Mobile Pelletizing System

Abstract

The present invention provides portable pelletizing systems for in situ processing of biomass material to pellets. Systems according to embodiments of the invention have a complete set of processing components and an engine for powering the processing components. The processing components are interconnected. Loading, unloading, and coordination of each of the processing components is automatically controlled through a controller. A heat exchange network is integrated with the engine and the processing components, wherein the heat exchange network transfers heat between the engine and the processing components. The system is self-contained and may be transported using a vehicle so that the system may receive biomass material of varying composition and moisture content at a point of origin. The complete set of processing components may include an input, a means for reducing the size of the biomass material, a blender, a dryer, a conditioner, a pellet mill, a cooler, and an output.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 783,635 filed Mar. 14, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to the conversion of biomass material to pellets at a point of origin using a transportable system. Such pellets are a useful energy source.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Pelletizing is the process of conversion of low density raw materials into higher density cubes of uniform composition that allow these materials to be more efficiently handled and utilized. While pelletizing had been widely used to make feedstuffs for pets and livestock, it is also used to compact biomass for use in the energy industry. Feedstock used to make pellets for energy include sawdust and scrap wood such as chips left over from hardwood ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a mobile pelletizing system that can be used to convert biomass material into pellets in a flexible and energy-efficient way. The system includes a unique combination of components that are compact, adaptable, and efficient. The system is easy to set up and use, and can be adapted to different types of biomass materials. The system improves upon current pelletizing operations in terms of energy real-time adaptability, efficiency, maintainability, ease of operation, and operating costs. The processing components are designed for the highest degree of energy efficiency and quality production of the overall system, and include adaptive feedback systems to prevent interruption of steady-state operation and sensors to ensure optimal processing has occurred. The invention also provides a novel pellet mill and methods for operating it, as well as a grinder with a similar feedback system. Overall, the invention is a novel and compact system that can be easily moved to different locations and can reduce logistical barriers for the conversion of biomass to pellets.

Problems solved by technology

Drying of the raw materials, an essential step of conventional techniques, is typically the most energy-intensive part of the process, typically representing 20% of the total cost of the pellet.

As current processes are not integrated, any residual energy used in the individual processing steps is wasted.

Such lack of integration contributes to the overall energy requirements of the pelletizing process.

However, current pellet mills are extremely sensitive to the quality of the input materials received.

While the processing steps prior to pelletizing are undertaken to ensure a consistent quality and amount of feedstock are fed to the mill, these processes are limited in efficacy, and often times improper drying, conditioning, or size reduction occurs prior to extrusion of pellets.

As a result, the pellet mill may either become overloaded or receive input of inconsistent composition, resulting in plugging of the mill which requires costly downtime and must be cleared manually to remedy.

This downtime is a large contributor to the inefficiency of these operations.

In addition to being energy intensive and inefficient, current pelletizing technology is limited in its ability to handle a variety of biomass, in part due to the potential for plugging, but also due to the fact that the inefficiency of these systems requires them to be stationary.

As a result, a number of potential sources of biomass end up going to waste due to the fact that there is currently no means for conversion of biomass at a site of origin.

Further, there are other potential sources of biomass that are not being utilized effectively such as those produced from weather / natural disasters, pest infestation, forest thinning operations, grasses from cash crops, and random bioorganic waste.

As a result, millions of tons of potential energy sources end up going to waste each year.

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