A joint venture between Tulsa-based Syntroleum Corp. and Tyson Foods is about ready to start converting animal fat into high-quality diesel fuel.

Dynamic Fuels LLC has taken possession of a new processing plant in Geismar, La., after the primary contractor on the $150 million project indicated last week it had achieved mechanical completion.

Some "punch list” items are being addressed by construction and maintenance workers as the plant is prepared to begin operations.

The first shipments of animal fats have been delivered to the plant, which Syntroleum officials have said is the first of its kind in this hemisphere.

Dynamic Fuels currently expects to begin fuel production during the third quarter, once workers have flushed all lines, verified operation of the control system and installed of catalysts and absorbents.

The new plant is designed to convert fats, greases and oils supplied by Tyson Foods into as much as 75 million gallons of renewable fuels per year.

"We're pleased with customer interest in our fuel and the sales arrangements we've made so far,” said Bob Ames, Tyson's vice president of renewable energy. "We're anxious to begin producing and selling our renewable fuel products, which have measurable performance and environmental advantages over conventional petroleum-based fuels.”

Officials have said the plant's fuel will have a higher cetane rating than traditional diesel, meaning it burns more efficiently. The renewable fuel will be compatible with any diesel engine.

Dynamic Fuels has filled the 44 permanent full-time positions on site, with an additional 13 full-time startup support personnel.