Knife grid size reduction to pre-process packed beds of high- and low-moisture switchgrass

Miscanthus biomass quality composition and methods of feedstock preparation for conversion into synthetic diesel fuel

“…Harvesting time is important also for other quality composition characteristics (Lewandowki, Heinz, 2003;Hodgson et al, 2011;Zub et al, 2011). Morphological and mechanical properties, composition of feedstock at harvesting affect not only dry matter yield, but also the state of feedstock for subsequent conversion process and influence total energy efficiency (Kaack, Schwarz, 2001;Kaack et al, 2003;Mani et al, 2006;Igathinathane et al, 2008). Johnson et al (2012) indicated that M. × gigantheus cutting process needs to be investigated in detail, which would help in developing more efficient harvesting and biomass particle size reduction equipment required for the introduction of M. × gigantheus as a bioenergy crop.…”

Switchgrass for bioethanol and other value-added applications: A review

“…Yu et al (2006) reported that size reduction of switchgrass based on shear stress is more efficient than size reduction based on tensile stress and noted that shear stress of switchgrass was less affected by moisture content than tensile stress. Igathinathane et al (2008) reported a significant increase in cutting energy requirements for switchgrass with high moisture (51%) in comparison to low moisture (9%) using a shear based knife grid for size reduction using a linear grid of knifes. Table 2 presents estimates of energy consumption from studies on the size reduction of switchgrass.…”

Lignocellulosics as a Renewable Feedstock for Chemical Industry: Chemical Hydrolysis and Pretreatment Processes

“…Igthinathane et al used a linear knife grid device to reduce the particle size of switchgrass and found that high-moisture switchgrass required increased shear stress and cutting energy. It was also reported that knife grid cutting energy was much less than energy required for rotary equipment [301].…”