Biomass Raw Materials Research Articles

Preparation and evaluation of clean briquettes from disposed wood wastes

ABSTRACTThis study reports charcoal briquettes preparation from wood wastes and the evaluation of their quality to be used as clean energy source, as well as the availability of raw biomass materials. The accessibility of raw materials (biomass) was assessed through survey and interview. The collected materials were carbonized and then powdered using an electric milling machine and mixed with various binders in different proportions. The proximate analyses of the resulting briquettes were determined in accordance with ASTM analytical methods. Volatile matter (11.30–26.00%), ash content (4.67–26.67%), moisture content (2.67–7.67%), and fixed carbon (44.27–72.00%) of the charcoal briquettes were obtained. Gross heat (calorific value) was also measured using a Parr Isoperibol Bomb Calorimeter and found to be in the range 6940.77–8930.55 cal/g. Compared with traditional wood charcoal, all the briquettes prepared in this study were efficient with long burning time, having no smoke, spark, and odor. The results indicate the availability of raw materials, and that the quality parameters of the prepared briquettes were within the internationally recommended limits, suggesting the possibility of producing high-quality charcoal briquette as an alternative energy source and a way for waste management.

INDO-NORDEN – a consortium for developing holistic processes and land use practices for clean energy

Intensive forest harvesting techniques are being used in Finland to enhance the share of bioenergy. However, there are no clear indications as to how environmentally safe are these practices. We address this issue in the INDO-NORDEN project through field studies addressing the climate impacts on the ecosystem carbon balance. Also, we will address several major issues relevant to Nordic agriculture under changing climatic conditions. INDO-NORDEN plans to develop biofuel production processes adopted in Estonia and India for enhancing biofuel yields. The effects of biomass raw material on ash characteristics, fine particle and gas emissions in combustion plants will be evaluated.

Phase behavior and stabilization of phosphorus in sub- and supercritical water gasification of cyanobacteria

Normalization of cyanobacteria outbreak in shallow lakes yield lots of salvaging cyanobacteria biomass, which dramatically modify phosphorus (P) cycle in water column and the sediments. Based on studies of SCWG reactions, it was expected to solve the dewatering treatment difficulty in engineering issues and realize potential energy use. By way of cyanobacteria biomass SCWG reactions, this paper clarified major existence forms and distribution law of rich phosphorus, evaluated the corresponding roles that reactions parameters and properties of biomass raw materials played in the products’ distribution and morphological process. In addition to this, it discussed effects of alkali additions on phosphorus forms and distribution, with a view to providing potential approach for phosphorus stabilization in SCWG products.

Plasma-Catalytic Reforming of Biofuels and Diesel Fuel

The replacement of fossil hydrocarbons with the renewable biomass alternatives is an inevitable requirement in our transition toward a sustainable economy. However, traditional petrochemical technologies are not designed to operate using biomass raw materials. Thus, the development of new hydrocarbon processing methods is essential. This paper deals with the study of the hybrid plasma-catalytic reforming of liquid hydrocarbons. The system for the reforming of liquid hydrocarbons, which used low-power rotating gliding discharge as a plasma generator, was studied. Sunflower oil (C17H33COOH) and ethanol (C2H5OH) have been used as model oxygen-containing hydrocarbons and diesel fuel (C16H34) has been used as a model hydrocarbon without oxygen. Reforming products have been analyzed using mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, and the combustion of produced syngas was studied. The values of the reforming efficiency, the ratio between the chemical energy of the produced syngas and the electric energy spent on the plasma generation, and the efficiency of the produced syngas combustion in the standard water heaters were obtained.

