New projects carried out in the Biochemical Processing Train

The BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) recently completed new fermentation and distillation projects in the Biochemical Processing Train. A multi-day fermentation project was carried out for an industry client using the 500- and 1,000-liter fermentors. A pilot-scale distillation was completed utilizing the BCRF's distillation column to obtain whole stillage which was then decanted in the Center for Crops Utilization Research's Wet Processing Pilot Plant. The resulting wet cake was used to produce Distillers Dried Grains (DDG) using the BCRF's pilot-scale steam tube dryer. Another project was completed using the 200-liter fermentor for the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

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Gross-Wen Technologies joins industry incubator program

Gross-Wen Technologies (GWT) has joined the BCRF's industry incubator program. GWT will be assembling prototype equipment for research projects and conducting research trails and demonstration projects in the BCRF pilot-scale Algal Production Facility and related lab areas. GWT was founded by Zhiyou Wen, a professor of food science and human nutrition (FSHN) and BCRF affiliate, and Martin Gross, a postdoctoral research associate in FSHN.

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A quick summary of other projects happening at BCRF

• A new fertilizer demonstration will be added this season to the Plant Zoo. The existing biochar demonstration will continue for a third consecutive year.
• Harvest, storage and transportation researchers are testing out full-scale agriculture equipment.
• Stover storage trials are underway in the hoop sheds as a part of a project with Idaho National Laboratory.
• Silage testing is occurring on-site.
• Cutting-edge drying technology was used to produce a specialized DDG for a local ethanol plant.
• Milling projects are taking place with the Department of Animal Science and the Bioeconomy Institute (BEI). Materials testing and other projects are continuing in the Algal Production Facility.
• The Bio-Polymer Processing Plant is gearing up to start the second phase of their project.
• BEI is continuing to run three autothermal pyrolysis test every two weeks and have recently completed a solvent liquefaction test.

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Visitors tour BCRF 

BCRF had the following visitors: Ames Rotary Club, Boone Area Leadership Program Committee, CALS Junior Visit Day, Christine Moseley, Angela Nash, Smart Ag, students from ABE 110 and FSHN 472, and USDA.