Biofuels Research Laboratory
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Biofuels Laboratory
The main laboratory is located in Crothers Engineering Hall Rooms 345 and 347 in the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.
Primary Objectives
- Assess and optimize the pathways of producing liquid, gaseous, and solid biofuels and value-added bioproducts via thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis, gasification and torrefaction).
- Assess biomass feedstocks of interest for creating bioproducts.
- Evaluate the created biofuels and bioproducts, with the overarching goal of developing technologies for advancing the bioeconomy.
Current and Past Projects
- Produce liquid bio-oils from renewable sources (switchgrass, lignin, prairie cordgrass, non-food oilseed meals, etc.) via fast pyrolysis.
- Produce solid, energy-dense, hydrophobic bio-char from corn stover via torrefaction.
- Enhance bio-oil quality in an effort to meet to meet JP-8 standards through the use of catalysts and hydrotreatment.
Impacts of our Research
Economic
- Value added products derived from a variety of agricultural residues, energy crops and emerging crops.
- Production of biofuels in upper Midwest to promote job growth in rural communities.
National Security
- Domestic energy resources.
- Offset significant amounts of petroleum consumption.
Sustainability
- Carbon-neutral fuels from renewable non-food sources.
- Drop-in fuels that can be compatible with aviation use and existing transportation infrastructure.
Thermochemical Reactors
Fast Pyrolysis Auger Reactor
- Continuous reactor with 7 kg/hr capacity.
- Handles coarsely ground feedstocks in lock hopper.
- Five stage condenser train.
Fast Pyrolysis Bubbling Fluidized Bed Reactor
- Continuous reactor with 1 kg/hr capacity.
- Fluidization allows for easy temperature control.
- Reactor data has been compared with computational simulations to optimize bed operation.
Batch Reactor - Fluidized Sand Bath
- Small batch reactors determine product composition as function of time.
- Allows kinetic measurements and establishes reaction mechanisms of pyrolysis.
- Allows the use of solvents to improve oil quality.
Analytical Equipment
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-FTIR)
- Measures weight loss of pyrolyzed samples up to 200°C/min.
- Allows calculation of overall kinetic parameters which are useful for reactor design.
- FTIR spectra identify functional groups in the pyrolysis products.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Measures heat of reaction for pyrolysis.
- Identifies thermal events in lignin decomposition.
Pyroprobe / GC-MS
- Pyrolyzes small samples at high heating rates (up to 20,000°C/min).
- Allows for comprehensive identification and quantification of pyrolysis products.
Additional Analytical Equipment
- Volumetric Karl Fischer and a potentiometric titrator
- Bomb calorimeter
- Viscometer
- Heated and pressurized rheometer
Biofuels Laboratory Personnel
Contact us
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Physical Address
1151 8th St.
Brookings, SD 57007
Mailing Address
Crothers Engineering Hall 221, Box 2219
Brookings, SD 57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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