Whitefox Technologies is a newcomer to the ethanol fuel market. However the company has been working with European industrial alcohol producers for years to make their production facilities more efficient through the use of its innovative permeable membrane ethanol dehydration technology.

Intermodal Opportunities

By Nicholas Zeman

As distillers grains production increases, producers and marketers are finding inventive ways to distribute the ethanol coproduct. Existing intermodal trade is providing a convenient opportunity to meet the demand in growing export markets.

Ethanol Plants Get Sick Too

By Jessica Ebert

Bacteria can cause big problems for ethanol producers. These microbes interfere with the vitality of yeast and reduce ethanol yields. Plant managers and so-called ethanol plant doctors talked with EPM about proactive ways to keep ethanol plants healthy.

Paving the Way for Higher Blends

By Dave Nilles

In light of the massive growth in ethanol production projected for the next 18 months, establishing markets for higher blend levels and managing distribution is critical. Experts at the American Coalition for Ethanol's 20th annual conference and trade show discussed what the future holds.

Ready for Prime Time

By Jerry W. Kram

For years researchers have strived to lower the cost of enzymes needed for cellulosic ethanol production. It appears they are finally zeroing in on that elusive goal. Cost-effective enzymes are now just part of a larger economic, technical and logistical puzzle representing the industry's next phase.

Coproducts Energy Value is Rising

By Nicholas Zeman

The use of distillers grains as a biomass power source could impact more than just the feed and energy markets. The ultimate deciding factor may be its effect on ethanol producers' bottom lines.

Miscanthus versus switchgrass

By Susanne Retka Schill

Switchgrass has hogged the spotlight as a perennial grass suitable for cellulosic ethanol production in the United States. In Europe, however, miscanthus takes center stage. EPM looks at how the two compare.

Bigger & Stronger

By Ron Kotrba

Operations

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) held its 20th annual conference and trade show at St. Paul's Rivercentre, in the heart of Minnesota's capital city.

A Sweet Proposition

By Bryan Sims

With biofuels incentives in place to encourage local production, Hawaii's largest sugar producers intend to decrease the state's dependence on imported oil and stimulate economic growth.

300-Bushel Corn is Coming

By Susanne Retka Schill

If a seed industry representative's forecasts come to fruition, corn used for ethanol production will stay ahead of demand. Average corn yields have doubled in the past 30 years, and new biotechnology traits and research techniques may lead to similar advancements in the next 25 years.

Landfill Eliminators

By Jessica Ebert

The process is called plasma gasification and the technology for creating and harnessing plasma has been around for decades. However, plasma gasification technology is now being used for a new purpose-the conversion of municipal solid waste-to-energy.

Steam-Powered Window Plant

By Ron Kotrba

Popular window maker Andersen Corp. is commissioning its new steam plant in Bayport, Minn., powered exclusively by the wood waste generated from the manufacturing of 6 million windows and doors a year.

Making the Most of Manure

By Bryan Sims

Complaints from odor-offended neighbors and a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have prompted some dairy farmers to integrate anaerobic digestion systems into their operations. Although it's not for everyone, using manure to generate power and produce a nutrient-rich soil amendment is something that should seriously be considered.

Not So Run of the Mill

By Anduin Kirkbride McElroy

The forest products industry has years of experience in conversion technology, and cellulose and lignin separations. The industry is now looking to develop its pulp and paper mills into biorefineries with ethanol as a focus.

In the Amazon, a mysterious, black soil was discovered that was much more productive than the surrounding red clay. Research has determined that these soils were created more than 1,000 years ago by the area natives. Now, as scientists try to recreate those soils, biomass producers could be the big beneficiaries.