Bioindustrial Innovation Center

Biomass and Fiber Processing Laboratory

The Biomass and Fiber Processing Laboratory is designed to convert raw agricultural materials, biomass, and coproducts into engineered intermediates and products in controlled, pilot-scale environments.

Overview

The laboratory houses equipment for grinding, milling, and general size reduction of various feedstocks, followed by densification and pelleting to evaluate flowability, handling qualities, and end-use performance. Capabilities such as biomass deconstruction, including decortication, fiber separation, and classification, allow for the fractionation of complex materials like hemp stalks into fibers, fines, and other functional components.

The laboratory also supports blending, formulation, and mixing of multi-component systems, along with drying and dewatering to control moisture levels across a wide range of product specifications. Particle size analysis is used to characterize materials before and after processing, providing essential data for process optimization and scale-up.

These features create an integrated environment for developing, testing, and refining innovative biomass-based products, feed formulations, feedstocks, and coproduct valorization strategies. Lab staff can also perform mechanical and physical testing of finished products, either directly or through collaborations with third-party service providers.

Our Team

AURI’s Food scientists are available to provide consulting and technical services in the areas of product and process development, product evaluation and testing, sourcing materials, equipment and services

Alan Doering

Senior Scientist, Coproducts

(218) 281-7600 x126 Email

Camren Nikoley

Bioindustrial Lab Associate

(218)281-7600 x139 Email

John Sorensen

Bioindustrial Facilities Manager

(218)281-7600 x128 Email