In July 2004 Reactor Technologies embarked on a research and development project building Fast Thermal Reactors (FTR)

The FTR utilises the effects of fast pyrolysis to process biomass into activated carbon in 30 minutes to 1 hour, and bio-char in 10 to 20 minutes, conventional rotary kiln technology takes 2 - 24 hours, to produce a activated carbon, and 8 to 12 hours for charcoal production in a kiln.

Benefits of the FTR

• 50%-80% of the biomass energy released as thermal energy for CHP generation.
• No external fuel source required to produce activated carbon or bio-char
• Small physical footprint
• Scalable Modular Systems – greater flexibility
• Cost effective
• Minimal moving parts–lower maintenance