Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
9/13/02
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Jon Van Gerpen, Mechanical Engineering, 515-294-5563, jvg@iastate.edu
Amy Myers, Iowa Energy Center, 515-294-4391, myersa@energy.iastate.edu
Iowa State, Iowa Energy Center to Present Biodiesel Workshop Series
AMES, Iowa--Experts from Iowa State University will host a series of three workshops this fall and winter on the effective production and use of biodiesel fuel at the Biomass Energy CONversion Center (BECON), a research facility of the Iowa Energy Center, in Nevada, Iowa. Offered through the ISU Extension Academy of Outreach Institutes, the workshops are for persons interested in the management, analysis, or production of this promising alternative fuel source.
The cost-effective production of biodiesel, a fuel produced by the chemical reaction of vegetable oil or animal fat with alcohol, has been a primary goal of the research facility for the past three years. Workshop leaders will draw upon the research and data gathered at the facility to educate workshop participants.
Iowa State mechanical engineering Professor Jon Van Gerpen, who has headed the biodiesel research program since its inception, will lead 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. Content for the workshops was developed under a grant from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
"It is our goal that these workshops will 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 Van Gerpen.
The first workshop, titled "Business Management for Biodiesel Producers," will be held October 23-25. In addition to studying topics such as diesel fuel marketing and biodiesel plant financing, participants will develop business plans for various biodiesel producer case studies, giving them the opportunity to see first hand the importance of effective management in the success of their own prospective business ventures.
In "Biodiesel Analytical Methods," scheduled December 11-13, participants will shift focus from the business aspects of production towards scientific analysis of the fuel produced. Under the guidance of workshop leaders, participants will perform analytical procedures to ensure quality production, thus gaining practical production skills and an understanding of various production topics such as quality control, safe laboratory procedures, ASTM specifications, sampling procedures, and biodiesel blend detection.
The series will conclude with "Biodiesel Production Technology," held February 12-14, 2003. This workshop will summarize topics covered in the two previous sessions, as well as demonstrating specific production technologies. As with previous workshops, participants will work with experts to gain hands-on experience, using all the equipment and methods a professional producer would use. Participants with previous experience in plant design will be prepared to design their own biodiesel plant; those without such experience will be equipped for plant operations and selection of plant facilities. Topics include production processes, feedstock preparation, treatment and recovery of sidestreams, and fuel transportation and storage methods.
All sessions will be held at the BECON facility in Nevada, Iowa. Those who register at least three-weeks prior to individual workshops will receive a discount of $100 off the $700 cost for each session. In addition, participants may register for all three workshops prior to October 1 for $1500, a savings of $600.
To register, visit the workshop registration website at www.lifelearner.iastate.edu/203/biodiesel.htm. For further information visit www.me.iastate.edu/biodiesel or call Jon Van Gerpen at 515-294-5563.
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