Power Pallet form, with a 304ss reactor and gas cowling vessels. The rest of the pieces are still a mix of stainless and mild steel as use specifics require and/or allow. Many recent deliveries were updraged to the new stainless version for free, so you might have received a surprise in the mail. All outstanding orders will now similarly arrive in the new stanless form.
We left the "you weld it together" Level III in the previous mild steel vessel form for "easier" welding. If prodded however, can also deliver that one in stainless too if desired. The TOTTI parts continue to be mild to maximize their heat exchange potential. We've added a fancy new aluminized Nomex cozy with kaowool batting to keep the TOTTI toastier. The Nomex cozies are now standard with the Power Pallet and TOTTI
Why the transition to stainless you ask?
Well, we realized we weren't seeing the expected savings of using mild everywhere possible, and stainless only where really necessary. The time and effort of painting the mild parts, with all the associated prep and process, puts a big dent in the "on paper" savings. Yes, stainless costs 2-3x times mild steel, but the people and production costs tend to be more meaningful to the final tally.
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