Influence of Inorganic Matter in Biomass on the Catalytic Production of Aromatics and Olefins in a Fluidized-Bed Reactor

Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) conversions of sugarcane bagasse (pretreated and untreated, or “raw”) over HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst were conducted in a fluidized-bed reactor to compare the hydrocarbons yields and selectivities of pretreated and raw biomass materials in order to determine the effect of inorganic matter on the aromatics and olefins yields. The effects of reaction temperature and sweeping gas flow rate (SGFR) on aromatics and olefins yields and selectivities were studied. The results showed that a maximum aromatics yield of 12.41% carbon was obtained during CFP of pretreated sugarcane bagasse at an optimum gas flow rate of 2.5 L min–1 and temperature of 500 °C. The highest olefins yield was 10.89% carbon under the same CFP conditions. Benzene and ethylene were the dominant compounds in the aromatics and olefins, respectively. The highest selectivities to benzene and ethylene were 46.44% and 45.45% carbon, respectively. Slightly lower aromatics and olefins yields of 11.77% and 9.9%, respectively, were obtained from CFP of untreated biomass. In the final step, the yields of aromatics and olefins for the raw and treated sugarcane bagasse were compared, and in addition the yields and selectivities at optimum conditions were compared. The results suggest that inorganic matter has an inhibiting effect on hydrocarbons production and also causes catalyst deactivation by blocking the catalyst pores. It is evident that removal of inorganic matter would increase both liquid and hydrocarbons yields during CFP over HZSM-5. Hydrocarbons yields and selectivities were found to depend not only on temperature and SGFR but also on the severity of the treatment process.

Chemical, strength and microstructure characterization of Balinese bamboos as activated carbon source for adsorbed natural gas application

Bamboo is one of promising biomass raw materials that has been widely researched, developed, manufactured as activated carbon (AC) and applied in many fields of life. However, there were only a few references associated to the use of bamboo AC as an adsorbent for Adsorbed Natural Gas (ANG) application. The purpose of this study was to characterize chemical, strength and microstructure of two types of local Balinese bamboo that were Tabah bamboo (Gigantochloc Nigrociliata) and Tamblang bamboo (Schizostachyum Brachycladum) as AC source. Characterization was carried out by undertaking proximate, ultimate, tensile tests, Van Soest analysis and microstructure observation. The results have showed that Tabah bamboo has 22.9151 % lignin, 44.9456 % cellulose, 84.56 % volatile and 44.47 % carbon, which were those characteristics higher than Tamblang bamboo. Furthermore, Tabah bamboo also has higher bond density vascular bundles, higher tensile strength (240.85 ± 17.53 Nmm-2) and fracture strength (182.39 ± 17.46 Nmm-2), lower ash (2.92 %), silica (1.84 %) and nitrogen (0.95 %) compared to Tamblang bamboo. Due to such characteristics, Tabah bamboo has greater potential as an AC precursor than Tamblang bamboo.

An Experimental Research of Biomass Crushing System

Biomass crushing is precondition for utilization and transformation of biomass energy. Compressive strength of biomass raw materials is generally small with long fiber, and multiple crushing methods like shocking, shearing and grinding should be used to realize high-efficiency crushing. Based on this, this paper researched and developed a set of biomass fine crushing system, and conducted an optimized study of main parameters influencing crushing process—revolving speed, between blade and cutter head and material moisture content. Results indicated that this set of crushing system could complete fine crushing of biomass, particle size of crushed products was controlled below 250µm, crushing energy consumption was between 70—120kwh/t, both of which were mainly decided by material moisture content and operating parameters of crusher. Revolving speed of crusher was elevated, proportion of particles (d<106µm) with fine particle size in crushed products increased, and unit energy consumption of crushing increased; narrowing space between blade and cutter head could improve crushing effect of biomass, but unit energy consumption increased; the higher the moisture content was, the less the content of fine particles in crushed products would be, and the greater unit energy consumption would be. By comprehensive comparison, the optimal operating conditions for crushing were: revolving speed was 3600r/min, space between impulse blade and cutter head was 8mm, moisture content was 10.6%, energy consumption was 98kwh/t, product particle size distribution was: those with particle size below 106µm occupied 71.5% and those between 106µm—250µm occupied 28.5%.

