Board Rules: No foul language, personal attacks, "to da moon" pumping or heavy-handed bashing.
Please note: The following are summaries. Do your own due diligence.
First American Scientific Corporation: Innovators in Green Fuel Preparation
First American Scientific Corporation developed, manufactures and sells the KDS Micronex (KDS = Kinetic Disintegration System)
The KDS Micronex grinder-dryer employs intense kinetic energy to simultaneously pulverize and dewater a wide variety of virgin and recovered materials into fine dry powders.
The innovative vertical shaft impact mill design incorporates high rotational speed and high velocity air flows to achieve superior grinding and drying results without requiring
supplemental heat.
Addition of supplemental or waste heat may be used to increase machine throughput. The energy used for drying can be as low as one-third the energy used by a drum dryer
and no secondary grinding process is required. An internal classifier in the unit controls the output particle size to between 100-2,000 microns.
The production rate ranges between 1-4 tonnes per hour depending on the raw material characteristics and moisture removal required. While many conventional grinding
or milling systems require dried feed material, the KDS Micronex can process materials containing up to 70% moisture and can reduce them to less than 10% moisture.
The KDS disintegration technology is patented in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Patent applications are pending in Malaysia and Korea.
The system KDS Micronex is marketed in various sizes and each model is customized to the buyer's requirements. The basic models are the S4, S6 and S8, plus there is a table top model designated the S-2 and possibly an S3.
FASC's licensee's may use different names (e.g. MF-777 in Malaysia).
The acquisition cost of the version S8 varies from $300,000 to $400,000 depending on the application, auxiliary equipment, and the model chosen.
http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/publications/forets/entreprises/bioenergies-biomasse.pdf
Date of Incorporation: 1995
State of Incorporation: Nevada
Current A/S: 200,000,000 (Increased from 100,000,000 - March 7, 2000)
Current O/S: 199,952,195
Company officers information compiled from SEC filings:
John Brian Nichols, 75
- President, Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer and Sole Member of the Board of Directors
- Shares Owned: 4,981,700
Cal Kantonen: DECEASED (February 1, 2011)
- Was Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
- Owned 8,580,000 shares at time of death. Current status of estate unknown.
Kelly Niavis, 37
- Replaced Cal Kantonen as Chief Financial Officer on January 26, 2012.
Latest 10-Q - 9/30/11
Latest 10-K - 6/30/11
For all SEC filings click here.
Companies marketing the KDS (click on logo to visit its site)
Videos
Animated
Live (same as on company's web site)
Wikipedia
FASC
KDS Micronex
Facebook (aka FASCbook)
FASC's Home page
FASC's pictures of KDS installations around the world
EST's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/EST-Sp-z-oo-Poland/174153045988661?sk=wall
Current questions for HQ-August, 2012.
I want more information about what FASC's partners are doing. How big are their teams and budgets? What are their goals? What guidance can they provide? What problems have they encountered?
Does Brian read the FASC stock message boards, including IHUB?
What is the current status of all of the current projects that are public knowledge, i.e. MnVap, QL/FASCM, St-Malo, Korea, Japan, Brazil....in addition to what has been published on SEC filings.
How many current companies are they working with bids?
What areas of research and development are they currently developing?
Status updates from PacWest and Cover Technologies?
Can you summarize the FASC business plan, succession plan, and areas of focus for greatest revenue?
What improvements could be made to make the KDS more successful? What would it take in terms of money and manpower to accomplish this?
The longs here want to help....can you see how you can enlist our help and support to make FASC more successful?
The following customers are working with FASC to advance the commercialization of KDS technology
in a variety of applications, both domestically and abroad (some websites require translation).
USA
Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers (MnVAP)
- Keith Poier has been replaced as the point person on the project. Joel Dahlgren @ 320.231.2400 has taken over. Current status of MnVAP's use of the KDS is unknown at this time.
- April 2006 KDS machine sold to Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers.
- December 2007 Xcel Energy awards MnVAP $1 million to research the use of the KDS to process various feedstocks for biomass pelletization use.
