Investigating the Rheological Properties of Chopped Corn Stover Biomass in Bulk

Flow parameters of chopped biomass, namely corn stover, are analyzed applying material testing techniques. The bulk fluid motion of the chopped biomass corn stover is examined using a custom made direct shear cell and a universal testing machine. The goal of this analysis is to test the bulk solid shear stress, internal friction, internal angle of friction and cohesion. The results of the stated tests are statistically analyzed and compared with literature. The measured properties of the biomass have the potential to be used in computer simulations for bulk solid flow analysis. The bulk fluid motion of the pulverized/chopped biomass can be simulated in storage and transportation equipment, including auguring screws and pneumatic conveyance systems, as well as devices for feeding biomass into thermochemical and biochemical reactors. Traditional biochemical and thermochemical reactors operate as batch systems because of the difficulty of feeding the biomass feedstock in a continuous manner. Having a clearer background about the structural and rheological properties of biomass feedstock will help simulate bulk-solid flows computationally and design efficient storage and continuous feeding systems.

Investigating the Structural Properties of Corn Stover at Macro and Fiber Levels

The purpose of this study is to analyze structural properties of biomass materials, namely corn stover. The structural properties of the biomass corn stover are examined at macro and fiber levels by performing a series of tests including three-point bending and tensile strength. Results of the stated tests are statistically analyzed. The goal of this analysis is to test the strength under loading from various directions to gather a full understanding of the structural properties of corn stalk fibers. Tests are performed using universal testing machines (UTMs). The results of these studies will be used to compile a database of the structural properties of biomass. These properties have the potential to be used in finite element computer simulations for structural analysis and bulk solid flows. The bulk fluid motion of the pulverized/chopped biomass can be simulated in storage and transportation equipment, including auguring screws and pneumatic conveyance systems, as well as devices for feeding biomass feedstocks in biorefineries. Traditional biochemical and thermochemical reactors operate as batch systems because of the difficulty of feeding the biomass feedstock in a continuous manner. Having a clearer background about the structural and rheological properties of biomass feedstock will help simulate and design the bulk-solid flows within storage bins and conveyance systems.

Design on Four DOF Pneumatic Conveyance Manipulator Based on PLC

The design of four degrees of freedom pneumatic conveyance manipulator based on PLC is introduced in the paper. The work task of the manipulator was briefly introduced. The structural design, work cycle, pneumatic control circuit design and PLC control system design are introduced in detail. The manipulator has the advantages of simple in design, stable and reliable act,research and development in low-cost. The design is to provide a reference for other design of economic type manipulators.

Investigating the Structural Properties of Corn Stover Biomass

The purpose of this study is to analyze structural material properties of biomass materials, namely corn stover. The microstructure of the biomass is examined by using a nano-hardness testing machine (NANOVEA®). The goal of this analysis is to test the hardness and elasticity of individual fibers using nanoindentation and to develop testing techniques to perform this task. The results of the stated tests are statistically analyzed. The measured structural properties of the biomass have the potential to be used in computer simulations for structural analysis and bulk solid flows. The bulk fluid motion of the pulverized/chopped biomass can be simulated in storage and transportation equipment, including auguring screws and pneumatic conveyance systems, as well as devices for feeding biomass feedstocks in biorefineries. Traditional biochemical and thermochemical reactors operate as batch systems because of the difficulty of feeding the biomass feedstock in a continuous manner. Having a clearer background about the structural and rheological properties of biomass feedstock will help simulate and design the bulk-solid flows within storage bins and conveyance systems.

Study of Numerical Evaluation about Kinestate of Mixed Particles in Rectilinear-Flow Pneumatic Conveyance

The effect of rectilinear-flow upon kinestate of particles had been investigated by numerical calculation about mixed particle swarm in the process of pneumatic conveyance. The effect of kinestate upon pressure loss, particles position and velocity has been analyzed. The air velocity is 20m/s, and the length of the pipe is 4m. It was found that most particles are accumulated at the bottom of the pipe, and particles velocity tends to stabilize at the top. Stopping would probably be formed at the bottom if the energy of air stream is not enough. In addition, bottom of pipe exceeds top in the number of collision between particles because of the accumulation of particles, so pressure loss at the bottom is much more than that of the top.