Solid biofuels - Safety of solid biofuel pellets - Safe handling and storage of wood pellets in residential and other small-scale applications

Pellets refer to solid biofuels for heating and power. The pellet’s integrity is of great relevant to ensure safe and effective transportation and storage, and comfort to stakeholders. Several materials that are supportive, whether organic and inorganic, to pellets exist. However, no work in the literature is linking making hybrid non-wood pellets with addition of residual biomass from distillation of cellulosic bioethanol, and this requires further investigations. Figuring out how effective this challenging agro-industrial residue could be for reinforcing non-wood pellets is accordingly the scientific point of this study focusing on management of waste and valorization of biomass. The pilot-scale manufacturing of hybrid pellets consisted of systematically pressing sugarcane bagasse with the lignocellulosic reinforcement at the mass ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 on an automatic pelletizer machine at 200 MPa and 125 °C. Elemental contents of C and H, durability, and energy density all increased significantly from 50.05 to 53.50%, 5.95 to 7.80%, 95.90 to 99.55%, and 28.20 to 31.20 MJ kg−1, respectively, with blending the starting material with the reinforcement at 1:3. Preliminary evidence of residual biomass from distillation of second-generation bioethanol capable of highly improving molecular flammable/combustible properties, mechanical stability, and fuel power of composite non-wood pellets exist.

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Evaluation of Urban Tree Leaf Biomass-Potential, Physico-Mechanical and Chemical Parameters of Raw Material and Solid Biofuel

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14040818 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 818 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Krzysztof Mudryk ◽

Marcin Jewiarz ◽

Marek Wróbel ◽

Marcin Niemiec ◽

Arkadiusz Dyjakon

Keyword(s):

Bulk Density ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Raw Material ◽

Leaf Biomass ◽

Tree Leaves ◽

Wood Pellets ◽

Urban Tree ◽

Solid Biofuels ◽

Solid Biofuel ◽

Tree Leaf

The paper presents the results of research aimed at evaluating the possibility of using selected tree leaf species to produce solid biofuels. The possibility of production of qualitative solid biofuels from urban tree leaves meets the expectations of the municipal sector. Collection of tree leaves in urban areas is very often necessary for road safety reasons, the need to collect biomass rich in dust and pollution as well as biomass infested with pests. The production of solid biofuels from tree leaves allows for effective management of this raw material with energy recovery. The performed research indicates such a possibility, and the obtained ash is used as a soil improver. The conducted research showed that the biomass of leaves of five tree species used in the experiment can be a source of raw materials for production of qualitative biofuels. The obtained pellets were characterized by properties comparable to those of classical wood pellets. The lower heating value of the obtained pellets ranged from 14.5 to 15.5 MJ∙kg−1. Physical properties of the obtained pellets described by bulk density (BD 600–660 kg∙m−3), mechanical durability (DU 90–96%), moisture (Mar 10–12.5%) indicate that these products can be used in existing combustion equipment. Preliminary analysis of the obtained ashes (determination of ash melting point, bulk density) indicates that they should not cause difficulties in ash removal systems from the combustion chamber.

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Change in humidity of solid biofuels

Research in Agricultural Engineering ◽

10.17221/4928-rae ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 50 (No. 2) ◽

pp. 61-65

Author(s):

P. Heneman

Keyword(s):

Calorific Value ◽

Considerable Effect ◽

Raw Material ◽

Air Humidity ◽

Solid Biofuels ◽

Relative Air Humidity ◽

Solid Biofuel ◽

Duration Of Storage ◽

Unstable Environment ◽

And Storage

Humidity, as one of the most important physical properties of pressed solid biofuels, affects thel calorific value of the biofuel and its consistency. Biofuel humidity depends on the initial humidity of raw material, which varies and depends on many factors. Method of manufacture and place and duration of storage have a considerable effect on solid biofuel humidity as well. Humidity of pressed solid biofuels changes not only during the pressing itself, when temperature increases by compression and a part of contained moisture evaporates, but also in the course of handling and storage under unstable environment conditions with high relative air humidity, when, on the contrary, their humidity gradually increases due to their hygroscopicity. Properties of solid biofuels change with their increasing humidity – their calorific value and consistency decreasing and the share of crumbles increasing.

