What is a Surfactant? The term “Surfactant” is a contraction of the term surface-active agent. A Surfactant is a substance that, when present even at very low levels in a system, has the property of absorbing onto the surfaces or interfaces in the system and altering their interfacial free energies in dramatic ways. Surfactants help…
A significant portion of biofuels co-products is in the area of animal feed – often livestock feeding. Does this naturally raise the question as to whether there is a difference between animal-grade and human-grade food ingredients? From a strict, regulatory standpoint, the rules promulgated by the FDA are similar but different. Human food rules are…
Livestock production and biofuels – especially ethanol – seem like a match made in Heaven. Ethanol producers can leverage the corn-purchase requirements of integrated operations for the economic benefit of both. Also, the co-products coming out of the ethanol plant can be fed back to the livestock – with the cost-savings synergies realized in not…
In the bioeconomy, the role of project consultant in the bioeconomy is somewhat the same as in any industry, and somewhat unique. It requires first and foremost, a clear understanding of everyone’s duties and limitations. When an investor or developer hires a project consultant, what are they right to expect? Someone who can lead and…
Agitation is a crucial part of any biofuels process. This means having the right agitation equipment and making sure it operates properly. A biofuels agitation expert is one who consults with clients on the design and application of these agitation systems. The expert’s advice will likely include things like calculating the power, shaft speed, and…
To tackle climate change, reduce solid waste and improve air and water quality, we must phase out current practices and switch to more sustainable solutions, many of which simply do not exist today. These new solutions, also known as renewable technology, cleantech, Greentech, and sustainable tech, are a hot area for investment but face many…
Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are produced from the conventional or lignocellulose feedstock and biofuels additives are often necessary components. Sugar and corn are the most prominent feedstocks for ethanol, while animal fats, waste vegetable oil, soybean and other plant oils, are the most prominent for biodiesel. There is a great deal of research…