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Method to Produce Durable Pellets at Lower Energy Consumption Using High Moisture Corn Stover and a Corn Starch Binder in a Flat Die Pellet Mill
Published on: June 15, 2016
Natural binders and solid bridge type binding mechanisms in briquettes and pellets made from corn stover and
Nalladurai Kaliyan1, R Vance Morey
1Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, MN 55108, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|October 3, 2009
Summary
Natural binders like lignin and protein in corn stover and switchgrass form solid bridges for durable biomass briquettes. Activating these binders with moisture and heat is key for strong particle bonding in renewable fuel production.
Area of Science:
- Biomass energy
- Materials science
- Renewable resources
Background:
- Corn stover and switchgrass are key feedstocks for renewable fuels in the US.
- Densification into briquettes/pellets reduces biomass transportation, handling, and storage challenges.
- Understanding natural binders is crucial for efficient biomass processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of natural binders in corn stover and switchgrass for durable particle-particle bonding in densified biomass.
- Analyze the micro-structure of briquettes and pellets to understand bonding mechanisms.
- Identify key factors for enhancing the durability of biomass briquettes and pellets.
Main Methods:
- Micro-structural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Analysis of briquettes produced via laboratory uniaxial piston-cylinder densification.
- Examination of briquettes and pellets from pilot-scale roll-press and ring-die machines.
- UV auto-fluorescence imaging to identify binder composition.
Main Results:
- Particle-particle bonding in briquettes and pellets is primarily formed by solid bridges.
- These solid bridges are composed of natural binders, mainly lignin and protein, expressed during densification.
- UV auto-fluorescence confirmed the presence of lignin and protein in the bonding structures.
Conclusions:
- Activating natural binders through moisture and temperature within the glass transition range is essential for creating durable particle-particle bonds.
- This finding is critical for optimizing the production of high-quality biomass briquettes and pellets for renewable energy.
- Effective utilization of natural binders enhances the economic viability of biomass feedstock processing.
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