Mcgyan News Conference

Augsburg Student’s Summer Research Project Leads to Biodiesel Discovery
Experts call it a modern day miracle that could revolutionize fuel production worldwide.

Simple lab experiments at Augsburg College and the SarTec Corporation resulted in the discovery of a chemical process that could free the United States from its dependence on petroleum diesel fuel. This history-making discovery works so well it even surprised industry analysts. It started with the curiosity of Augsburg student Brian Krohn and ended with three Twin Cities scientists creating the “Mcgyan Process.” This chemical process will revolutionize how biodiesel is produced worldwide, and the impact on the environment and the economy will be astounding.

FACTS ON THE MCGYAN PROCESS:

•Beneficial to farmers: Converts feedstock oils and animal fats to biodiesel fuel.

•Cheaper to produce: Enables the use of lower cost feedstocks (can save $2/gallon)

•Faster: At least 100 times faster.

•Environmentally cleaner: Doesn’t use water or dangerous chemicals. Converts materials completely with ultra low emissions.

•Energy cost savings: Will lead to cheaper heating bills for homes and businesses.

•Cutting-edge technology: Led to process that will use algae to produce biodiesel and clean the air of carbon dioxide emissions released by coal-burning plants.

Brian Krohn initiated the project by deciding to study new ways to produce biodiesel. After Krohn’s preliminary research, his professor advised him to contact chemist Dr. Clayton McNeff, an Augsburg alumni and vice president of SarTec. McNeff, his chief scientist Dr. Ben Yan and Professor Arlin Gyberg took Krohn’s idea and created a chemical reaction that has never before been described in scientific literature. As a result of the Mcgyan Process discovery, McNeff co-founded Ever Cat Fuels based in Anoka. It is the only plant in the world using this method to manufacture biodiesel.

Experiential learning is a key element in an Augsburg College education and that commitment will now lead Krohn to a promising future and open the door to opportunity for Augsburg students for years to come. “This one-on-one relationship between professor and student may result in one of modern day’s greatest discoveries,” says Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow. “Augsburg is proud to be in the forefront and grateful that it may lead to a source of on-going funding that will enable us to take our science program to great heights.”
A patent is now pending on the Mcgyan Process which is named for the three scientists officially credited with the discovery: Dr. Clayton McNeff, Dr. Arlin Gyberg and Dr. Ben Yan. Ever Cat Fuels Corporation is currently producing 100,000 gallons of biodiesel per year and is using it as a power source. Its production capacity will increase to 3 million gallons per year when its new plant begins operation in Isanti later this year. But it won’t stop there. Ever Cat Fuels hopes to sell the technology and equipment to nations around the world.

News Conference - Photo Opportunity

Augsburg unveils the Mcgyan Process inside the chemistry lab
Detail revealed on revolutionary energy production
Date: Friday, March 7, 2008
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Augsburg College Science Hall – Room # 302B
707 21st Ave. S.
Media should park in "Institutional Advancement" parking spots behind the
Oren Gateway Center (enter off 21st Ave.).
Metered parking also available there.

Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow, Dr. Arlin Gyberg, Dr. Clayton McNeff, Dr. Ben Yan and Brian Krohn will be available for interviews.

*A DVD of the Mcgyan Process and a beta dub of the Ever Cat Fuels facility will be available to media at the news conference.

For interviews or more information, please contact Carol Scheer or Kari Logan at e-mail to: carol@celpr.com or kari@celpr.com
Contact: Carol Scheer -- 651-295-1534 Kari Logan -- 612-998-0955