Publications

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

/ 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

/ 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

/ 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

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Particle Sieve Distribution

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

/ 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.

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Woody Biomass Bale

Summary Report for Woody Biomass Baling Pilot Project

/ Publications, Baling

Abstract This project was the result of a proposal submitted by Forest Concepts, LLC to The Pacific Gas & Electric Company PG&E), through the PG&E / ADL Ventures ProblemSpace competition. The objective was to demonstrate baling as a lower cost alternative to chipping of woody biomass produced from powerline vegetation management programs. Baling has the

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CTT

Improved Biomass Feedstock Materials Handling and Feeding Engineering Data Sets, Design Methods, and Modeling/Simulation Tools

/ Publications, Forest Concepts Analytics

Abstract  The overarching objective of this project is to contribute to the design and operation of reliable, cost effective, continuous feeding of biomass feedstocks into a reactor of an integrated biorefinery. The overarching goal is made up of two sub goals: 1) Develop and validate a comprehensive computational model to predict mechanical and rheological behavior

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Effect of Pyrolysis Method on Physical Properties of Activated Biochar and its Application as Cathode Material for Lithium-Sulfur Battery

/ Publications

Abstract The influence of preparation method on the specific surface area, total pore volume, and pore size distribution of activated biochar derived from canola meal and Douglas fir was investigated for its use as cathode material for a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery. The specific surface area and total pore volume of fast pyrolysis derived activated biochars

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Finite Element Modeling of Biomass Hopper Flow

Finite Element Modeling of Biomass Hopper Flow

/ Publications

Abstract  This presentation was given by Forest Concepts’ collaborator Pennsylvania State University and lead by Hojae Yi. Biomass flowability is the result of interactions between physical properties of bulk biomass and handling equipment. An appropriate biomass flowability model should be able to account for the material properties and equipment characteristics in tandem. Therefore, the computational

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Biomass Flow Characterization through CTT

Biomass Flow Mechanical Properties Characterization

/ Publications

Abstract  This presentation was given by Forest Concepts’ collaborator Pennsylvania State University and lead by Hojae Yi. Unreliable handling of biomass is widely observed in plants using milled biomass. Flow behavior of bulk solids is a manifestation of mechanical interactions between the particulate material and handling equipment.  Overall, the current issue of unreliable biomass handling

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Innovations in Biomass Pretreatment

Innovations in Biomass Pretreatment

/ Publications

Abstract  In this 11-minute presentation, Forest Concepts Chief Technology Officer Jim Dooley shares key innovations in biomass pretreatment.  These innovations have been made possible through a key funding partnership with the DOE. The objectives of the work at Forest Concepts have been to maximize feedstock flowability during handling, create feedstock attributes that maximize conversion yield, reduce

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