- November 2008 NextGen Renewable Energy Board grants $400,000 to help pay for new feedstock drying equipment.
- August 2009 MnVAP delivers update to NextGen board.
- Dust issues caused the state to suspend use of the KDS until design changes were made. Those have now been implemented,
and permit #6700023-002 (search for MnVAP) received December 18, 2009.
- February 2010 Minnesota Department of Agriculture NextGen Energy Board Report to the Legislature
"MnVAP has completed the permitting process and engineering tasks necessary to begin installation and fabrication of its pelletizing equipment,
and plans to begin equipment testing and modifications in Spring 2010."
North Dakota - Other than pictures on Facebook the company has not confirmed any project.
Iowa - Other than pictures on Facebook the company has not confirmed any project.
Canada
Bakerview EcoDairy in Abbotsford, BC
CANADA'S FIRST ECO-DAIRY SET TO LAUNCH
Abbotsford farm aims to bridge 'urban-rural divide'
By Glenda Luymes, The Province April 8, 2010
Note: The customer's use of the KDS is proprietary, which is why the Micronex is not mentioned in the article, nor shown in the photo.
European Union
EST in Krakow, Poland No news has been disemminated from headquarters regarding this
company. It was found on Facebook by one of our loyal posters on iHub. Pictures of how the company is using the KDS can be seen in the Facebook section near the top of the iBox.
China
First American Scientific Corp (FASC - OTCBB) signs agreement with Hong Kong engineering firm to build KDS pilot project at Beiqu Wastewater Treatment Plant in Zhuhai, China
Japan
JP Steel Plantech Co. / Kitagawa Iron Works Co., Ltd.
- 2009 Construction Technology Review and Certification exhibition (KDS drawing on page 16)
- KDS in use at Biomass Recycling Center Inc. in Okinawa Prefecture. The recycled wood waste will be co-combusted with coal.
Funding announced in March 2010 to advance sludge/rice straw applications.
http://www.steelplantech.co.jp/products/kds/kds/
Notice of grant sub-licenses
KDS Micronex drying equipment for grinding an impact this time, Steel Plantech Co. to hold the license, Kitagawa Iron Works Co., Ltd.
and Steel Plantech Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fuchu, Hiroshima Prefecture, Yuji Kitagawa, President and CEO) is the patent know-how
We have entered into a license agreement implementation.
From April 2012 will be producing and selling such equipment has become a principal, Ltd. Kitagawa Iron Works Co., Ltd.
http://www.kiw.co.jp/
Malaysia
QL Resources
- July 2008 Neo Tek Siong (President of FASCM) and Brian Nichols (President of FASC) announce the joint venture is
granted 5 year tax exemption by Government of Malaysia -
- July 2008 QL Resources enters into Cooperation and Reseller Agreement with First American Scientific Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. ("FASCM")
to be their authorised reseller of KDS MicronexTM ("KDS"), a patented grinder-dryer in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.
"QLPP also entered into a Technical Collaboration Agreement with Ulimec Sdn. Bhd. ("Ulimec") through its designated specialists in attendance,
Neo Teck Siong ("Neo") and Noel Wambeck @ Nurehsan bin Abdullah ("Noel") (collectively referred to as "Consultants") to engage their services
to develop and market the "Palm Pelletising System" in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia."
Mexico
Sodif S.A. de. C.V.
Joint Venture and License Agreements
Malaysia 50/50 joint venture - FASC Malaysia Sdn Bhd
June 7, 2004
First American Scientific Corp. finalizes joint venture agreement for the sale of KDS equipment in Malaysia
C.L. Kantonen, Chairman of First American Scientific Corp., is pleased to announce that the Company has reached an
agreement with Ulimec Sdn. Bhd. to establish a joint venture company (First American Scientific Corp. [Malaysia] Sdn. Bhd.)
to operate a KDS palm waste processing plant in Kluang, Malaysia and to market the KDS equipment to the palm oil industry.
