Bio-fuels Technology Program

NDSCS Bio-fuels Technology Program will be starting this coming Fall semester, 2008. The two year (five semesters) program is designed to train individuals in the industrial production methods used to convert biomass into ethanol, bio-diesel and liquid synthetic fuels for energy use. The first year of classes (science, math, communications and two introductory web based bio-fuels/energy courses) can be taken at any college location and credits transferred into our program. The two web-based, introductory bio-fuels courses will also be offered to high schools students and the population at large and will cover the basics of alternative energy strategies and their environmental impact. The program will train students in the science and engineering aspects involved in the production of alternative liquid fuels from agriculture products and also give them hands-on experience in the production of ethanol from corn and bio-diesel from waste cooking oil. Graduates of the program will have multiple employment opportunities in the region as a result of the recent increase in ethanol, bio-diesel and soy fermentation plants under construction. For more information contact Michael Burke, Ph.D. at 701-671-2688.

Bio-fuels represent a class of renewable energy which comes from agricultural and other plant material sources (biomass). These biomass materials can be converted directly into liquid fuels to help meet transportation fuel needs. The two most common types of bio-fuels are ethanol and bio-diesel.

Ethanol, an alcohol that is present in beer and wine, is made by the chemical conversion (fermentation) of sugar into ethanol by microorganisms like yeast. When used as a fuel it is modified (denatured) to make it undrinkable. It can be made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates (sugars) through a process similar to beer brewing. Today, ethanol is made from starches and sugars, obtained from corn, sugar cane or other materials rich in sugar. Much of the fibrous plant material is made up of carbohydrates in a form that is not yet utilizable for fermentation into ethanol (cellulose and hemicellulose), Ethanol is mostly used as blending agent with gasoline to increase octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions.

Bio-diesel is made by combining alcohol (usually methanol) with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease. It can be used as an additive (typically 20%) to reduce vehicle emissions or in its pure form as a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines.

A Bio-fuels Technologist will be involved in the production and chemical analysis of these types of fuels in an industry setting. The individual will need to have experience in microbiology, biochemistry, chemical analysis, industry scale process and production practices, GMP & GLP practices, quality assurance and control. Industries today are moving towards a “lean manufacturing”, a practice of operation that requires a broad skill set and capability in their employees. Technologists need not only to understand the science and engineering behind the manufacturing processes used but also need the ability to work with their hands in the operation, calibration and repair of the equipment used in the industry.

Course Descriptions are currently under development. Please contact us with any questions on this program.