Biorefining Research Facility

We develop innovative products and processes to build a sustainable and profitable biorefining industry in Australia.

About us

The Biorefining Research Facility hosts state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise to support bioproduct research, development and production.

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Accessing services and equipment

Instructions for booking our equipment or contracting our services.

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Capabilities

We develop products and processes for research, industry and government partners in the biorefining sector. Backed by the Institute for Future Environments, we manage a range of high-quality equipment and instruments and collaborate with award-winning researchers who are experts in their fields.

Biology and fermentation

Our fermentation processes and equipment operate at a commercially viable scale for research and industry manufacturing.

Materials preparation

We have a range of laboratory and pilot scale materials processing equipment to modify industrial materials to suit your bioprocessing needs.

Steam explosion and chemical extraction

Our pilot plant facility operates large-scale steam explosion and chemical extraction equipment.

Scale-up processing and economics

We enable the scale-up of technologies from laboratory to pilot scale while assessing and providing feedback to technologists on aspects of process economics.

Pyrolysis and liquefaction

We possess hydrothermal biomass liquefaction and commercial-scale pyrolysis equipment and processes.

Separation technologies

Our equipment and expertise in separation technologies, including supercritical fluid extraction and antisolvent fractionation, enables a wide range of bioprocessing outcomes.

Case studies

Locations

We have access to a range of infrastructure and equipment across QUT locations to support biorefining research, teaching and learning and enable real-world results for our partners.

Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant

The Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant enables research and development in industrial biotechnology and biomass processing, technologies and practices.

Banyo Pilot Plant

The Banyo Pilot Plant enables scaled-up research in traditional engineering, industrial biotechnology and scientific applications, testing and validation.