In addition to earning royalties for all KDS equipment sold in Malaysia, FASC will share equally in the operating profits of the
joint venture and retain a 50 % ownership in FASC (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Ulimec and its affiliate, Sawipac Sdn. Bhd., are major suppliers of equipment and expertise to the palm industry in Malaysia and
to other countries in Southeast Asia.
Sawipac KDS website
10-K The joint venture sold two KDS machines during the current fiscal year with three more units to be expected to be delivered in October 2010. Royalties in the amount of $ 40,910 USD were received on two sales during fiscal year 2009 and none in fiscal year 2010.
10-Q Update for quarter ending 03/31/10: The joint venture sold two KDS machines during the current fiscal year and has an order for four more machines to be completed next quarter.
Royalties received last fiscal fiscal year amounted to $ 40,291 USD on two sales. Royalties on the next four units sold should be received next quarter.
Japan licensee - JP Steel Plantech Co / Japan Sub-licensee - Kitigawa Iron Works Co., Ltd.
October 25, 2005
First American Scientific Corp (FASC - OTCBB) announces signing of exclusive agreement to license KDS technology in Japan
Vancouver, BC: Brian Nichols, President of First American Scientific Corp. (FASC) is pleased to announce the signing of an
exclusive license agreement for manufacturing and marketing the KDS System in Japan with JP Steel Plantech Co.(SPCO) of Yokohama, Japan.
JP Steel Plantech Co. is a well established engineering company formed in 2001 by four Japanese steel industry giants ;
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), Hitachi Zosen (Hitz), JFE Engineering (JFE) and Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI).
The alliance was created by consolidating the resources of these four major Japanese integrated iron and steel plant equipment manufacturers
to lead the world in production technology and product quality. Their corporate mission is to contribute to the development of the world's steel industries,
as well as the protection of the global environment. As the exclusive KDS licensee in Japan, they will marshall world-class iron and steel engineering
resources and state-of-the art environmental technologies to ensure the successful launch of our marketing efforts in Japan.
10-Q Update for quarter ending 12/31/09: Two machines were sold last year and three were sold this year for a total of five sales so far under this agreement.
Royalties received this quarter from Japanese sales was $ 40,500 USD.
Mexico licensee - Sodif S.A. de C.V.
The customer is now developing a unique food product which it plans to launch early next year. No other KDS machines have been sold so far under this agreement.
Sodif S.A. de C.V website
10-Q Update for quarter ending 03/31/10: In June 2007 we signed an exclusive marketing agreement with a group in Mexico. One condition of exclusivity was that
they purchase a demonstration machine and adapt it to the local market conditions. The machine has been delivered and is operational. The customer is now
developing a unique food product which it plans to launch in 2010. No other KDS machines have been sold so far under this agreement.
Eastern USA licensee - Cover Technologies Inc.
CTI Micro-Reduction Technologies, LLC website
10-Q Update for quarter ending 12/31/09: In October 2008, we signed an exclusive marketing license with this group for eastern USA. One condition of exclusivity was that they purchase
a demonstration machine and adapt it to the local market conditions. The machine has now been set up and is operational. The customer is now developing
applications for the paper and biomass industries on the eastern seaboard of the USA. No KDS machines have been sold so far under this agreement.
Cover Technologies - KDS videos: http://www.youtube.com/anatman38
South Korea licensee and 50/50 joint venture - JP FASC Co., Ltd.
June 16, 2009
First American Scientific Corp. (OTCBB: FASC) is pleased to announce it has acquired a 50 % interest in JP FASC Korea Co. and signed a new exclusive
license agreement to manufacture and market the KDS technology in South Korea. Operating under the name "JP FASC Co., Ltd", we will jointly, in
conjunction with our Korean partner, setup a fully operational KDS processing facility in South Korea to showcase our technology.
10-Q Update for quarter ending 12/31/09: The joint venture sold one KDS machines last year, has a second sale completing this year. Royalties received this quarter from Korean sales were $ 13,500 USD.
