ICCC Fuel lab book 2025 by Newspaper

Dr. Jesse Ulrich President, Iowa Central Community College

January 24, 2025

515-576-7201 / 800-362-2793

www iowacentral edu

On behalf of Iowa Central Community College, we extend our greatest congratulations to the teams that have contributed to the opening of the expanded, state-of-the-art Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory It is an honor for the college and the Fort Dodge community to be partners in supporting the Fuel Testing Laboratory as they continue to innovate the industry and contribute to the sustainability and economic strength of our region

The Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory developed from a local need to test the quality of biodiesel and diesel fuels in an over the road application two million miles over the road, to be exact Dale Decker, Vice President of Industry and Government Relations, now CEO of Decker Truck Line, led the charge towards performance fuel testing, which included twenty tractor trailers for two years, from the autumn of 2006 through the fall of 2008

While the testing procedures have improved and the services expanded, the operation’s values of high-quality, affordable, rapid, and personalized service have remained unchanged What began as a local need for fuel testing services has grown into an independently owned and operated fuel testing laboratory, receiving and processing samples from across the state, including testing for the Iowa Department of Agriculture Bureau of Weights and Measures, coast to coast, and internationally

The Fuel Testing Laboratory has been an asset to our region and a leader in the renewable fuels industry since its inception in 2009 The Fuel Testing Laboratory became the first laboratory in the nation to earn BQ-9000 LAB® designation in 2010, followed by ISO 9001 certification in 2012 Their latest innovation is the state-of-the-art facility designed to accommodate additional test equipment for jet/SAF and house one cetane test engine and two octane engines for RON and MON testing

With a focus on increasing renewable and sustainable fuels in the near future, having the Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory located on the campus of Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge is critical to demonstrating the region’s emphasis on economic and environmental advancement

Yours in service,

Dr Jesse Ulrich

Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory is committed to providing high quality laboratory services to our customers, achieving continuous quality improvement and operating a company that is safety-conscious and environmentally aware.

9,200 square feet in the building eachsamples month

Capacity to test up to one cylinder engines installed for testing samples fire suppression systems installed

Jim Kersten Vice President of External Affairs and Government Relations

Iowa

Central Community College

The journey of the Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory began with Dale and Don Decker, who sought our assistance for a biodiesel road test which became their 2 million mile haul. Dale was really interested in biofuels and the study led us to confirm that biodiesel is as effective to run trucks on as any fuel, as long as it is quality fuel.

Dr. Don Heck Director, Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory

“Upon announcing our results, Steve Howell, advisor to the National Biodiesel Board, expressed interest in touring our laboratory which at that time was in an old greenhouse. Recognizing the need for a specialized lab dedicated solely to fuel testing, we collaborated with partners such as the Iowa Soybean Association. Our state legislators lent their support in providing funding for equipment. Additionally, we secured federal funding through active collaboration with our congressional delegation.

I came to Iowa Central in the summer of 2005 and my role initially was to be program coordinator for a new biofuels technology program. I started with putting together the curriculum and teaching. The whole point of that was to be preparing the students for careers in biotechnology and testing was part of that.

Then Decker Truck Line approached us about helping them with their 2 million mile haul biodiesel evaluation and we served as their test lab for that. That in kind of got the idea started to become an industrial testing lab.

The college leadership went to the state to get some initial funding for equipment and that officially started us as a test lab. We moved in the fall of 2009 to the Bioscience and Health Science Building, but we were just kind of shoehorned into a large classroom. We didn’t really have any proper storage space, no proper waste handling. It just wasn’t designed to be an industrial testing facility. What we have here now is a specifically designed industrial testing lab facility.

We’re going to get into jet fuel testing. We have an engine room with two one cylinder engines bolted to the floor. One is for diesel and one is for gasoline. We will use those to do knock rating tests, which is testing for cetane and octane.

Eventually the interest in sustainable aviation fuel became a significant part of our focus. Recognizing the need for an independent lab to assure fuel quality, Governor Reynolds provided a $2.2 million grant to equip our laboratory to serve this purpose. However, this facility wouldn’t have come into existence without a collective effort. Notable individuals such as Bill Horan, a prominent local farmer, Lucy Norton from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, and Kirk Leeds, the CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association, played crucial roles behind the scenes. Their unwavering support has helped mold the fuel lab into what it is today.

Dale Decker Chief Executive Officer, Decker Truck Line Inc.

