Biofuels such as Ethanol and Biodiesel are among the most promising energy alternatives because they are non-toxic and can be produced from corn and other grains cultivated in American fields, as well as renewal sources such as oils in soybeans, sunflower seeds, cotton seeds, palm, and even in some forms of algae. Currently, some 30 percent of U.S. fuels contain some ethanol, and continued compliance with the U.S. Energy Policy Act will likely increase that percentage.

The challenge for all Biofuels producers is to find innovative ways to maintain profitability while this market matures. Many are finding that process automation plays a significant role at this critical juncture by helping them control product quality, output, and costs. And because instrumentation represents what is essentially the eyes and ears of any automation system, careful evaluation of instrumentation at the design phase can reduce both equipment and operating costs significantly, while improving overall manufacturing effectiveness.