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Des Moines, Iowa
December 4, 2001
In a search to reduce its
dependence on fossil fuels,
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., is developing
technology to convert discarded corn into usable energy.
As part of a joint effort with Iowa State University and Carbon
Energy Technology, Inc., Pioneer is researching and testing a
process to convert seed corn into gas, which can be burned to
produce heat.
"We hope to reduce our dependence on natural gas by burning seed
that would otherwise be discarded," said Greg Tingley, Toledo,
Iowa, production plant manager.
In a structure called a gasifier, located at the Toledo seed
corn production plant, Pioneer converts into gas, unsold seed
that is returned and cannot be re-bagged for quality or age
reasons. The gas produced is burned to produce heat, possibly
for drying seed corn, and the small amount of ash, high in
nutrients, is used for fertilizer to enrich the soil, which will
grow the future seed.
Pioneer uses around 750 billion Btu of natural gas to dry seed
corn each fall. To put that into perspective, that's enough
natural gas to heat nearly 8,000 homes(i) annually. Along with
finding ways to improve drying efficiencies, Pioneer has been
searching for non-depletable energy sources to reduce its
environmental footprint. In fact, Pioneer and its parent
company, DuPont, have set a goal to source 10 percent of their
energy needs from renewable energy by 2010.
"With the fluctuating costs of natural gas and electricity, the
gasifier becomes more applicable in North America, even right
here in Iowa," said Tingley.
The discarded corn enters a chamber filled with aerated sand,
where it is heated to temperatures above 1,200 degrees
Fahrenheit. Air is continually injected into the sand to create
a liquid-like environment, in which the corn seed, cobs or other
materials are broken down into gas, rather than burned.
The combustible gas generated in the gasifier is burned to
produce heat. The hot exhaust products flow through a series
three heat exchangers. Cool air is blown across the heat
exchange pipes, warmed and blown out of the heat exchanger. This
warmed air will be used to dry seed corn during harvest.
"Environmentally, the gasifier is one of the cleanest burning
systems you can find," said Tingley.
Pioneer, Carbon Energy Technology and Iowa State University
gained more information about the technology during this harvest
season. The results are helping Pioneer consider how the system
might be expanded during future harvests and how the system may
be applicable on farms or elsewhere.
"The goal is to share the information learned during this and
future harvests to improve the quality of life and efficiencies
of business for others," said Tingley.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is
the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers,
livestock producers, and grain and oilseed processors. With
headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to
advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions, and quality
crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a
science company, delivering science-based solutions in food and
nutrition, health care, apparel, home and construction,
electronics and transportation that make a difference in
people's lives.
For additional company or product information, check the Pioneer
worldwide Web site:
http://www.pioneer.com or contact Courtney Chabot Dreyer of
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., +1-515-334-4663,
courtney.dreyer@pioneer.com
(i) An average residential customer uses 95 mmBtu of natural gas
annually.
Information provided by John Ruff, Sr. Communications Program
Manager for Alliant Energy Corp.
johnruff@alliant-energy.com
Company news release
N4018
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