“Back in 2006-2007, we were working with the Iowa Motor Truck Association and we were trying to get some testing done to bring biodiesel to the forefront and bring some certification and quality standards to it. There really wasn’t any standard. There just really wasn’t a good source of testing. So that’s where it all came together. We did the 2 million mile haul field documentation, and we teamed up with Dr. Heck and Iowa Central. Now we’re going on 15 years of the lab. They’ve gone from a little machine in the back of Dr. Heck’s office to a full-blown lab. It’s definitely proven itself as a quality assurance measure for private industry.

Astra Ferris Chief Executive Officer, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

On behalf of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, I am thrilled to congratulate Iowa Central Community College on the grand opening of its newly expanded Fuel Testing Laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in advancing economic and community development within our region.

This milestone underscores the importance of aligning education, industry and public resources to create opportunities that fuel growth, literally and figuratively. What began as a collaborative effort to explore the potential of biodiesel has evolved into a nationally recognized center for excellence in fuel testing, including cutting-edge capabilities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel analysis. The laboratory’s achievements, such as earning the prestigious BQ-9000 LAB® designation and ISO 9001 certification, highlight its leadership in delivering quality and precision for industries critical to our economy.

As the region’s economic development engine, the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is proud to support initiatives like this that drive the attraction, retention, and expansion of key industries. The Fuel Testing Laboratory’s enhanced capabilities strengthen our region’s position as a hub for renewable energy innovation and contribute to a unified mission of creating a vibrant and resilient community.

Congratulations once again to Iowa Central Community College on this exciting new chapter. Your vision and dedication exemplify how collaboration and innovation can propel our region forward. We look forward to witnessing this facility’s continued impact on advancing economic growth and sustainability for years to come.

Helen Miller

Former State Rep., D-Fort Dodge Helped secure initial state funding for fuels testing lab

“

Daryl Beall

Former State Sen., D-Fort Dodge Helped secure initial state funding for fuels testing lab

I was an early believer in it. It kind of moved from finding a purpose for ethanol and biodiesel to guaranteeing that it was effective and efficient. We wanted to assure the efficacy of it and the purity of it. We wanted to make sure people could trust it. It became a kind of Underwriters Laboratory for biofuels.

The lab director Don Heck - he’s a scientist through and through. He helped bring a lot of support to it. He had a lot to do with the whole success of the program.

The fuel testing lab is among my three or four great accomplishments in the Senate.

In 2006, I was asked by a vice president of Iowa Central Community College to lead an effort to establish the fuel quality testing laboratory at Iowa Central Community College in my district. It made good political sense that I should be leading the effort as I had earned a reputation for being an effective legislator. Additionally, my party was in the majority, I was known to work in a bipartisan fashion with other legislators, and I was a member of committees that would be involved in this effort.

The legislation provided funding for the first independent fuel testing facility of its kind in the nation, as no other community college in the country has such a facility. It was initially focused on renewable fuels but is designated by the state of Iowa as its official lab for the state’s Bureau of Weights and Measures, where fuels are tested to make certain they meet state standards. The lab now checks all fuels, including ethanol and blends, glycerin, biodiesel, and biodiesel feedstock (oil used in cooking, such as animal fat and corn oil). In need of more space, the lab broke ground for a new facility, which was completed in 2024. There is a possibility that the lab will get into testing sustainable aviation fuel (jet fuel from renewable sources that are non-petroleum based). Seems like the sky is the limit!

“ “ “

Kelly Kuester, Lab Tech II; Josh Hayes, Lab Supervisor; Dr. Donald Heck, Director; Carter Smith, Lab Assistant; Mahleeyah Bandoo, QAQC Coordinator

HECK AND THE LAB

were approached in the fall of 2006 to assist in conducting the Two Million Mile Haul

DR. DONALD HECK

came to Iowa Central in the summer of 2005

as the program coordinator for a new Biofuels Technology Program. The Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory began as an offshoot of the Biofuels Technology Program at Iowa Central Community College in the fall of 2006. One of the cornerstone features of this program was the student teaching laboratory. Although initially housed in the old campus greenhouse, the teaching lab included many state-of-the-art instruments used for performing biodiesel analyses according to ASTM methods.

2008 2006

INITIAL FUNDING

B20 biodiesel field trial with Decker Truck Line of Fort Dodge, Iowa, employing both our instruments and students in the study. These efforts attracted the interest of several parties who collectively formed the idea of creating an independent fuel testing laboratory on the campus of Iowa Central.

IN THE FALL OF 2009

the lab opened its doors in the new Bioscience and Health Building

with the goal of assisting the renewable fuels industry with rapid, low-cost fuel testing.

was secured through a state appropriation

that provided funds for the laboratory casework and an initial round of instrument purchases. Additional funding was provided through a Department of Energy grant that allowed for additional instrument purchases and further expansion.