Brazil licensee - FASC Brazil Ltda.
On November 11, 2008, the Company singed an agreement letter of intent to form a joint venture to be named First American Scientific Brazil Ltda. for the
manufacture, marketing, and operation of KDS equipment in Brazil. This agreement, if formalized, will result in our ownership of 50% of a newly formed
Brazilian joint venture corporation named FAS Brazil Ltda.
10-Q Update for quarter ending 09/30/10: On November 11, 2008, the Company signed an agreement to form a joint venture to be named First American Scientific Brazil Ltda. for the manufacture, marketing, and operation of KDS equipment in Brazil. During subsequent negotiations, it was decided to grant a license to the Brazilian group rather than form a joint venture. A new agreement has been reached and has been translated. We expect to have the agreement signed by February 2011. There is one machine now operational as a demonstration unit in Brazil.
Latvia licensee - SIA EHT Engineering
10-Q Update for quarter ending 03/31/10: In October 2009 we signed an exclusive marketing agreement with this company for Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
One condition of exclusivity was that they purchase a demonstration machine and adapt it to the local market conditions. The first machine has been delivered and is operational.
The customer is has developed a unique algae/fertilizer product which it sells in Northern Africa. A second machine was delivered this quarter.
http://www.pneuma.lv/
Patent Information
North America
Device and Method for Comminution - US Patent # 6,024,307 and Canadian patent # 2,218,429
A patent was issued for the KDS as for a "device for comminution" on November 24, 1998, and its U.S. patent number is 6,024,307 with additional patent applications
filed in Australia, Canada, Europe (EEC), Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Cryogenic Comminution of Rubber - US Patent # 6,655,167
On April 20, 2001, the Company filed a patent application in the United States to protect its research into developing a process for cryogenically freezing non-tire
scrap rubber and processing in into a micro-fine powder using the KDS equipment. This patent has now been issued.
Method of Recovery of Precious Metal and Heavy Minerals - US Patent # 6,682,005
On May 4, 2001, the Company filed a patent application in the United States to protect its research into developing a process for disintegrating and separating
precious metal from hard rock without the use of chemicals. This patent has now been issued.
February 25, 2009
Recovery of Fuel and Clay from a Biomass - US Patent # 7,481,385
Japan
February 15, 2010
Recovery of fuel from biomass
June 13, 2010
A Comminuting and Drying Method and its Process
Other Countries
Additionally, FASC holds patents in the UK, Europe, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, but no information is available at this time.
Research and Development
Hong Kong - JCL Engineering Ltd.
May 26, 2010
First American Scientific Corp (FASC - OTCBB) signs agreement with Hong Kong engineering firm to build
KDS pilot project at Beiqu Wastewater Treatment Plant in Zhuhai, China
"The Zhuhai project will include First American's patented KDS pulverizing equipment coupled with JCL's proprietary dewatering filter system to be designed for the
treatment of sewage sludge and other related applications in China. Upon successful completion of the trials, the pilot plant will be used as a show-case in
promoting the technology in the China market. JCL will provide all personnel and resources in China to construct and operate the plant."
10Q Quarter ending 03/31/10: The company has reached an agreement with a Hong Kong engineering firm to run demonstration trials processing
sludge from a waste water treatment site in mainland China. Formal plans and documentation are now being finalized. The project, if successful,
will result in the sale of one KDS machine, and could expand to include further multiple sales.
JCL Engineering Ltd. website
MnVAP to research the use of the KDS in processing various biomass feedstocks for pellet fuel production
First Nextgen Recipients Announced
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/pressreleasels85.asp?district=13B&pressid=3850&party=1&memid=10300
November 7, 2008
State Representative Al Juhnke joined Governor Pawlenty today in announcing the first round of recipients of the NexGen grants for bioenergy projects.
The Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers (MNVAP) in Priam, an existing agricultural cooperative involved in the feed product pelleting industry, was awarded
$400,000 to help pay for the installation of new feedstock drying equipment. This equipment will allow the coop to handle higher moisture feedstocks at a
lower cost and significantly reduce the use of fossil fuel in the production system.
