Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium logo

The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) is an integrated and collaborative network of nine U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories dedicated to addressing the technical risks that integrated pioneer biorefineries face. The goal of the FCIC is to develop science-based knowledge and tools to understand biomass feedstock and process variability, improving overall operational reliability, conversion performance, and product quality across the biomass value chain.

Learn more about FCIC, download the FCIC fact sheet, and view past webinars.

Learn more about the FCIC's new open-source tools to predict biomass flow behavior and to predict blade wear. You can also download the FCIC’s Annual Review of Research FY2021 report for an overview of the accomplishments of FCIC researchers in fiscal year 2021.

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement Call

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is offering a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) call for industry and universities interested in leveraging the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium’s (FCIC’s) capabilities.

This opportunity will fund competitively selected CRADAs between FCIC partner laboratories and partners from industry and academia. No less than $2 million will be available for this CRADA call and up to four projects will be selected with a project duration of up to three years.

Research Areas

Feedstock Variability
Quantifying and understanding feedstock variability range and sources to reduce it.
Preprocessing
Developing science-based design and operation principles to improve performance.
Low-Temperature Conversion
Mitigating the risks of feedstock variability on the conversion of sugar and lignin.
High-Temperature Conversion
Enabling reliable flow and conversion behavior with pyrolysis operational mapping.
Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment Tools
Enabling intermediate stream valuation and quantifying feedback variability impact.
Materials Handling
Enabling continuous, steady, trouble-free bulk flow transport to the reactor throat.
Materials of Construction
Predicting and addressing biorefinery equipment wear.
Data Integration
Ensuring data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

Capabilities and Facilities

Biomass Feedstock
Biomass Feedstock
Employing a feedstock library and models to determine moisture migration and to quantify logistics costs.
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Biomass Characterization
Biomass Characterization
Using standardized lab techniques to characterize biomass and generate high-quality feedstock data.
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Preprocessing
Preprocessing
Developing tools for biomass flow modeling and equipment wear modeling.
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Conversion
Conversion
Leveraging robust National Laboratory expertise at field testing labs, process development units, and user research facilities.
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Techno-Economic Analysis
Techno-Economic Analysis
Providing life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, and supply analysis and logistics.
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Publications

Papers and reports have been published concerning FCIC research. Review a list of publications.

Leadership

Group photo of people standing in an outdoor setting.

The FCIC is led by a principal investigator and project manager, three DOE technology managers, eight task leads, and laboratory relationship managers.

Learn more about FCIC leadership.

Partners

Photo of two scientists processing corn stover.

The FCIC consists of nine DOE National Laboratories and an Industry Advisory Board, as well as industry, university, and other DOE consortia partners.

Learn more about FCIC partners.

Contact

Questions about the consortium? Contact the FCIC.