IN 2010 THE LAB BECAME

the first laboratory in the nation to achieve the BQ-9000 LAB® designation for quality testing of biodiesel product.

2012

COMINGSOON 2010

IN 2012 THE LAB COMPLETED

ISO 9001 certification to cover all other testing capabilities.

LABORATORY, COLLEGE

and state leadership convened in July 2023 to break ground

for the 9,200 square foot facility located west of the Iowa Central campus on A Street West, off U.S. Highway 169.

CONSTRUCTION WAS COMPLETED in the late fall of 2024 and the laboratory team began the moving process.

THE IOWA CENTRAL

Fuel Testing Laboratory hosts its grand opening February 7, 2025.

WITH THE NEW FACILITY COMES ENHANCED capabilities, including jet fuel testing (ASTM D1655 panel and ISO 17025 certification) and in-house cetane and octane testing (CFR F5 Cetane rating unit and the CFR F1/F2 rating units for determining RON and MON octane values).

I am writing on behalf of the City of Fort Dodge to express my unwavering support for the Iowa Central Biofuels Testing Lab and to highlight its critical role in advancing biofuel innovation, strengthening our local economy, and fostering environmental sustainability in our region.

Located in the heart of Iowa, the Biofuels Testing Lab at Iowa Central Community College serves as a cornerstone of our community’s efforts to lead in renewable energy research and development. The lab provides essential services to biofuel producers, offering precise testing and analysis that ensures compliance with industry standards and enhances the quality and competitiveness of renewable fuels.

Beyond its technical contributions, the lab plays a vital role in workforce development. By partnering with Iowa Central Community College, it offers hands-on learning opportunities for students, preparing them for careers in the growing biofuels sector. This collaboration not only equips our workforce with specialized skills but also attracts new talent and industry investments to the Fort Dodge area.

Additionally, the Biofuels Testing Lab aligns with our community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By supporting the advancement of cleaner, renewable energy sources, the lab contributes to reducing carbon emissions and lessening our dependence on fossil fuels—goals that are critical not only for Iowa but for the nation as a whole.

The economic impact of the lab is equally significant. It supports local biofuel producers, creates high-quality jobs, and fosters innovation that drives economic growth. Its presence strengthens Fort Dodge’s reputation as a hub for renewable energy and a leader in agricultural and industrial innovation.

I strongly encourage continued investment in and support for the Iowa Central Biofuels Testing Lab. Its contributions to our community, economy, and environment are invaluable, and I am confident that with ongoing backing, it will continue to serve as a vital resource for our region and beyond.

“ “

Matt Bemrich Mayor, City of Fort Dodge

Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

“ “I want to congratulate Iowa Central Community College and the many partners involved on the grand opening of its state-of-the-art fuel research and testing facility. The Iowa Central Fuel Lab plays a critical role in supporting the department’s mission to ensure consumers have access to high quality fuel at the pump. Gov. Reynolds’ support and the state’s investment in this facility signals our continued commitment to growing and advancing Iowa’s biofuel industry and giving drivers access to more affordable, cleaner-burning fuel options.

Iowa Central Community College Fuel Testing Laboratory

Niki Conrad Chair, Webster County Board of Supervisors

“On behalf of Webster County Board, we extend our congratulations to Iowa Central Community College on the grand opening of their new and expanded Fuel Testing Laboratory.

Continuing to be a leader in the biofuel testing industry, Iowa Central Community College has strategically positioned themselves over the last decade to offer analytical services for the petroleum and renewable fuels industry. Since its inception, it’s become a trusted source for fuel quality testing, serving as the state’s authorized testing agency for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the official analytical laboratory for the state’s Bureau of Weights and Measures. That means that their lab, right here in Webster County, is the place where fuels to be used all across Iowa are tested to ensure that they meet state standards. We are incredibly proud to support the continued growth of the Iowa Central facility and are thrilled to celebrate the impact it has and will continue to have on the biofuel, jet fuel, and bio-based industries. Iowa Central Community College is a pivotal asset to not only the economy of Webster County and our surrounding region, but also the economy of Iowa as a whole.

Webster County wishes them continue success as they move into this exciting new phase. Congratulations once again!

Debi Durham Director, Iowa Economic Development Authority

On behalf of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, I want to offer my congratulations to Iowa Central Community College on the opening of their enhanced Fuel Testing Laboratory. The capabilities of this facility will further support the future of biofuels in Iowa.