Emissions and ash behavior in a 500 kW pellet boiler operated with various blends of woody biomass and peat

Due to the increasing utilization of wood-based raw materials, there is growing interest in the use of alternative biomass raw materials for biomass pellet production. However, the utilization of these new raw materials may significantly increase particle emissions from small boilers, which can cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. In this study, the effects of biomass raw materials on particle and gaseous emissions and ash behavior were studied in a real-world operating 500kW reciprocating grate boiler. The studied fuels were pellets, which consisted of softwood stem, bark, peat and various mixtures of these materials. The emission factors of the fine particles (PM1) ranged between 11 and 26mg/MJ, which were primarily determined by alkali metal release from the fuel. The co-firing of peat with wood significantly decreased PM1 emissions. This decrease was observed because of the high silicate content in peat, which led to alkali silicate formation during co-combustion and, consequently, the retention of alkali metals in the bottom ash. In contrast, the release of trace metals into the fine particle fraction was independent of the fuel ash composition with the exception of Cu. The emissions of As, Cd, Pb, Tl, and Zn were linearly dependent on their concentrations in the fuel. The highest release rates, which were between 40% and 60%, were observed for zinc and lead. Zinc formed the majority of the total PM1 heavy metal emissions, and zinc emissions were especially high in bark combustion. On the basis of these results, fuel composition based indexes were derived for predicting particle emissions. The results highlight the importance of both the fuel alkali metal content and alkali metal/silicate ratio in the formation of fine particles with fuels that consist of woody biomass and peat.

Effects of papermaking sludge-based polymer on coagulation behavior in the disperse and reactive dyes wastewater treatment

In this study, papermaking sludge was used as the raw biomass material to produce the lignin-based flocculant (LBF) by grafting quaternary ammonium groups and acrylamide. LBF was used as a coagulant aid with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) to treat reactive and disperse dyes wastewater. Effects of dosing method, pH, hardness and stirring speed on the coagulation behavior and floc properties were studied. Results showed that the superior coagulation efficiency and recovery factor were achieved by PAC+LBF compared with PAC and LBF+PAC. The primary mechanisms of LBF in the treatment of disperse and reactive dye solutions were charge neutralization and bridging effect, respectively. In the dual-coagulation, the impact of pH on the coagulation efficiency was weak during pH range of 5–9. Moderate hardness could enhance the floc properties due to the decrease of electrostatic repulsion and the chelation of Ca(II) and LBF. Besides, flocs coagulated by PAC+LBF had a stronger anti-crush ability.

Static viscoelasticity of biomass polyethylene composites

The biomass polyethylene composites filled with poplar wood flour, rice husk, cotton stalk or corn stalk were prepared by extrusion molding. The static viscoelasticity of composites was investigated by the dynamic thermal mechanical analyzer (DMA). Through the stress-strain scanning, it is found that the linear viscoelasticity interval of composites gradually decreases as the temperature rises, and the critical stress and strain values are 0.8MPa and 0.03% respectively. The experiment shows that as the temperature rises, the creep compliance of biomass polyethylene composites is increased; under the constant temperature, the creep compliance decreases with the increase of content of biomass and calcium carbonate. The biomass and calcium carbonate used to prepare composites as filler can improve damping vibration attenuation and reduce stress deformation of composites. The stress relaxation modulus of composites is reduced and the relaxation rate increases at the higher temperature. The biomass and calcium carbonate used to prepare composites as filler not only can reduce costs, but also can increase stress relaxation modulus and improve the size thermostability of composites. The corn stalk is a good kind of biomass raw material for composites since it can improve the creep resistance property and the stress relaxation resistance property of composites more effectively than other three kinds of biomass (poplar wood flour, rice husk and cotton stalk).

