All you ever wanted to know about biodiesel is now being offered in four workshops starting in October at Iowa State University (ISU). One course, Introduction to Biodiesel, is a Web based program scheduled to be available online by the end of August. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is the course development sponsor, with the program presentation being a collaborative effort between the Iowa Energy Center, Renewable Products Development Laboratories, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agriculture Research Service, and Iowa State.
The introductory biodiesel course is an interactive Internet based program that is geared towards interested citizens, future and present customers, fuel marketers and distributors, and policy makers. One of the primary objectives of this course will be to steer interested parties to the other three courses that will provide more detailed information about biodiesel production and quality control. Topics will include description of biodiesel, reasons for use, where it can be purchased, the costs, basic economic considerations, government incentives available, and where additional information can be obtained.
The second course, Business Management for Biodiesel Producers, scheduled for October 23-25, 2002, will target potential and current biodiesel producers. Course curriculum will provide information on the legal and business issues related to biodiesel production and marketing, and information needed to operate within the law and have the maximum likelihood of a successful business. Topics include a background on biodiesel and the liquid fuels industry; start-up issues; legal and regulatory issues; and operational concerns. Course attendees will have the opportunity to create a business plan for a biodiesel plant.
The third course offered, Biodiesel Analytical Methods, will take place December 11-13, 2002, and is ideal for test laboratory personnel and quality control staff of biodiesel producers. Attendees will learn fuel property measurement methods, biodiesel specifications, and quality control, and review biodiesel production techniques. Laboratory opportunities will teach measurement of biodiesel’s physical properties, total and free glycerin, and fatty acid composition.
Biodiesel Production Technology is the fourth course offered February 12-14, 2003. Targeting potential and current biodiesel producers, plant technicians, and plant maintenance personnel, this course will provide a broad background in biodiesel production technology, including instruction in biodiesel chemistry, chemical plant processes and operating procedures, and production processes. Biodiesel quality determination and control will be central themes. An important element in this course will be a “hands-on” laboratory experience covering feedstock characteristics, alkaline-catalyzed transesterification, and measurement of biodiesel properties such as cloud/pour point, total glycerin, and specific gravity.
Workshops will be held at the Iowa Energy Center’s Biomass Energy Conversion Center facility, which includes a biodiesel pilot plant that will be used for laboratory exercises in the courses. The facility is located eight miles from the ISU campus in Nevada, IA. All course staff are highly trained and bring years of expertise in the biodiesel field. Although course enrollment is limited to 30, the courses will be repeated if there is sufficient demand.
Except for the Internet introduction course, which is free, the cost for each workshop is $700, with an early registration discount of $100 per workshop when attendees register three weeks prior to the start of each course. If a participant registers for all three courses by October 1, 2002, the cost is $1,500.
For more information on the courses or to register, contact Jon VanGerpen at (515) 294-5563, by e-mail at jvg@iastate.edu, or log onto www.lifelearner.iastate.edu.
August 2002 Render