Waste not, want not is what the Saskatchewan Research Council is all about

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By The Saskatchewan Research Council

"Waste not, want not," is a mantra that comes to mind when learning about recent developments at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC).

Both SRC's Biofuels Test Centre and ethanol-fuelled prototype vehicles are examples of projects that value renewable materials commonly found within Saskatchewan. Biofuels may be created from biomass such as wheat, straw and wood waste, as well as canola and other vegetable oils. Biofuels reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions and provide economic opportunities for rural areas.

"I enjoy being in Saskatchewan and trying to expand our ability and the capability of biofuels in the province," says John Robinson, laboratory manager at SRC's Biofuels Test Centre in Regina. He explains that as the price of conventional fuel sources, such as diesel and gasoline increase, there is more interest in biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol.

SRC Biofuels Test Centre
The SRC Biofuels Test Centre, valued at $1 million, opened in Regina last fall. In conjunction with SRC's Analytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, the Centre offers a complete series of tests to assess the chemical composition and quality of ethanol and biodiesel samples. Before the Centre opened, SRC's biofuels testing capabilities were limited to ethanol, primarily through its Analytical Laboratories in Saskatoon.

Robinson explains that clients use SRC's services to determine whether a particular biofuel product meets required specifications for properties such as sulphur content and viscosity. This third-party assessment is important to businesses that require independent results.

"Quality is of utmost importance in our business," explains Zenneth Faye, manager of Milligan Bio-Tech Inc., located at Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. "We will not jeopardize our reputation."

Fuel sold by Milligan, the only commercial-capacity plant in Saskatchewan that produces biodiesel from canola, must meet strict specifications to ensure proper fuel performance. As well as meeting Canadian regulatory requirements, Faye explains that Milligan’s fuel meets or exceeds both American and European standards.

Faye has contracted testing services from SRC since its Biofuels Test Centre opened. He notes that Milligan’s sales been doubling every year since 2001 as both private and public sector clients become more interested in biodiesel. Some of those clients are using the fuel on an experimental basis, while others have already incorporated it into regular operations.

Ongoing opportunities for the SRC Biofuels Test Centre, which employs four people, include developing a market for its services in western Canada and the northern United States. Biodiesel has traditionally been more expensive to purchase than petroleum. However, the rising cost of conventional fuel sources is making them more cost competitive. In other areas, biofuels already offer some definite advantages.

Robinson explains that biofuels are renewable, biodegradable and relatively harmless to the environment if spilled. The downsides - although they may eventually improve - are that production costs are generally higher than petroleum fuels, distribution infrastructure needs to be better developed and biodiesel is less reliable in cold temperatures.

As awareness of the advantages of biofuels increase, numerous communities in western Canada have expressed interest in developing production plants. Meanwhile, Alberta is home to two biodiesel testing centres, similar to SRC's, and Ontario has one, says Robinson. He explains that it is good timing for growth in the industry as natural petroleum reserves dwindle and he is optimistic about the sector in general.

"It's new and it's certainly going to grow every year. It’s interesting to watch a new industry grow and to be able to assist in some way."

Ethanol-Fuelled Vehicles
Bryan Lung, senior research engineer with SRC, doesn't know of any other organization that has designed a tractor fuelled solely by hydrated ethanol. He was part of the SRC team that modified a 1985 Deutz-Allis 7110 tractor so that it operates on ethanol containing at least five per cent water.

"The concept we had in mind was a 'freedom farm' where farmers could create all of the energy required for the farm on the farm," says Lung, explaining that such a farming operation would not be dependent on conventional fuels like diesel.

SRC's work relating to ethanol is currently focused on commercial ethanol production processes and facilities. However, researchers at SRC or elsewhere may, in the future, develop a low-cost process to produce ethanol right on farm sites. This possibility would become more feasible if oil prices remain high for a lengthy period and necessary technological advancements are made.

In the nearer future, farmers may be able to profit by selling farm materials, such as straw, for use in ethanol production. Doug Soveran, manager of Production and Processing at SRC, confirmed that his group is developing a commercial-use system to convert wood and agricultural residues into ethanol.

When developing the ethanol tractor, Lung’s group was well aware that ethanol-blended fuel is already common in Canada for use in conventional vehicles. However, that blend consists of water-free ethanol, known as anhydrous ethanol. Lung's team wanted to utilize hydrated ethanol for the tractor to save the cost of removing all water from the ethanol through a further refinement process.

SRC's ethanol tractor originally ran on diesel fuel. To run on hydrated alcohol, it required a new fuel system controller, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors and a special cold start system. It has a 150-litre storage tank and uses about 1.7 litres of ethanol for every litre of diesel that the tractor would otherwise run on.

The tractor is now in the field testing stage at Pound-Maker Agventures Ltd., where it is used for chores such as pulling a round bale shredder and for snow removal around the feedlot. The business, which is located near Lanigan, SK, has a 28,000-head capacity cattle feedlot and a 12.5 million litre ethanol plant.

Pound-Maker is unique because its ethanol plant is integrated with its feedlot operation, explains ethanol plant manager Keith Rueve. Pound-Maker purchases wheat from farmers, many of whom are also shareholders in the company, and removes the starch to produce ethanol. The rest of the grain, including fibre and protein, is used in cattle feed. This saves Pound-Maker energy costs because the spent grain would otherwise be dried down and transported for use elsewhere.

From late December 2006 to late January 2007, the 120 horsepower ethanol-fuelled tractor clocked 60 hours of running time and got fuel mileage of 24 litres per hour. It takes about 15 bushels of wheat to create one tank of hydrated ethanol for the tractor, says Rueve, explaining that the fuel consists of 94 per cent alcohol and 6 per cent water.

Lung says that SRC may next design a tractor that runs on a combination of diesel and ethanol, which would solve cold-start issues. Government officials and tractor manufacturing representatives from India have expressed interest in the ethanol tractor, and SRC may develop a diesel/ethanol fuelled tractor for use in that country.

SRC's ethanol/diesel prototype truck is another vehicle developed by Lung’s group. Lung explained they adapted a 2005 GM truck that is now fuelled on a combination of diesel and hydrated ethanol. The truck has a specialized fuel system controller and re-calibrated fuelling system. It offers environmental benefits, such as reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. The truck may also run on 100 per cent diesel fuel, which is a useful option for when it is not convenient to purchase ethanol.

As farm input costs increase, both the tractor and the truck are examples of developments that may make farm operations more sustainable in the future. Meanwhile, biofuels in general offer one option for those who are looking for ways to revitalize the rural economy.

"I think that biofuels will definitely be part of the future." said Lung.


The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has been providing smart science solutions in Saskatchewan for 60 years. SRC was established in 1947 to advance the development of the province in the physical sciences. Today, the company is market driven, selling services and products to companies in Saskatchewan and around the world. The organization has more than 340 employees and annual revenues are over $32 million and growing.