Anyone have the Fire Department show up at the roastery?

[coffeemessiah]

I think I need an afterburner. Emissions are out of control. I was babying a 5 lb batch in my 15 kilo Ambex, someone saw smoke ,freaked out and called the FD. Everyone wants to be a hero. The were pretty cool about it though. I'm in the system now at least, next time a complaint comes in they have an idea.... Any advice on this subject would be great!

[Coffee Forum]

[DirtyDave]

As you know, even a 5 lb load can create quite a bit of smoke.
Unless you are in a remote location, emissions present a big problem.
Aside from the social and environmental issues, having an afterburner is really a good idea.
If you operate at accepted levels, you'll never have to clean your outlet stack ever again (big hasle, big cost over time).
You can promote yourself as being environmentally aware and responsible.
And, after a while, the fire dept will start to charge you for those unwanted visits.
It's 2012, time for emission controls.

[Ellie]

LOL! Where are you located? We are a small roastery located in a small city, and have not seen the need yet to control emissions. The fire dept. was called when we first started in business too, b/c the neighbors were not familiar with the smell of roasting coffee, and thought something was burning somewhere in the neighborhood...they just weren't sure where! We've been there six years now, and everyone is on board with what we do, so no more visits (other than to buy coffee) from the FD.

[DirtyDave]

Y'all keep those clean coal fired powerplants burning.
Roasting coffee emits hundreds of volitile chemicals and carcinogenes.
The earth is not flat.
Employ emission control.

[coffeemessiah]

I found a 15 kilo afterburner and chaff collector for $8500 from Delaware City Coffee Company. I'm guessing they have these built overseas, Turkey probably. Anyone have experience with them?

[CJevens]

Fire fighters enjoy coffee. Invite them over. They'll love it.

Doesnt anyone recognize that sudden changes to smells and appearance of smoke is going to raise suspicion and cause alarm? I would think that canvassing the neighborhood and letting them know you are roasting coffee and offering a sample would be wise. Letting the fire dept know is also important.

Maybe some have done all these things and still the FD comes with sirens blazing?

[DirtyDave]

Obviously, there is a monetary penalty for utilizing an afterburner.
But, people, please, we need to address the issue of pollution.
Is this not obvious?

[kanyevil]

Should have invited all your neighbours to come in for a cup or so!

[topher]

I'm with you Dave! It's funny how everyone is ignoring your posts..wait..it's not funny.

[jimbo]

So how much worse is it to roast coffee, than say, heat my house with a wood burning stove. And how much fuel (nat gas or propane) is used to fire the afterburner. Is there a carbon footprint issue to be considered. I'll try to look that info up. See what I can find.