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Tribe's project to convert cooking oil to biodiesel |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 11 May 2010 |
Tribe's project to convert cooking oil to biodiesel passes one-year anniversary
by Pat Minelli
05-10-2010
The one-year anniversary just passed of a project undertaken by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community in which soybean oil used to fry chicken, French fries and other foods is converted into biodiesel.
After the used oil from the nine tribal restaurant kitchens is converted into biodiesel, it is used to fuel shuttle buses that transport guests and employees among properties around the community. The project celebrated its one year anniversary April 29.
The tribe’s Fleet Services Department oversees the biodiesel project along with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Since it became operational it has processed 4,500 gallons of oil into 3,655 gallons of biodiesel, and 16,394 gallons of biodiesel blended with regular diesel fuel was pumped into tribal vehicles during the first year.
The idea was sparked in 2005 when fuel prices began to rise after hurricane Katrina. Tribal Chairman Stanley R. Crooks promoted the concept, talking with various staff about his vision for utilizing green technology to operate tribal vehicles. In October 2007, various SMSC staff began looking at ways to bring the idea to fruition. Although it took time to research the possibilities, by the spring of 2009, the community was ready to begin producing biodiesel.
Today, used oil is gathered from the restaurants using a collection unit designed by Satellite Industries of Plymouth. The collection unit is fitted onto the back of a pickup truck detailed for this project. Oil is collected once a week from restaurants at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, every other week from Little Six Restaurant, and once a month from the Tipi Restaurant.
After the oil is collected, it’s tested to determine its moisture and free fatty acids contents. If the oil passes those tests, 100 gallons is pumped into the BioPro 380 processor at a time. Twenty gallons of methanol (wood alcohol) and small amounts of potassium chloride and sulfuric acid are added to the machine. Very little interaction is needed until vinegar is added late in the process.
About 48 hours later, approximately 95 gallons of biodiesel and 25 gallons of glycerin have been produced. The glycerin is drained out and composted at the tribal compost site. Other uses for glycerin are being explored since it can have medical, pharmaceutical and personal uses.
http://www.shakopeenews.com/news/general_news/tribes_project_convert_cooking_oil_biodiesel_passes_one_year_anniversary-105 |
