Crumbler

Flowability of Crumbler Rotary Shear Size-Reduced Granular Biomass: An Experiment-Informed Modeling Study on the Angle of Repose

May 17, 2022 / Publications, Comminution, Crumbler, Crumbles, Forest Concepts Bioenergy, Forest Concepts Research & Development

Abstract Biomass has potential as a carbon-neutral alternative to petroleum for chemical and energy products. However, complete replacement of fossil fuel is contingent upon efficient processes to eliminate undesirable characteristics of biomass, e.g., low bulk density, variability, and storage-induced quality problems. Mechanical size reduction via comminution is a processing operation to engineer favorable biomass flowability …

Flowability of Crumbler Rotary Shear Size-Reduced Granular Biomass: An Experiment-Informed Modeling Study on the Angle of Repose Read More »

Measurement of Transport Properties of Woody Biomass Feedstock Particles Before and After Pyrolysis by Numerical Analysis of X-Ray Tomographic Reconstructions

May 17, 2022 / Publications, Comminution, Crumbler, Crumbles, Forest Concepts Bioenergy, Forest Concepts Research & Development

Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass has a complex, species-specific microstructure that governs heat and mass transport during conversion processes. A quantitative understanding of the evolution of pore size and structure is critical to optimize conversion processes for biofuel and bio-based chemical production. Further, improving our understanding of the microstructure of biochar coproduct will accelerate development of its …

Measurement of Transport Properties of Woody Biomass Feedstock Particles Before and After Pyrolysis by Numerical Analysis of X-Ray Tomographic Reconstructions Read More »

Investigation of Cutter-Woodchip Contact Pressure in a New Biomass Comminution System

May 17, 2022 / Publications, Comminution, Crumbler, Crumbles

Abstract A Crumbler® rotary shear system was recently developed to process fuel-grade woodchips into feedstocks having more uniform particle sizes for improved flowability and higher thermochemical output yield than a traditional hammer mill. It represents a significant innovation in the state of the art of biomass comminution equipment. However, the milling unit has experienced significant …

Investigation of Cutter-Woodchip Contact Pressure in a New Biomass Comminution System Read More »

Particle Sieve Distribution

Processing Powerline Vegetation Management Biomass for Use in Distributed-Scale Gasifiers

May 10, 2022 / Publications, Baling, Crumbler

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) sponsored a project to explore methods to gather powerline vegetation management woody biomass and process it into feedstocks optimized for delivery to distributed-scale gasifiers. A pilot study was conducted in Lake County, California where powerline trimmings were either chipped or baled, then ground at a central biomass processing facility, and finally milled / screened to achieve particle size distributions specified by a gasifier manufacturer. The vegetation included oak, pine, walnut, and other hardwoods. All materials were successfully processed into feedstocks.

INL Installs Forest Concepts Crumbler System at User Facility

Forest Concepts M24M Modular Tower Crumbler® System Installed at Idaho National Lab User Facility

March 26, 2021 / Crumbler, Press Releases

Idaho National Lab is undergoing a $15 million upgrade to the Process Development Unit (PDU) and Biomass Feedstocks National User Facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Researchers at the lab can assist with analytics, supply/logistics issues, and characterization to help industry players scale up their technology for the bioeconomy. Today, the lab is one of the largest feedstock …

Forest Concepts M24M Modular Tower Crumbler® System Installed at Idaho National Lab User Facility Read More »

Crumbler Waste to Energy Presentation

Application of Crumbler® Technology to Recovered Plastics and MSW for Chemical Recycling and Waste to Energy

July 8, 2020 / Crumbler, Publications

Abstract  Crumbler® rotary-shear technology from Forest Concepts is the solution to produce high quality feedstocks. This short presentation explains some of our emerging work in applying this patent-protected technology to recovered plastics and MSW for chemical recycling and waste to energy.  About the Publication  Dooley, J. H. (2020).  Auburn, WA, Forest Concepts, LLC. Read the …

Application of Crumbler® Technology to Recovered Plastics and MSW for Chemical Recycling and Waste to Energy Read More »

Two Crumbler Modules in a Tower Arrangement

Techno-Economic Analysis of Forest Concepts, LLC Crumbler® Operated at Proton Power to Process Crumbles® from Hardwood Chips

September 4, 2020 / Publications, Crumbler

Abstract  Developing cost-effective methods for processing biomass into an economic biofuel product is critical to the success for the bioenergy industry in the United States. Size reduction and drying of the material, where used, are two of the most costly and energy-intensive operations that are undertaken during preprocessing. Reducing the energy required during these two …

Techno-Economic Analysis of Forest Concepts, LLC Crumbler® Operated at Proton Power to Process Crumbles® from Hardwood Chips Read More »

Wood chips in Crumbler

Woody Biomass Size Reduction with Selective Material Orientation

August 7, 2020 / Comminution, Crumbler, Erosion Control, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Publications

Abstract  Roundwood logs from forests and energy plantations must be chipped, ground, or otherwise comminuted into small particles prior to conversion to solid or liquid biofuels. Results & discussion: Rotary veneer followed by cross-grain shearing is demonstrated to be a novel and low energy consuming method for primary breakdown of logs into a raw material …

Woody Biomass Size Reduction with Selective Material Orientation Read More »

Crumbler Cutterset

Beneficiation of Chipped and Shredded Woody Biomass

June 8, 2020 / Comminution, Crumbler, Forest Concepts Bioenergy, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Publications

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 …

Beneficiation of Chipped and Shredded Woody Biomass Read More »