The Fast Pyrolysis Process Development Unit is operated by the Bioeconomy Institute. Contact Ryan Smith at rgsmith@iastate.edu or (515) 294-6244 or Lysle Whitmer at lwhitmer@iastate.edu or (515) 296-6309 for availability.

The fast pyrolysis process development unit converts dry biomass into bio-oil through a thermochemical process that includes rapidly heating the biomass to high temperatures (450C to 550C) in an oxygen free environment. It can process up to 8 kg/hr of biomass. The current system utilizes a fluidized bed of sand to provide the necessary heat transfer to reach the rapid heating that is necessary. The sand is fluidized by compressed nitrogen. Fast pyrolysis has three main products which include bio-oil, char, and various gases.