Biogenic product alternatives for children: Consumer preferences for a set of sand toys made of bio-based plastic

Bio-based plastic is a potentially environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic, which is responsible for the exploitation of fossil fuel resources and environmental pollution. Currently, the market supply of bio-based plastic consumer products is very limited, largely due to higher prices for these plastics. Parents could be a promising target group for bio-based products, as it is assumed that they are specifically interested in environmentally friendly products and natural materials with less toxic substances. Thus, a choice based conjoint analysis was conducted to identify important product attributes and the preferred characteristics of a set of bio-based sand toys for children. 521 members of an online panel in Germany, who have children aged two to eight years, were interviewed. The number of pieces in the set of sand toys, the origin of raw biomass materials, the additives contained, price and three ecologically relevant product attributes were included in the choice experiment. The product price was the most important attribute with a contribution of 30% to the overall importance. Respondents clearly preferred products with environmentally friendly cultivated raw materials and did not accept biomass imports from outside of Europe. Additionally, a latent class cluster analysis was conducted in order to search for consumer heterogeneity. Four segments with eco-sensitive, price sensitive, origin sensitive and conventional plastic preferring respondents could be identified. The preference structure of the eco-sensitive and origin-sensitive respondents could be distinguished from the other respondents due to the greater importance they placed on ecologically relevant attributes and the origin of raw materials. Altogether, nearly two-thirds of all respondents belonged to these two consumer clusters who also accepted higher prices for bio-based products. Analysis of the attitudes of these clusters revealed a connection between ecological consumption and environmental awareness, nature relatedness, health consciousness and innovativeness, which confirms the findings of previous studies.

Effect of reaction parameters on the decarboxylation of oleic acid over Pt/ZIF‐67membrane/zeolite 5A bead catalysts

AbstractBACKGROUNDCarboxylic acids obtained from biomass raw materials are attractive starting chemicals in the conversion to linear, paraffinic hydrocarbons. The resultant hydrocarbon products can be used as platform chemicals for the production of fuels, lubricants and other valuable chemicals.RESULTSThe effects of reaction parameters on the decarboxylation of oleic acid to paraffins, and hydrocarbons over Pt supported on zeolite 5A beads coated with ZIF‐67 membrane (Pt/ZIF‐67 membrane/zeolite 5A) were investigated. Almost complete conversion of oleic acid was observed for all reaction conditions studied here. The catalysts displayed high selectivity to heptadecane even with as low as 0.5 wt% Pt loading. Moderate reaction temperature and pressure were favorable to obtain high yield of heptadecane. The catalysts displayed a slight decrease in catalytic activity after recycling. Interestingly, of all explored reaction conditions, the catalysts exhibited the highest selectivity to heptadecane (∼91%) in the presence of CO2.CONCLUSIONThe results from this work demonstrate that the studied reaction parameters greatly affected the overall catalytic performance (mainly product distribution) for the decarboxylation of oleic acid into heptadecane over Pt/ZIF‐67 membrane/zeolite 5A catalysts. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Microporous carbon from a biological waste-stiff silkworm for capacitive energy storage

In general, carbon materials with high specific surface area (SSA), well-balanced pore size distributions, and appropriate content of heteroatom functionalities are essential to enhance the performance of electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) for capacitive energy storage. In this study, a low-cost biological waste-stiff silkworm was first used as precursor for the synthesis of well-developed microporous carbon (SSMC) material by simple steps of carbonization and further activation. The SSMC was endowed with ultra-high SSA (2523m2g−1), large pore volume (1.37m3g−1), and high content of heteroatom functionalities (∼3.5 at% N and ∼5.1 at% O). EDLCs employed SSMC as active material showed high specific capacitance of 304Fg−1 and 256Fg−1 at current densities of 1Ag−1 and 20Ag−1, respectively, suggesting the good rate capability. Symmetric-two-electrode test in aqueous electrolyte also delivered the specific capacitance of 235Fg−1 with the energy density of ∼7.9Whkg−1. The findings confirmed the feasible way that using the eco-friendly biomass raw material to construct high performance capacitive energy storage device.

