Abstract
In an earlier ASABE paper, Buckmaster reported that ion conductivity of biomass leachate in aqueous solution was directly correlated with activity access to plant nutrients within the biomass materials for subsequent biological or chemical processing. The Buckmaster test involves placing a sample of the particles in a beaker of constant-temperature deionized water and monitoring the change in electrical conductivity over time. We adapted the Buckmaster method to a range of woody biomass and other cellulosic bioenergy feedstocks. Our experimental results suggest differences of electrolyte leakage between differently processed woody biomass particles may be an indicator of their utility for conversion in bioenergy processes. This simple assay appears to be particularly useful to compare different biomass comminution techniques and particle sizes for biochemical preprocessing.
About the Publication
Broderick, T.F., and J.H. Dooley. 2011. Application of Buckmaster electrolyte ion leakage test to woody biofuel feedstocks. ASABE Paper No. 1111089. St. Joseph, MI: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
Read the full article in PDF format: