On the challenges facing the handling of solid biomass feedstocks

Abstract

With a major global emphasis on the management of waste, alternative resources and a shift to environmentally sustainable technologies, demand for large volumes of heterogeneous solid biomass feedstocks for energy or chemical use is expected to rise signifi cantly. In transforming a sporadic supply of a low-value, highly variable product, to continuous and controlled high throughput systems, a thorough understanding of the feedstock properties will increase in importance. Appropriate characterisation tests are necessary to defi ne technical specifi cation and selection criteria for handling equipment and to appraise the requirement and location for additional processes or pre-treatment to be integrated into the handling chain. Such tests may also infl uence the material characteristics to be used in the conversion process. This paper discusses the main feedstock attributes associated with a number of handling chain phases and the approach to obtain them. The framework for a holistic approach to the characterisation and design of biomass feedstock handling systems for further development and practical implementation is also proposed.

Breakage behavior of biomass pellets: an experimental and numerical study

“…These devices enable pellets to collide with each other and with the walls to mimic the transportation and handling conditions by use of an air stream or rotating the device. Research on handling and storage properties of biomass pellets has been recently taken into consideration by some researchers [5][6][7][8][9]. They highlighted the effect of transportation and handling systems on the number of generating fines.…”

“…Bradley [6] pointed out that the transfer chutes are the main cause of the pellet breakage and fines generation during the handling process. Ilic et al [7] claimed there are up to 25 wt% fines particles smaller than 3.15 mm in the biomass pellet plants while the expected amount in the equipment design process is around 5-8 wt%.…”

The Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Degradation Behavior of Biomass Pellets

“…In 2018, up to 10% of the total world energy demand was provided by biomass [2], while it has been estimated that up to 18% of the world's primary energy demand can be provided only by woody biomass in 2050 [1]. The huge increase in the use of biomass, in particular solid biomass, has raised concerns regarding its transport, storage, and handling, due to its inherent low bulk and energy density and high moisture content [3]. The combination of torrefaction and densification is proved to increase the bulk and energy density and decrease the moisture content of raw biomass [4].…”

“…Lower heating value, 2 Equilibrium moisture content,3 Sorghum stalk, corn stover, wheat straw, and big bluestem.…”

A consolidated road map for economically gainful efficient utilization of agro‐wastes for eco‐friendly products

“…Production, storage, processing, and transportation of agro‐wastes should be monitored to ensure a continuous supply to industry. Health, safety, and other risks should be considered while handling the materials at different stages …”