Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Rotary Club had two very special guests this week at their noontime meeting.  Nicholas Pavelka, Lab/Quality Manager and Robert Slaving, Plant Manager of Global Fuels gave a very interesting presentation on Biodiesel.

Did you know that the Dexter facility has the capacity to produce 5 million gallons of Biodiesel fuel in one year?  This could mean an average decrease in the cost of fuel by as much as .50 per gallon.  Who knows where this may lead in the future.

"Biodiesel is a Fatty Acid Methylester that is produced from a triglyceride or free fatty acid by reacting it in the presence of methanol and a catalyst," explained Pavelka.

Pavelka also explained that Biodiesel fuel can be used in any diesel engine and it has a similar BTU value to diesel fuel so it can be blended with home heating oil.

Since 2005 more than 62,000 jobs have been created in the Biodiesel business producing 5 billion in sales and decreasing imports by more than 8 billion.

Locally DGA in Sikeston and the LOVE's Truckstop in Matthews carry Biodiesel.  Bootheel Petroleium has hauled it as well locally. 

"Biodiesel is mostly used in farm machinery, trucking, road construction equipment, and in the mining industry,"  stated Slavings.

"We have been using animal fat and soybean oil, but just recently expanded operations to process used cooking oil from restaurants," continued Slavings.

Most feedstock for biodiesel is sourced domestically which has led to increased value for commodities for US suppliers.  It also produces jobs domestically not only in the biodiesel production but also in all the supporting industries such as soy oil processing and trucking.

Pavelka also noted that Biodiesel requires no special handling and is safe to store.  It has a very high flash point and is nontoxic.  Of course you probably don't want to drink it!!

Jerry Bagby started Global Fuels in Dexter and they are currently striving to gain their BQ9000 Certification.

If you are interested in Global Fuels visiting your club just contact Robert Slavings at (573) 614-7410.  He would be glad to bring a few samples and talk about the impact it is making in the USA!