Augsburg College Releases Biodiesel Miracle

At a joint press conference held this morning in Science Hall 302, Augsburg College and SarTec Corporation officially announced the discovery of a chemical process that could free the United States from its dependence on petroleum diesel fuel. This revolutionary method to make biodiesel started with the curiosity of Augsburg chemistry senior Brian Krohn and ended with three Twin Cities scientists creating the "Mcgyan Process."

Brian initiated his summer research project by deciding to study new ways to produce biodiesel. After Brian's preliminary research, his professor advised him to contact chemist Dr. Clayton McNeff, an Augsburg alumnus and vice president of SarTec. McNeff, his chief scientist Dr. Ben Yan, and Augsburg's Professor Arlin Gyberg took Brian's idea and created a chemical reaction that has never before been described in scientific literature. As a result of the Mcgyan Process discovery, McNeff co-founded Ever Cat Fuels based in Anoka. It is the only plant in the world using this new method to manufacture biodiesel.

Industry analysts have been surprised by how well the Mcgyan Process works and its implications for fuel production worldwide. This process has many advantages over previous biodiesel production methods. It can convert a much wider range of feedstock oils and animal fats into biodiesel, including the byproducts from ethanol production. The Mcgyan Process recycles the catalyst and alcohol necessary to make biodiesel, it reduces the reaction time from hours to seconds, and it doesn't use water or dangerous chemicals. In short, it can make more biodiesel quickly and with a minimal impact on the environment.
Click for a description of the process by Dr. McNeff
(QuickTime video, ~4 min., 6 MB)

Because the Mcgyan Process can use a wider range of renewable oils, it has opened the door to a truly Earth-changing possibility. Algae that capture carbon dioxide can be a source of Mcgyan feedstock oil. The use of algae oil simultaneously reduces the demand on arable land for fuel purposes and scrubs the atmosphere of a greenhouse gas. SarTec has conducted research into using algae oils to supply the Mcgyan Process. The corporation is working on the use of algae to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants while creating a biodiesel feedstock.

Picture of media interviewing Brian Krohn and Professor Gyberg.A patent is now pending on the Mcgyan Process which is named for the three scientists officially credited with the discovery (McNeff, Gyberg, and Yan). Ever Cat Fuels Corporation is currently producing 50,000 gallons of biodiesel per year and is using it as a power source. Its production capacity will increase to 3 million gallons per year when its new plant begins operation in Isanti later this year. Then, Ever Cat Fuels hopes to sell the technology and equipment to nations around the world.

All of these remarkable discoveries started with Brian's experiential learning at Augsburg, which is a fundamental part of the college's learning environment. His research will lead Brian to a promising future in science and create opportunities for Augsburg students for years to come. "This one-on-one relationship between professor and student may result in one of modern day's greatest discoveries," says Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow. "Augsburg is proud to be in the forefront and grateful that it may lead to a source of on-going funding that will enable us to take our science program to great heights."

The biodiesel press conference garnered attention in local and even international media. Here is a list of links to a sample of that coverage:

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Augsburg
• College
• Biodiesel
• green
• fuel
• brian
• krohn
• alternative
• SarTec
• McNeff
• energy
• miracle
• arlin
• gyberg

[maniacbastard]

You didn't listen to the video. He is targeting waste oil generating products primarily, but used some food oils for his experiments. Algae oil is a good example, it is generally not a food stuff and can be tuned to create lot of oil on crap land with crappy water sources.

I share your concern about food and crops but if someone can make biodiesel from algae that feed on wastewater (shit water) or someone uses grass clippings to make cellulose ethanol, I am all for it.

[brotherlou7754]

algae is the best,no other plant life grows faster than it,it grows anywhere,it converts carbon dioxide to oxygen the cause of greenhouse gases.does not compete for land used for food crops. oil from the ground is mostly algae,how do we get capitol hill to see its potential to get the good ol u.s.a. off its addiction to petroleum.

[happinesson]

biodiesel is more eco-friendly than any other form of fuel! It emits less harmful smoke when being burn into energy. I am pro-biodiesel!

[thoostorm4]

@maniacbastard allyoou and you ignorant ass can do is sit you fatass at yer comp n click yerouse so dhut it

[eastern2western]

but the reporter forget the process of high energy input

[charles43110]

@maniacbastard Propaganda to state raising crops for fuel makes food more expensive. Several nations have already banned gasoline. Huge amounts of American corn are used for fuel. Go to a grocery store. Are cans of corn higher priced than peas or beans? NO!!! In 5 years USA could end petrol fuels.

[miguelmouta]

Man, try to learn about biofuels with brazilians. And political lies with USA , after their WWII dirty nazi  friendship. LONG LIVE THE BRIC COUNTRIES.

[Beau1K]

Grand opening was Sept. '09 - they claim 10,000 gallons/day - we'll see...I don't think the oil companies can do anything to stop it.

[johnny102marvin]

Will the people who control the oil industry allow this technology to come forth?

[azmina07]

Am so proud of my school and the department i belong to as a student

[scrillarod]

Minnesota rocks