Thanks to our vast yields of corn and soybeans, Iowa is a leading producer of both ethanol and biodiesel in the United States. That inherent advantage, combined with the innovation of our industry leaders, is why biobased products emerged as a priority in the state’s bioscience platform. Resource centers like the Fuel Testing Laboratory in our innovation ecosystem help keep Iowa competitive, spurring the investment we need to grow the state’s economy.

The lab delivers support to the biofuels industry with highquality testing. As part of the lab’s technical capabilities, they also have an accreditation for a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) testing program. Given Iowa’s strong agricultural base, advanced biofuel infrastructure and expertise in renewable energy, the state is well-positioned to play a critical role in the growing market for SAF.

Iowa Central’s history with conducting biodiesel field research, efforts to work collaboratively across sectors and dedication to creating opportunities for the biofuels industry will prove vital to the long-term success of the lab. This work directly aligns with the state’s economic development goals to encourage innovation and attract highly skilled jobs that strengthen Iowa’s economy. I look forward to seeing the work that emerges from the Fuel Testing Laboratory and how the next phase will advance the industry in Iowa.

“ “

Kirk Leeds

Grant Kimberley President of Iowa Soybean Association

Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, which is part of the Iowa Soybean Association

“The Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory has been a trailblazer for the biodiesel industry. When the lab was started in 2010, there was a need for improvement in biodiesel quality. This was partly because some biodiesel producers couldn’t thoroughly test their fuel, and third-party testing was expensive and hard to find.

Seeing the opportunity as beneficial to biodiesel producers and Iowa farmers, the Iowa Soybean Association worked with Iowa Central to get the state legislature to provide $250,000 in funding for testing equipment. The lab was the first in the nation to become an accredited laboratory under the BQ-9000 biodiesel fuel quality program. It meets an important fuel quality need for biodiesel producers in Iowa and nationwide, helping our state remain a leader in the industry.

The new lab will ensure we have access to a BQ-9000 certified facility in our state for years to come that offers third-party testing and certification when needed. We congratulate the lab and the college on their new facility, and look forward to their continued contributions to the success of renewable fuels.

“

photo courtesy of the Iowa Soybean Association/Joclyn Bushman

Kurt Kovarick

Vice President of Clean Fuels Alliance America

“When it originally opened, the Iowa Central Community College Fuel Testing Laboratory was a first of its kind facility to test the quality of biodiesel and ensure it met strict American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

The lab is a partner in Clean Fuels’ BQ-9000 program, along with more than 90 percent of North American biodiesel producers. That program assures fuel customers that when they fill up with biodiesel, they are getting a top-quality product. When I worked for U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, I helped the college secure matching federal support for the expansion that is now launching.

The expansion will enable the facility to test new fuels like sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel to ensure that they consistently meet ASTM and other certification standards. This is a critical service to ensure these fuels can drop right into existing infrastructure and support continued market growth for clean fuels.

“

Steve Howell

Founding Partner with MARC-IV Consulting and Senior Technical Advisor to Clean Fuels Alliance America

“The Iowa Central Community College Fuel Lab has been one of the key factors in the success of the biodiesel industry in Iowa and around the country.

We had some quality issues in the early days, part of which was lack of a reliable, credible, cost effective outside lab biodiesel producers could use to monitor biodiesel quality. Don Heck and the folks at Iowa Central fulfilled that role and Iowa Central was one of the first BQ-9000 certified labs in the country.

In addition to that, Iowa Central helps train qualified analysts for our industry, and has been involved in key industry research which has very impactful.

It’s been my pleasure to work with Don and his team, and these new improvements will help the industry to meet our 6 billion gallon per year target in 2030 and 15 billion in 2050.

Congratulations!

On behalf of the entire team at CFR Engines, we would like to extend our congratulations to Iowa Community College on the grand opening of your new laboratory. This exciting milestone is a testament to the commitment of your institution to fostering academic excellence and providing students with the cutting-edge resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

We are proud to have witnessed the growth of your programmes and the clear dedication you have towards equipping your students with hands-on experience and practical skills. The addition of this state-of-the-art laboratory will undoubtedly open up new opportunities for innovation and collaboration, further enhancing your educational oﬀerings and preparing your students for successful careers.

At CFR Engines, we are deeply committed to supporting the development of talent and innovation within the engineering ﬁeld, and we look forward to any future opportunities to work together. We are conﬁdent that this new facility will contribute immensely to the progress and success of both your students and faculty.

Once again, congratulations on this signiﬁcant achievement. We wish you all the best as you continue to shape the future of your students and community.

Your Friends,

CFR Engines Inc.