Are herbaceous perennial grasses suitable feedstock for thermochemical conversion pathways?

Sustainable production of high value chemicals, biofuels and bioenergy relies on the replacement of fossil oil with low production cost feedstock and low environmental impact technologies. The present study evaluated the dry matter yield and feedstock properties of three different Arundo donax L. clones (Fontane Bianche, Piazza Armerina and Capo d’Orlando), two Miscanthus species (M. × giganteus and M. sinensis “Goliath”) and Saccharum spontaneum L. spp. aegyptiacum (Willd.) Hack., all grown side-by-side in rainfed conditions for three consecutive years in semi-arid Mediterranean environment. Significant differences were observed among species, as well as among giant reed clones. F. Bianche and Saccharum were the highest yielding species in all growing seasons, followed by P. Armerina and C. Orlando, which did not differ. Out of Miscanthus, Giganteus overyielded Goliath. All species exhibited the highest dry matter yields in the wettest growing season. Saccharum and giant reed clones showed higher biomass water content than both Miscanthus. Ash content was the lowest in Giganteus and the highest in F. Bianche. Low heating value was the highest in Saccharum, both Miscanthus and giant reed P. Armerina. Generally, the bulk density was greater in giant reed and Saccharum than Miscanthus. Cellulose was the highest in both Miscanthus and hemicellulose in Saccharum. Lignin content was the lowest in giant reed clones. Several significant correlations occurred between biomass yield and raw material characteristics, as well as within feedstock properties. To support the development of a suitable bioenergy chain based on perennial grasses, besides biomass yield, feedstock properties should be rigorously considered. Further research is still required in crop management practices, logistic and technology front in order to tackle bottlenecks for improved quality of herbaceous biomass.

English

Every year, more than 236,807 tons, equivalent to 30% of date-palm fruits produced in Algeria, is lost during picking, storage, and commercialization processes. Gasification of this huge biomass can generate biogas such as bioethanol, biodiesel, gasoline and other useful substances. Bioethanol is becoming the main biofuel produced by chemical synthesis or anaerobic fermentation from biomass and is significant for industrial development, investment, and use. It is eco-friendly, moderately costly and cleaner than other gasses. Actually, due to modern biotechnologies, it is possible to valorise the common date-palm waste (CDPW) by bioconversion and to commercialize them in local and international markets in the form of new products with an acceptable added value such as bioethanol. CDPW is a renewable and sustainable resource of energy that is not greatly used in industries. The date is rich in biodegradable sugars, providing bioethanol after fermentation during 72 h at 30°C in the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and the distillation of date’s juice obtained. In the first experience, a solar batch fermenter (SBF) of 50L capacity, and a butane gas distiller using a cocotte (cooker) of 30L capacity was designed and constructed. The bioconversion systems led to the production of 250 mL/kg of ethanol at 90° after distillation of the CDPW juice at 78°. This is in comparison to the theoretical ethanol directly produced from sugar by chemical synthesis process. The 33% efficiency that was obtained appeared satisfactory and it encouraged the great scaling development of bioethanol based on CDPW biomass and other raw materials abundant in Algeria Sahara. Keywords: Algerian Sahara, bioethanol, dates-palms waste valorization, distillation, fermentation, solar energy, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

High Efficient Hydrogenation of Lignin-Derived Monophenols to Cyclohexanols over Pd/γ-Al2O3 under Mild Conditions

