<h2>Director's Notes - <a href="/id0904f67a8066d02a">Archives</a><br />July, 2011 <br /><br />Hello All,</h2>
<p>I hope this message finds each and every one of you doing well.</p>
<h3>Research & Technical Activities:<br /></h3>
<ul>
<li>A 9-day pilot-plant study was conducted by NCERC and USDA-ARS scientist to perform corn to ethanol baseline run and specific run to study back end de-oiling characteristics.<br /></li>
<li>A DOE funded project, finished for Phase I (2010 – 2011), and as a result, two manuscripts will be prepared, one for a technical journal led by Dr. Yan Zhang, and another one for an animal management journal led by Dr. Amy Batal. Phase II (2011 – 2012) starts August, 2011.<br /></li>
<li>A funded project to compare various hydrolysis procedures for amino acid testing in animal feed. The study is finished, and Dr. Yan Zhang is invited to write a manuscript on this study for the Journal of AOCS.<br /></li>
<li>A funded project to study the antioxidants and lipids in DDGS. The study is finished and the summary of the study was prepared for the NCGA Ethanol Committee Meeting.<br /></li>
<li>The month saw completion and reporting for three returning fermentation laboratory client. For one fermentation laboratory client, we also conducted training of their lab personnel. h: 1<br /></li>
<li>We finalized a material transfer agreement with USDA-ARS for yeast we are going to be using for a corn-kernel fiber project. <br /></li>
<li>We are also collaborating with Kaiser Optical to analyze data from cellulosic fermentation intermediates with Raman spectroscopy.<br /></li>
</ul>
<h3>Capital Projects:<br /></h3>
<ul>
<li>Pilot Plant Corn Fractionation: Final electrical and instrumentation installation being completed. Commissioning is scheduled for late September.<br /></li>
<li>Pilot Plant Fermentation Upgrade: Investigating funding options for the new fermentation seed train. <br /></li>
<li>Laboratory Fume Hood Upgrade: Installation bids are being received to install two new laboratory fume hoods for accommodating Advanced Biofuels work.<br /></li>
</ul>
<h3>Outreach and Community Activities:<br /></h3>
<ul>
<li>2011 AAFCO Annual Meeting – Dr. Yan Zhang prepared a poster and an oral presentation on “AOCS/SQT Amino Acid Round Robin Study”.<br /></li>
<li>2011 Midyear NCGA Ethanol Committee Meeting - Dr. Yan Zhang prepared an oral presentation on “The Lipids and Antioxidants in DDGS”.<br /></li>
<li>2011 U.S. DOE Biomass Meetings – Attended by John Caupert (Director) and Dr. Sabrina Trupia (Asst. Director, Biological Research).</li>
</ul>
<p>Until next time, have a good, productive and safe month.</p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>John Caupert, Director <br />National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center<br />Phone: 618-659-6737 Ext 226<br />Email:<a href="mailto:jcaupert@ethanolresearch.com"> jcaupert@ethanolresearch.com</a></p>
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