New Reactor Technology (IMAGE) Iowa State University Caption Cody Ellens, an Iowa State student from Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, who's working on master's degrees in mechanical engineering and biorenewable resources and technologies, works with a free fall reactor he helped design and build. The reactor uses heat in the absence of oxygen to convert biomass into a bio-oil. Credit Iowa State University News Service Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.