The catalytic hydrogenation of lignin-derived monophenols with high efficiency and selectivity is important for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. Here, Pd/γ-Al2O3 was prepared via impregnation and used as catalyst for the hydrogenation of phenols to cyclohexanols under mild conditions in aqueous solution. 3 wt. % Pd/γ-Al2O3 exhibited good catalytic activity for the selective hydrogenation of 4-ethylphenol into 4-ethylcyclohexanol, and a conversion of 100% with selectivity of 98.9% was achieved at 60 °C for 12 h. Other lignin-derived monophenolic model compounds such as 4-methyl phenol and 4-propyl phenol could be hydrogenated into cyclohexanols selectively under optimal conditions. Moreover, the Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst displayed good activity for the hydrogenation of the mixture of monophenols directly derived from raw biomass system to cyclohexanols as the main products, and was favorable for the depolymerization of lignin oligomers under milder conditions. Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst showed good water resistance and stability after recycling four times. This result might provide a promising approach to selectively producing cyclohexanol directly from raw biomass material under mild conditions in aqueous solutions.

Selected Grass Plants as Biomass Fuels and Raw Materials for Papermaking. Part I. Calorific Value and Chemical Composition

Biomass yield was studied for tall wheatgrass, tall fescue, tall oatgrass, and Miscanthus x giganteus per hectare of cultivation, as well as their calorific value and cost of cultivating these biomasses. Chemical analyses were performed on these raw materials to determine their lignin, cellulose, extractives, and ash contents. The analytical results are compared to the chemical constituents found in birch and pine wood. It was found that the grasses examined in this study differed in biomass yield and cost to cultivate (1 ha plot). Tall wheatgrass, tall fescue, tall oatgrass, and Miscanthus leaves had lower levels of lignin compared with wood, but also lower amounts of cellulose. When determining the cellulose content of these biomasses, the amount of inorganic ash that is bound to them must be taken into account.

Selected Grass Plants as Biomass Fuels and Raw Materials for Papermaking, Part II. Pulp and Paper Properties

The yield and kappa number of kraft pulps from tall wheatgrass, tall fescue, tall oatgrass, and Miscanthus were determined after pulping with 0.9% active alkali per 1% lignin content in raw materials. Fibre properties and test papers were also studied to evaluate the usefulness of these plants for papermaking. These results were compared with pulps prepared from birch and pine wood. Kraft pulps from the straws of grasses had yields similar to that of pulp from pine wood and lower kappa numbers than pulps from birch and pine wood. The tested pulps exhibited a favourable number of fibres in 1 g of pulp, and they resulted in papers with clearly differentiated properties from very resistant to rupture dense papers with very low air permeability, to less resistant to breaking more bulky papers.

Analyzing three‐dimensional structure and geometrical shape of individual cellulose nanocrystal from switchgrass

The three‐dimensional morphology, size distribution, and structure of individual cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) isolated from switchgrass (Panicumvirgatum L), a representative raw biomass material, were investigated in this research. Width and height evolutions along the individual CNC longitudinal direction were statistically and quantitatively characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Lognormal distribution was identified as the most likely for cellulose nanocrystals’ size distribution. Height and width dimensions were shown to decrease toward the ends from the midpoint of individual CNCs, implying a spindle shape. The observed rough surfaces of CNCs were explainable as the results of acid etching of the subcrystalline and disordered region located at the surface. X‐ray diffraction analysis of crystallite size accompanied with TEM and AFM measurements revealed that the cross‐sectional dimensions of individual switchgrass CNC were either rectangularly or elliptically shaped, with an approximately 3–5 nm lateral element length range. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2368–2377, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Sector aggregation bias in environmentally extended input output modeling of raw material flows in Finland

This paper presents the impact of sector aggregation bias in Environmentally Extended Input Output (EEIO) models, focusing on raw material flows. Finnish industries are aggregated in different ways and causes of bias are studied. The results show that industries with high raw material use deserve special attention in EEIO models. For Finland, particularly problematic is the aggregation of biomass extractive sectors, since the relative importance of forestry causes noticeable deviations. Sources and strategies to prevent errors are described separately for biomass and mineral raw materials. A brief comparison between raw material flows and greenhouse gas emissions is also made. It is shown that aggregation of extractive sectors biases more in material flow analyses. This issue might be of significance in the near future, owing to the foreseeable changes in the European Union accounting framework.