Value of Distributed Preprocessing of Biomass Feedstocks to a Bioenergy Industry
Biomass preprocessing is one of the primary operations in the feedstock assembly system and the front-end of a biorefinery. Its purpose is to chop, grind, or otherwise format the biomass into a suitable feedstock for conversion to ethanol and other bioproducts. Many variables such as equipment cost and efficiency, and feedstock moisture content, particle size, bulk density, compressibility, and flowability affect the location and implementation of this unit operation. Previous conceptual designs show this operation to be located at the front-end of the biorefinery. However, data are presented that show distributed preprocessing at the field-side or in a fixed preprocessing facility can provide significant cost benefits by producing a higher value feedstock with improved handling, transporting, and merchandising potential. In addition, data supporting the preferential deconstruction of feedstock materials due to their bio-composite structure identifies the potential for significant improvements in equipment efficiencies and compositional quality upgrades. Theses data are collected from full-scale low and high capacity hammermill grinders with various screen sizes. Multiple feedstock varieties with a range of moisture values were used in the preprocessing tests. The comparative values of the different grinding configurations, feedstock varieties, and moisture levels are assessed through post-grinding analysis of the different particle fractions separated with a medium-scale forage particle separator and a Rototap separator. The results show that distributed preprocessing produces a material that has bulk flowable properties and fractionation benefits that can improve the ease of transporting, handling and conveying the material to the biorefinery and improve the biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE - EE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-99ID13727
- OSTI ID:
- 911551
- Report Number(s):
- INL/CON-06-11267
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Test Plan for Evaluating Hammer and Fixed Cutter Grinders Using Multiple Varieties and Moistures of Biomass Feedstock
Preprocessing Moist Lignocellulosic Biomass for Biorefinery Feedstocks
Performance and Efficiency of Biomass Densification Equipment (CRADA Final Report)
Technical Report
·
Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 2007
·
OSTI ID:912905
Preprocessing Moist Lignocellulosic Biomass for Biorefinery Feedstocks
Conference
·
Mon Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 2009
·
OSTI ID:957538
Performance and Efficiency of Biomass Densification Equipment (CRADA Final Report)
Technical Report
·
Wed Jan 22 23:00:00 EST 2014
·
OSTI ID:1117507