A Minnesota cooperative returns its founding vision of biomass energy
http://www.auri.org/agnews/AgInnovationNewsSpring08.pdf
AG Innovation News
Power Renewal
April - June 2008
Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers started plans to generate electricity from alfalfa stems 14 years ago. But after investing six years of effort and
millions of dollars, the farmer-owned cooperative was forced to pull the plug on the project when its partners dropped out.
Despite its rocky start, MnVAP went on to became one of the nation's largest alfalfa pellet mills, says Montevideo farmer Keith Poier, MnVAP chair.
And now - as Minnesota pursues ambitious renewable-energy goals - MnVAP has returned to its founding vision of biomass power.
The cooperative wants to supply biomass fuel pellets to Minnesota's growing renewable-energy sector.
Late last year, the cooperative received a $1 million renewable-energy grant from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund. MnVAP will use
the grant money to test a new technology for grinding and drying high moisture agricultural fibers, such as wood, native grasses and crop residues.
MnVAP will work with AURI and Canadian equipment manufacturer First American Scientific Corporation to test a biomass pulverizing method known
as a kinetic disintegration system or KDS. KDS was originally developed for the mining industry, Poier says. Now it's being used by other industries
that need to grind and dry materials before condensing them into pellets.
NextGen Energy Board 2011 Report to the Legislature http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/government/~/media/Files/news/govrelations/legrpt-nextgen2011.ashx
February 1, 2011
Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers - Raymond The Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers (MnVAP) was awarded $400,000 to demonstrate biomass pelletizing, in which a variety of biomass materials-such as crop waste, grasses and woodland biomass-are processed into uniform-sized pellets that can be more easily stored and transported.
Status: MnVAP has signed contracts with equipment, construction and electricity companies and is ready to order and install pelletizing equipment. Completion of the project is anticipated for February 2011.
Project Title: Research to Apply Kinetic Disintegration System to Process Various Biomass Feedstocks for Pelletization
Report Date: March 23, 2011
http://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe/Corporate/Corporate%20PDFs/RD3-69_MVAP_MilestoneReport1.pdf
PROJECT STATUS: TECHNICAL PROGRESS
Milestone #1 included preparation of a preliminary flow diagram for the modified KDS system and the establishment of the testing parameters. In addition to the design work, critical project activities were addressed such as permitting and procurement of equipment. A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency air quality permit was needed to conduct the tests and the feedstock needed to be identified.Milestone 2 includes determination of the baseline performance of the KDS machine which cannot begin until all emission control equipment is in place and operating. This should not delay the project as MnVAP will be working on milestones 3 & 4 during this time which consists of the installation of supporting equipment such as feedstock grinders, conveyors, and dryers. With milestones 3 & 4 completed all emission control equipment will be in place.
The project looks very good due to many hours of critical analysis by the team members. AMEC has used their engineering expertise and experience to analyze the project and improve the efficiencies of the research line both from a processing and an economical viewpoint.
Marcus Construction experience will make it possible for MnVAP to continue producing alfalfa pellets to facilitate cash flow to completion of the project with the least amount of down time. The contract guarantees that the project will be operational and completed on schedule.
Prince George, B.C. wastewater treatment [PROJECT DEAD]
October 31, 2005
First American Scientific Corp (FASC - OTCBB) signs agreement with the City of Prince George to install KDS Micronex equipment for
processing sewage sludge at their wastewater treatment facility
Brian Nichols, President of First American Scientific Corp. (FASC) announced today the signing of an MOU with the city of Prince George, BC, Canada
to assist in solving its environmental cleanup problems with sewage sludge using the KDS Micronex system. "This will be the first operation of its
kind in the world, says David Dungate, FASC's VP of marketing, where the strictly regulated Class B municipal sludge can now be cleaned, bagged
and profitably sold to the public as a soil amendment." The initial runs will be monitored for three months, and if satisfactory, the city plans to establish
a permanent facility utilizing up to 4 micronizers.
