Abstract
In the present study, the mechanical properties of granular biomass of pine origin (sawdust, shavings, long shavings and pellets) were determined. The bulk and tapped densities were determined in a cylindrical chamber. The compacted density was measured, and the influence of the moisture content on this quantity was examined in a vane tester. The flowability and strength properties were determined using a direct shear tester (Jenike box) 210 mm in diameter and standard Schulze ring shear tester. The tests in the Jenike tester complied with the Eurocode 1 procedure for normal pressure (σn) of 15 and 30 kPa and speed of shearing of 0.17 mm s−1. Ring shear testing was conducted using a Schulze annular shear cell of 195 mm outer diameter. Tests were performed for 10 and 20 kPa pre-shear σn. A prototype vane tester was constructed for determining the torque, shear strength, and relaxation of a consolidated sample of granular biomass. σn was exerted by a pneumatic system with a rubber air spring and yoke. The torque and density were measured for moisture content in the range of 10–50% and for σn in the range of 5–30 kPa. The torque was observed to be affected by σn and the moisture content, whereas no relationship between the torque and the rotational speed was observed.
Highlights
Pine tree is one of the most popular and widely available sources of biomass worldwide
The density of granular materials is a very important parameter for numerous practical applications. It exerts a significant effect on the mechanical characteristics of the material and is used for the estimation of the pressure exerted by the granular material against the structure of the bin or silo
The σn used in the tests corresponded to the loads in storage silos of approximately 10 m height that are used in energy plants where the continuity of the energy production must be maintained through co-firing with standard coal fuel
Summary
Pine tree is one of the most popular and widely available sources of biomass worldwide. Pine biomass in the form of woodchips, shavings/sawdust or densified as briquettes or pellets is widely used as a renewable source of energy (Oniszczuk et al 2013, 2015). It is a granular material of differently shaped and sized particles. The types of shape of biomass particles were presented by Gil et al (2013). Knowledge of its mechanical properties is necessary for the design and efficient operation of equipment for handling, storage, and processing With respect to the bulk density, granular biomass is classified as light (with density < 600 kg/ m3) (Stasiak et al 2012)
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