Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
11/7/02
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amy Myers, Iowa Energy Center, 515-294-4391
Jon Van Gerpen, Iowa State University, 515-294-5563
Iowa State, Iowa Energy Center to Present Biodiesel Workshop Series
AMES, Iowa--The Biodiesel Workshop Series, focusing on the effective production and use of biodiesel fuel, got off to such a successful start in October that Iowa State University and the Iowa Energy Center will offer "Business Management for Biodiesel Producers" again on Dec. 9-10. The first in a series of three, this workshop focuses on diesel fuel marketing, biodiesel plant financing, and development of business plans.
The second workshop, "Biodiesel Analytical Methods," will follow on Dec. 11-13. It will focus on a scientific analysis of the fuel produced. Participants will perform analytical procedures to ensure quality production, thus gaining practical production skills. Topics will include quality control, safe laboratory procedures, ASTM specifications, sampling procedures, and biodiesel blend detection.
The Biomass Energy CONversion Center (BECON) a research facility of the Iowa Energy Center, Nevada, Iowa, is the site for the workshops. BECON's primary goal for the past three years has been the cost-effective production of biodiesel, a fuel produced by the chemical reaction of vegetable oil or animal fat with alcohol. Workshop leaders will draw upon the research and data gathered at the facility in their presentations. "It is our goal to provide prospective producers the opportunity to gain a hands-on perspective on how biodiesel fuel works and to teach them the best methods by which to produce it," said Jon Van Gerpen, ISU mechanical engineering professor and head of the biodiesel research program.
Van Gerpen is leading the workshop series, along with Brent Shanks of ISU's chemical engineering department, Rudy Pruszko of the ISU Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), Gerhard Knothe of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, and Davis Clements of Renewable Products Development Laboratories. Workshop content was developed under a grant from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The workshops are being offered through the ISU Extension Academy of Outreach Institutes.
The series concludes Feb. 12-14, 2003 with "Biodiesel Production Technology." This workshop will summarize the earlier sessions, as well as demonstrate specific production technologies. Topics include production processes, feedstock preparation, treatment and recovery of sidestreams, and fuel transportation and storage methods.
To register, visit the workshop registration website at www.lifelearner.iastate.edu/203/biodiesel.htm. Those who register at least three-weeks prior to individual workshops will receive a discount of $100 off the $700 cost for each session. The cost for the shortened version of the Business Management Workshop is $500. For further information visit www.me.iastate.edu/biodiesel or call Jon Van Gerpen at 515-294-5563.
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