Abstract
Forest Concepts, with funding from USDA NIFA SBIR program, developed methods and equipment to reprocess low-value dirty forest chips, tree service chips, and hog fuel into high value clean wood fiber and other valuable fractions. Traditional clean sources of mill residuals (sawdust, shavings, and chips) are declining rapidly due to improved sawmilling efficiencies and a general decline in the number of sawmills in operation. Thus, competition for low-cost clean fiber is intense. A USDA NIFA SBIR supported beneficiation project sought to increase the clean fiber supply by tapping low grade, often inexpensive or negative cost raw materials. To validate the SBIR funded engineering science work, our engineers designed and built a set of demonstration-scale (one ton per hour) machines that can be mixed and matched to clean low grade woody biomass to meet nearly any ash or bark content specification. Results of validation tests demonstrate the performance of innovative methods for cleaning high-ash land clearing debris.
About the Publication
Dooley, J. H., D. N. Lanning, and C. J. Lanning. 2012. Beneficiation of chipped and shredded woody biomass. ASABE Paper No. 12-1337408. 11. St. Joseph, MI: American Society of Biological and Agricultural Engineers.
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