In order to decrease the cost of transporting feedstocks to facilities for fuel or energy production, some feedstocks can be processed to increase the bulk density of the material. Increasing the bulk allows more of the feedstock to be transported at a time.
Eugene Columbus from the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at MSU has examined the pelletization process as a means of densifying biomass. A pellet mill was obtained and has made pellets from available agricultural wastes and other biomass materials. The effects of pelletization on the chemical properties of the feedstocks have been analyzed as well as the mechanical properties of the pellets. By understanding the chemical and mechanical properties of the pellets, the handling requirements of the feedstock pellets can be defined. More information regarding this research can be found at http://www.abe.msstate.edu/Biomass/index.html
As part of feedstock engineering and econometric modeling, several researchers are involved in development of geospatial framework for optimizing biomass logistics for energy production. The project was started in August 2010 and will hopefully yield useful information regarding cost savings, ease of handling and sustainability characteristics of potential feedstock energy sources.
“Feedstock harvesting, handling, and properties”
Eugene Columbus
"Development of geospatial framework for optimizing biomass logistics for energy production" Joel O. Paz, Prem Parajuli, Jeremiah Davis and Eugene Columbus
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