The future of biodiesel was on display at the 127th annual Norman County Fair when Plasma Blue displayed their mobile processing unit. Locals had the chance to witness firsthand how the innovative new technology works – the first time the general public has had the opportunity to see it up close and personal.

“We’ve brought the trailer to various biofuels conferences and expos, but a county fair is a first for us at Plasma Blue,” said Plasma Blue Operations Specialist Wyatt Slunecka. “The county fair is a grassroots way to bring this new biodiesel technology to the people.”

The Plasma Blue technology is considerably simpler, smaller, quicker and less expensive than traditional biodiesel processing, making it easy to showcase to consumers.

“It’s hard to visualize how our Plasma Blue processing technology works without seeing it in person,” Slunecka added. “I think people are shocked to hear that the small plasma reactor in this trailer is the same reactor we use in the processing facilities.”

Agriculture is a major part of any fair, but especially so at the Norman County Fair in Ada, Minn., where 4-H, fruit pie contests and old-time tractor displays are highlighted. In a county where soybeans are the top crop, it provided an attractive opportunity to showcase Plasma Blue, a research investment by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) designed to bring more value to soybean production.

“We wanted to show our local soybean producers that their checkoff dollars were being put to good work, and what better way than to bring it to them at the local county fair,” said Norman County Corn & Soybean Growers Chair Corey Hanson.