Expanding Fractionation Horizons from Food to Fuel

By Holly Jessen

Cereal Process Technologies LLC hasn't just tested its fractionation technology—it's an everyday reality at three corn processing plants producing food-grade or industrial products. Now, the company is making headway in its quest to bring its brand of fractionation technology to the ethanol industry.

Quality Traits: Linking the Chain from Farmer to Producer

By Holly Jessen

After seven years of research and development, Renessen is on the verge of big things with its Corn Processing System. In addition to fractionation, what really makes Renessen's technology stand out is a focus on value-added corn, creating products that go beyond the run of the mill.

Food and Fuel: A Lifeline of Innovation

By Ron Kotrba

For a company that's already a lynchpin to the U.S. ethanol industry, some might think ICM's innovation has peaked. LifeLine Foods, ICM and the city of St. Joseph, Mo., know differently.

There have been stories surfacing across the United States that say city planners and other municipal authorities are taking the initial steps to change bulk water rates and treatment permitting, largely to manage the ethanol construction boom. While the coverage has verged on the sensational at times, water supply has stopped some plants.

Protecting the Property of Intellect

By Ron Kotrba

An array of intellectual property protections—including patents, trusted partners and an abundance of prudence—is what established tech providers recommend for new ideas in the ethanol industry. Such a portfolio could offer enough freedom to foster new advances and provide a concerted effort to deter piracy.

As billionaire Vinod Khosla announced the formation of Cilion, a new company which plans to build eight ethanol plants—three in California—within the next two years, it becomes apparent that the cutting-edge technologies involved in ethanol production have attracted the interest and the deep pockets of the Silicon Valley.

Forecasting the Future

By Lindsey Irwin

While no one can predict for sure what the biofuels industry will look like in the next generation, the renewable fuels market is growing by leaps and bounds each year. Models suggest that the United States is headed for significant change over the next 50 years in the areas of technology, efficiency and production. Experts warn against moving too quickly into new territory, but the ethanol and biodiesel push continues to move full speed ahead.

Agency of Progression

By Dave Nilles

After 35 years in existence, the Nebraska Ethanol Board has reason to boast about its state's success in the ethanol industry. However, the board's leader and his partners continue to roll up their sleeves and look ahead.

Potential Players

By Nicholas Zeman

There are crops—unlike corn or soybeans—that have few food applications and low environmental impacts in their lifecycles. These dedicated energy crops may be part of the next generation of biofuels processing, and the future of agriculture. Work must continue on the feedstock development front—where research is sparse and experience is thin—to achieve a wide and dynamic portfolio of raw materials.

Before last summer, ethanol was still a rather elusive subject to the public. The August 2005 signing of a federal energy bill changed that. A year after the new Energy Policy Act was passed, EPM considers what has taken place since that fateful day in Albuquerque.

Bound by Determination

By Ron Kotrba

Industry pioneer Randall von Wedel speaks at length with Biodiesel Magazine about a rather ostensibly unknown fuel quality issue-the potential role of sterols in one of the most common biodiesel problems around.

With a new test in place and some lessons learned the hard way, the Minnesota biodiesel program is geared for a less "devastating" winter in its sophomore season. As Washington prepares to implement a similar requirement for diesel fuel, will it learn from the North Star State's December debacle?

Fitting In with ULSD

By Holly Jessen

Since the U.S. EPA began marshaling in ultra-low sulfur diesel, the biodiesel industry has been clinging to the prospect of becoming the diesel industry's near-term lubricity additive of choice. With that expectation fading, however, it now looks like America's new diesel is neither friend nor foe.

Sharing Renewable Resources

By Holly Jessen

Can the agribusiness industry stretch to accommodate the demands for global food and fuel supplies? It's definitely a hot topic. A recent conference, the Soya Summit 2006: Food and Energy for the 21st Century, brought together leaders from both industries for honest discourse about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Conquering the Cold

By Lindsey Irwin

For the past two ski seasons, Rymes Propane & Oil has supplied Cranmore Mountain Resort, a popular New Hampshire ski destination, with B20 for its snow-grooming fleet. Despite sometimes grueling winter conditions, the blend performed flawlessly, according to an independent report.

National Park Power

By Ron Kotrba

Following the lead of Yellowstone National Park, more than 50 national parks, from Kentucky to Alaska, are now using biodiesel blends and B100. It's a story that's been a decade in the making.