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 Brians 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
Augsburgs Professor Arlin Gyberg took Brians 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 doesnt use water or dangerous chemicals. In short, it can make
more biodiesel quickly and with a minimal impact on the environment.
Click for a 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 50000 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 Brians experiential
learning at Augsburg, which is a fundamental part of the colleges
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 days 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

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 Brians preliminary research, his professor advised him to
contact che...