University of Minnesota researchers patent process to produce biodiesel from scum

June 13, 2017 |

In Minnesota, for University of Minnesota (UMN) researchers, scum is a word packed with profitable promise. Their patented process not only converts the scum to a higher value product (biodiesel) but also reduces environmental pollutants in both landfills and water systems. As a result, 68 percent of dried and filtered scum can be converted to biodiesel, equivalent to approximately 140,000 gallons of biodiesel and $500,000-600,000 in profit per year. Additionally, the process utilizes available waste heat from water treatment facility.

This research was funded in part by grants from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), Metropolitan Council Environmental Service, MnDRIVE and CFANS Center for Biorefining.

Category: Research

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