September, 2010 - Archives
Hello All,
I hope this message finds each and every one of you doing well.
Research & Technical Activities
- The NCERC is a subcontractor on a DOE funded project. In this project, 20 DDGS samples were gathered from 10 plants geographically disbursed throughout the country. Initial sample prep has begun, as well as testing design and test implementation.
- For more than a calendar year the NCERC has been asked to provide expertise and testing analysis for mycotoxins, primarily DON in DDGS resulting from the 2009 corn crop. The NCERC is completing all projects related to occurrence of DON in the 2009 corn crop and subsequent DDGS. All indications are DON was limited to very specific and easily identified geographic regions. DON was not as widespread as many portrayed in the press.
- The NCERC received funding to study the fate of lysine and phytate during DDGS production. In addition, a manuscript on furosine and lysine in DDGS is in final review prior to submission. A second manuscript focused on phosphorus speciation change, during corn to ethanol production, is in preparation.
- The NCERC received funding to compare various hydrolysis procedures for amino acid testing in animal feed. The NCERC has assisted AOCS in interaction with participants by drafting documents and purchase of laboratory supplies.
- As part of a private sector pilot plant trial, the NCERC conducted a storage experiment on DDG. We prepared a Research Services Agreement on the chemical characterization of syrup and DDG samples from conventional corn to ethanol production and from production of Advanced Biofuels.
- The NCERC, under our Specific Cooperative Agreement, worked with USDA / ARS scientists on a proposal related to lipid and antioxidants in DDGS.
- In a very complex private sector pilot plant trial, which took nearly the entire month of September, the NCERC directed seed train propagation and oversaw the QA / QC of the trial.
- The NCERC is involved in the technical evaluation of an automated cell counter. The NCERC is collecting production data on two private sector client trials, as well as beta-testing reagents.
Pilot Plant and Facility Updates:
- Corn Fractionation – Early Site Preparation: An independent third party review of the engineering package was completed and was released by SIUE Administration for bidding on schedule. Bidding started the first week of October 2010.
- Corn Fractionation – Facilities and Process Installation: Detailed engineering design for the facilities and process installation package is underway to be completed by mid November 2010.
- Fermenter Pumps: Post current client trials - work remaining includes: finish insulating, grout pipe stand bases, and mechanical and electrical demolition.
- Laboratory Fume Hoods: Detailed engineering design will begin in November.
Outreach and Community Activities
- Friday September 3 NCERC personnel attended and participated in a one day DDGS seminar sponsored by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board / Illinois Renewable Fuels Association. This seminar focused on opportunities for DDGS in the State of Illinois and brought together personnel from Academia, Industry (Corn, Ethanol and Livestock), Research and Trade to present and discuss such opportunities.
- The week of September 20 NCERC Director (John Caupert) represented Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at a meeting of the Coalition for Plant and Life Sciences held in St. Louis, MO.
Until next time, have a good, productive and safe month.
Regards,
John Caupert, Director National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
Phone: 618-659-6737 Ext 226
Email: jcaupert@ethanolresearch.com