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Water Resistance of Torrefied Wood Pellets Prepared by Different Methods

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14061618 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 1618

Author(s):

Takahiro Yoshida ◽

Katsushi Kuroda ◽

Daisuke Kamikawa ◽

Yoshitaka Kubojima ◽

Takashi Nomura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Large Scale ◽

Water Resistance ◽

Wood Chips ◽

Small Scale ◽

Wood Pellets ◽

Solid Biofuels ◽

Rate Of Increase ◽

Torrefied Biomass ◽

Indoor And Outdoor

Torrefaction used in combination with pelletization is a promising technology to upgrade solid biofuels and has been demonstrated worldwide. In comparison with normal biomass pellets, which disintegrate under wet conditions, one of the advantages of torrefied biomass pellets is better water resistance. An understanding of the differences in water proof properties for torrefied biomass pellets by different production schemes can promote their further application. In the communication, various torrefied pellets were exposed to indoor and outdoor conditions, and changes in moisture content and diameter were examined. Two production schemes for the torrefied pellets were used for comparison: the torrefaction of wood chips followed by pelletization (pre-torrefaction) and the pelletization of wood chips followed by torrefaction (post-torrefaction). It was found that the post-torrefied pellets had much lower moisture levels than the pre-torrefied pellets in both indoor and outdoor tests. In the outdoor test with no-roof condition, the rate of increase in moisture content for the pre-torrefied pellets was more than double that for the post-torrefied pellets, and the post-torrefied pellets exhibited almost no diameter change. The results on the superior water resistance of post-torrefied pellets were nearly consistent with those reported in previous literature. Torrefied pellets have been considered for industrial use, such as in co-combustion and gasification on a large scale. Taking advantage of the different water resistances, torrefied pellets could also be used by personal and community consumers on a small scale for long-term indoor and outdoor storages as advanced solid biofuels with high waterproof performance, energy density, and lower biodegradation.

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PREDICTION FOR TOTAL MOISTURE CONTENT IN WOOD PELLETS BY NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (NIRS)

DYNA INGENIERIA E INDUSTRIA ◽

10.6036/9935 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 96 (3) ◽

pp. 296-301

Author(s):

MIGUEL ÁNGEL SÁNCHEZ GATÓN ◽

MARIA ISABEL CAMPOS LABADIE ◽

JOSE JUAN SEGOVIA PURAS

Keyword(s):

Quality Control ◽

Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Wood Pellets ◽

Solid Biofuels ◽

Solid Biofuel ◽

Non Destructive ◽

Total Moisture Content

Mankind consumes as many fossil fuels per year as nature produced during a million years. Furthermore, energy consumption has tripled in the last 60 years, and is expected to be doubled in 2050, due to the technological and economic takeoff of large emerging powers. In light of this scenario, a change in energy policies should be aimed to promote energy efficiency and the use of sustainable energy resources, such as bioenergy, safely and environmental friendly. Biomass fuels take a main role in the EU's energy and climate policies, aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and combating Climate Change. Quality control of biofuels and knowledge of their characteristics reach a large relevance in any industrial application based on the energy use of biofuels. NIRS technology (near infrared spectroscopy, Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) is based on the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and material, and now is presented as an encouraging technological tool for quality testing of solid biofuels, since it is a non-destructive and much faster and cheaper analytical technique than traditional ones, which are based on current ISO standards. That interaction appears as spectral vibrations (energy absorption or absorbance) that are properly processed, allowing to measure the most important physical-chemical properties of solid biofuels in a fast, simple and non-destructive way. Wood pellet is the highest quality solid biofuel in the current biomass market, which is regulated by ENplus® certification scheme in the European-wide, ensuring the quality of product to consumers. Low heating value is the most important parameter of solid biofuel, and is strongly linked to total moisture content, so the control of moisture is key factor during pelletizing process. The original research carried out in this work allows to present the development of a NIRS prediction model for total moisture in wood pellets, in the range of values of 5 – 10 %, providing a much faster and more automated methodology for product quality control, both in production plants of wood pellets and in power plants with wood pellets as fuel. Keywords: near infrared spectroscopy, wood pellets, quality control, moisture, prediction model

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ANALYSIS OF POSSIBILITIES FOR THE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION OF AGROBIOMASS BRIQUETTES IN UKRAINE. PART 1

Industrial Heat Engineering ◽

10.31472/ihe.4.2018.09 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 62-68

Author(s):

G.G. Geletukha ◽

T.A. Zheliezna ◽

S.V. Drahniev ◽

A.I. Bashtovyi

Keyword(s):

