FAPC to hold Biodiesel Workshop
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Food & Agricultural Products Center on the campus of Oklahoma State University is holding a biodiesel workshop on June 12-13 in room 201 of the FAPC.
“The biodiesel industry is expanding dramatically in the U.S. and around the world,” said Nurhan Dunford, FAPC oil/oilseed chemist and workshop chair. “High petroleum prices, concerns over long-term availability of fossil fuels and environmental issues have escalated the demand for alternatives fuels.”
As biodiesel production capacity increases in the U.S., more and more Oklahoma-based entrepreneurs and businesses are gaining interest in biofuels, Dunford said.
“I do get a lot of questions on biodiesel production techniques, feedstock selection and feasibility of biodiesel production facilities from FAPC clients,” Dunford said. “This workshop is important because planning and constructing a biodiesel plant involve a decision-making process that entails a number of factors ranging from process selection, feasibility study and business planning to product quality.”
The interactive biodiesel workshop topics will include feedstock selection, preparation, biodiesel production techniques and quality issues.
“We are fortunate that nationally recognized experts in the field agreed to come to the FAPC and speak at this workshop,” Dunford said. “I believe that this workshop is a tremendous opportunity for Oklahomans who are interested in biodiesel production to learn about the economics and technical issues involved in biodiesel production directly from experts in the field.”
The first day of the two-day workshop will consist of presentations, while day two will feature demonstrations.
Workshop speakers include Dunford; Jim Willits, Desmat Ballestra – North America; Ted Neuman, Westfalia Separator Inc.; Perry Alasti, Artisan Industries Inc.; Gerhard Knothe, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Greg Waranica, Crown Iron Works; and Phil Kenkel, Bill Fitzwater Endowed Coop Chair, OSU Agricultural Economics.
The deadline to register is June 1, and seating is limited to 50 people. The registration fee is $250 and covers lunches, refreshments, parking and workshop materials. A certificate will be presented to each participant upon completion of the workshop.
To register, contact Karen Smith by telephone at (405) 744-6277, by fax at (405) 744-6313 or by e-mail at karenl.smith@okstate.edu.
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CONTACT:
Nurhan Dunford
Oil/Oilseed Chemist
Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
148 FAPC
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6071
Fax: 405-744-6313
E-Mail: nurhan.dunford@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