According to Dayton & Knight, the city's consulting engineers, "the series of tests undertaken this summer 2005 at FASC's Vancouver demonstration site
confirmed the ability of the KDS Micronex to consistently convert Class "B" biosolids to Class "A" biosolids and achieved an effective pathogen destruction
rate of 99.9 % in all test samples"
FASC believes the KDS Micronex could become the preferred universal solution for handling Class B sludge by converting municipal waste into a valuable resource.
With the successful showcase of our system's ability in Prince George, Canada, we could see our system in use all across the developing world.
There are approximately 15,000 municipal wastewater treatment plants in North America alone that process almost 34 billion gallons of domestic sewage
and other wastewater each day. In Asia and Europe the markets are even larger, and FASC is well poised to service those markets through its established
network of licensees and affiliates in the U.K., Poland, the USA, Canada, Malaysia, and Japan.
Update: This project was not listed in the last 10K (period ending 6/30/2009)
Pilot Testing of the Micronex™ System to Produce a Class A Biosolids - A report by Dayton & Knight Ltd., B.C., Vancouver
10-Q Update for quarter ending 03/31/09: Phase II is underway at our Abbotsford site where some design changes and modifications are being
made to handle the much wetter municipal sewage. Results will be announced as they materialize.
WRAP Project Explores New Projects and Markets for Paper Mill Sludge [PROJECT FINISHED]
press.wrap.org.uk/article/3156
March 31, 2005
A project to develop the opportunities for recycling paper mill sludge into new products is being funded by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme).
Employing innovative technology from Canada, the overall aim of the project is to derive economic benefit from the waste by processing it into usable materials
and reducing the amount that is landfilled.
The project, allocated significant funding by WRAP, will use the capabilities of the new KDS Micronex sludge processing plant developed by
First American Scientific Corporation (FASC). Sited at Aylesford Newsprint in Kent, the demonstration plant is the first of its kind in Europe.
A New Approach to Paper Mill Sludge (Final Report)
http://www.wrap.org.uk/document.rm?id=3674
April, 2007
As part of its programme to encourage the economic use of recycled fibre, WRAP identified a novel process in Canada - the KDS Micronex, which uses
relatively low energy input to treat paper mill sludge through centrifugal action to produce a commercially dry material which can be separated through
vibrating screening into a fibre fraction and a filler fraction.
10-K/A-1 Update for fiscal year ending 06/30/08 : In December 2004, a KDS Model S-4 was shipped to Aylesford Newsprint in London, England
for trial runs and evaluation. The testing is now complete and a final report was issued in April 2007.
The KDS machine has been relocated to a new mill in Northern England where it awaits new funding to continue the research.
Research in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratory [PROJECT FINISHED]
U.S. Department of Energy Small Business Technology Transfer - Phase 1 Award
http://web.archive.org/web/20060708221554/www.fasc.net/newsrelease/03-06-12.htm
http://www.er.doe.gov/sbir/awards_abstracts/sbirsttr/cycle21/phase1/095.htm
June 12, 2003
First American Scientific Corp. ("FASC") is pleased to announce that the Company has been selected for a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
Phase I Award ($ 100,000 USD) by The United States Department of Energy. The grant will provide funding to continue research to enhance and improve
the KDS Micronex biomass drying and grinding capabilities. Working with FASC on the project will be Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) of Tennessee,
represented by Dr. Shahab Sokhansani, PhD, P. Eng, a world renowned and published expert in Bio-energy systems.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Biomass Research Initiative grant
July 26, 2004
First American Scientific Corp. selected to participate with the University of Tennessee in USDA Biomass Research Initiative
First American Scientific Corp. (FASC.OB) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture has awarded a grant of $717,399 USD for research
to be conducted by the University of Tennessee, Oakridge National Research Laboratory and First American Scientific Corp.
University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory/FASC slide presentation
University of Tennessee website for USDA-DOE biomass project
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