NOVELTY - Converting biomass involves (a1) providing thermal reactor containing at least one auger, and first mixture having at least one catalyst, where the catalyst functions as both heat carrier and catalyst; (b1) introducing feedstock containing biomass to the reactor and contacting it with the first mixture to form second mixture; (c1) pyrolyzing the feedstock in the second mixture to form solids, condensable vapor intermediates, and non-condensable gases; and (d1) conveying the second mixture through the reactor for defined residence time prior to removal from the reactor.    USE - For converting biomass (claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The process is rapid; improves the quality of the produced bio-oil; and decreases the formation of char and coke. The catalyst increases the rate of pyrolysis, such that the temperature required for pyrolysis is decreased, and/or the required residence time of the feedstock is decreased. The rotation of the auger increases contact between the catalyst and the feedstock to increase the heating rate of the feedstock and to increase the catalytic pyrolysis of the feedstock.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Converting biomass involves (a1) providing thermal reactor comprising at least one auger, and first mixture containing at least one catalyst, where the catalyst functions as both a heat carrier and catalyst; (b1) introducing feedstock comprising biomass to the thermal reactor and contacting it with the first mixture to produce a second mixture; (c1) pyrolyzing the feedstock in the second mixture to produce solids, condensable vapor intermediates, and non-condensable gases, where the catalyst transfers heat to the feedstock and also increases the rate at which the feedstock is converted, where rotation of the auger increases direct contact between the feedstock and the catalyst and increases the rate of heat transfer from the catalyst to the feedstock; and (d1) conveying the second mixture through the reactor for a defined residence time prior to removal from the reactor.