Driving Forces ◽

Ecological Indicators ◽

Small Scale ◽

Current State ◽

Solid Biofuels ◽

Production And Consumption ◽

Solid Biofuel ◽

Husk Rice ◽

Buckwheat Husk ◽

Energy Equipment

The purpose of the work is to analyze existing preconditions, driving forces, and barriers for the widespread introduction of the production and use of fuel briquettes from biomass in Ukraine. The task of the work is to determine the advantages and prospects of the process, first of all, for domestic consumers, as well as to develop recommendations for creating a positive environment for the development of this segment of bioenergy in Ukraine. This part of the paper presents the current state of the market for solid biofuels in Ukraine. It is shown that in the biofuel market, the largest segment is solid biofuel in the form of firewood, wood chips, pellets and biomass briquettes, baled straw. Currently, a large amount of pellets and briquettes are exported from Ukraine to Europe due to the insufficient demand in the domestic market. The main features of the solid biofuels production in Ukraine are regional unevenness and relative non-uniformity of production as well as a large number of small-scale enterprises that work with traders. The advantages of the use of biomass briquettes as fuel were analyzed. The main advantages are the conformity of characteristics of briquettes with the requirements of boiler equipment for fuel, better ecological indicators in comparison with the burning of low-quality wood, no needs for specialized energy equipment in contrast with the use of pellets, availability of a significant amount of feedstock especially for briquettes from the biomass of agricultural origin. The current volume of the Ukrainian market for fuel briquettes from biomass for individual heating of the population can be estimated at the level of 500 th. t/year with its growth to over 3 million t/year until 2035. This part of the paper considers possible types of feedstock for the production of fuel briquettes and requirements for it. It is noted that the feedstock for the production of fuel briquettes can be soft and hard wood, straw, reed, sunflower husk, rice and buckwheat husk, flax sheave, and other vegetable residues. Typical requirements for the feedstock: water content – 6...12%, fraction composition – 2...10 mm.

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THE DISCRETE MODEL FOR THE FORMATION OF COMPANY’S STRATEGY ON THE SOLID BIOFUEL MARKET

Economic Analysis ◽

10.35774/econa2018.04.185 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 185-192

Author(s):

Nataliia Halysh

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Market Share ◽

Discrete Model ◽

Interval Data ◽

Production Cycle ◽

Special Method ◽

Wood Pellets ◽

Solid Biofuels ◽

Solid Biofuel ◽

Range Of Values

Introduction. In the article, the author pays attention to the research of the actual data of the enterprise, which produces the solid biofuel, with the isolation of raw material supply processes and the formation of the finished products’ cost structure. A system of differential equations is developed and presented. It reveals the influence of these factors and the dynamics of the share of the company's presence on the market of solid biofuels. The method of interval data analysis is substantiated. This method gives adequate results in the calculation of forecast intervals of the indicators and influences the adoption of strategic decisions on the presence of the company in the market of commodity products. An interlinear discrete model of the dynamics of the company's share for 2016 and 2017 is constructed, as a result of which its suitability for implementation in the activity of the enterprise is checked and taken into account while developing the strategy for its development. Purpose. The article aims to construct an interval discrete model of a company's market share at solid biofuels’ market using the system of difference equations and analysis of interval data. Based on the justification of the expediency of the chosen method of research, the other goal is identified. It is to develop the proposals for the implementation of this model in the activities of the enterprise for the production of wood pellets as the basis for providing a management strategy of this enterprise in uncertain external environment. Method. Such standard methods of scientific research as method of systematization, method of processing, method of summation of data, method of definition of general summary synthetic indicators, method of presentation of the results in the form of statistical tables, method of graphs and figures have been used in this research. A special method of data analysis based on interval arithmetic and interval data analysis has been implemented. Results. In the paper, scientific and methodological approaches to developing a strategy for the activities of enterprises producing solid biofuels have been improved. The proposals, which are given to the wood pellets’ enterprises, are based on the use of the developed interval model of market share dynamics of the enterprise at the solid biofuel market. It gives the ability to determine the range of values of the expected dynamics of this market share, depending on the cost of its products and the range of values of the market share by the consumption of raw materials. The results and recommendations, which are described in this article, can be used by enterprises producing solid biofuels (in particular, wood pellets) with a differentiated production cycle, which includes input and output logistics.

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