Thermochemical conversion research highlighted in Biofuels Journal

Iowa State University's thermochemical conversion research was featured in the fourth quarter edition of Biofuels Journal. The article discussed the three thermochemical technologies—solvent processing, pyrolysis and gasification—that are currently being researched at Iowa State. These technologies can produce biofuels, renewable chemicals and biochar. BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) affiliate Robert C. Brown, director of the Bioeconomy Institute and an Anson Marston Distinguished Professor of Engineering, told Biofuels Journal that the three thermochemical technologies are being pursued simultaneously at the BCRF. Read the article.

Installation begins on soil removal equipment

Installation has begun on a soil removal system donated by DuPont donated earlier this year. The system was designed by DuPont and was originally located at their Vonore, Tenn., research pilot plant. The system will be used to remove soil from various biomass feedstocks, but primarily from corn stover. The system is scheduled to be operational in the first quarter of 2017.

Students complete capstone projects at BCRF

This fall the BCRF helped support four capstone projects. The student teams were allowed to use space, tools and other equipment needed to complete their projects. Below is a summary of three of the projects.

Miscanthus Single-pass Harvester
Project Summary: Produce a single-pass harvester to harvest Miscanthus test plots for the Department of Agronomy
Course: ABE 416

Lupkes Zipline Retrieval
Project Summary: Design and build an electrically driven speed retrieval system
Course: TSM 416

Vermeer Baler Bearing Failure Detection Project
Project Summary: Investigate methods to detect bearing failures on the Vermeer baler
Course: ME 415

BCRF student researchers featured in Cyclone Adventures

BCRF student researchers were featured in Iowa State's ongoing series, Cyclone Adventures. The article, "In Search of Greener Adventures," discussed the role Iowa State students have in conducting biomass research at the BCRF including designing and managing projects.

Visitors tour BCRF

The BCRF had the following visitors: Annikki, AVEKA, Boone County Disaster Assistance Committee, DoeferCompany, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, International Farmers Aid Association, PepsiCo, and Roquette.