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The article presents the possible use of vegetable oil as an engine lubricant using a continuous oil recycling system (CORS) convertor. The University of Northern Iowa National Ag-Based Lubricants Center (UNI-NABL) developed the convertor to monitor the physiochemical condition of this type of engine oil while being tested using John Deere diesel engines. Researchers believe that CORS is viable since test results show that engine performance is not affected when 2% purified vegetable oil is added in the fuel system.

The article reports on the approval given by the city council of Coralville, Iowa, on the first of three readings that would amend the ordinance regarding grease traps in restaurants. It mentions that grease accumulation blocks sewer systems by tightening sewer pipe flow and intervening with the normal operation of a wastewater treatment system. It is stated that the amendment would let grease to be stored in underground chambers and it would be pumped by private companies.

Reports that the University of Northern Iowa has developed and field tested SoyTRUK, a biobased fifth-wheel grease. Participation of the Ruan Transportation Management Systems in the field testing by providing varying climate conditions for the assessment; Ruan's use of SoyTRUK on its fifth-wheel tractor-trailers as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based grease.

The article discusses a study by Jennifer Radosevich of Kemin Industries Inc. in Des Moines, Iowa which intends to determine the impact of an antioxidant in a lubricant over a long-term storage period. In this study, two types of biodiesel were evaluated under typical storage conditions. Radosevich and colleagues have added the antioxidant at certain treat rates in two different types of B100 which are both 100 percent biodiesel. It is found that the early treatment of B100 produces more effective protection than having to add a higher treat rate. The findings of the study have emphasized the need for early treatment of B100 with antioxidant.

Presents readers' opinion on the need for a new law that would extend tax credits to manufacturers who convert to soybean-based metalworking fluids in Iowa. Implications of the law for the free enterprise system in the U.S.; Benefits of the law to the development of more environmentally responsible lubricants; Downsides of the law.

The article discusses the key to a successful vehicle lubrication program in Garner, Iowa. It suggests a variety of options when selecting how to tackle lubrication schedules. It introduces Iowa Mold Tooling's IMT SiteStar mobile lube truck and the SiteStar lube skid. It also discusses the benefits of using the products.

This article reports that restaurant employees in small-town Nevada, Iowa, may soon find themselves swinging by the energy plant after closing time to drop off their leftover grease. This summer, the Iowa Energy Center's Biomass Energy Conversion Center is set to reopen and produce as much as 60 gallons of biodiesel per hour. The seven-year-old biodiesel plant is undergoing a $500,000 retooling to allow for the continuous production of biodiesel rather than one batch at a time, as had been the case, according to Norm Olson, facility manager. Possible raw materials include corn oil and low-value animal fats, such as grease from food processors, rendering plants, and restaurants, Olson said.