Process for transforming Jussie into combustible biomass

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (500) for transforming Jussia into a combustible biomass product, such as combustion pellets, comprising: a step (510) of storing the previously harvested Jussia; a step (520) of drying the stored Jussia to a humidity level that promotes combustion; a step (531) of removing the dried Jussia; a step (532) of grinding the Jussia in a grinder (320) that finely cuts the Jussia; a step (533) of granulating the Jussia using a press (360) to form combustion pellets; and a step (540) of packaging and storing the pellets produced. The invention also relates to a mobile system (400) for implementing this method. Figure for abstract: figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Process for transforming Jussie into combustible biomass Technical field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of ecological treatment of invasive plants, in particular Jussie, and relates more particularly to a process for transforming previously uprooted Jussie into a combustible biomass product such as combustion pellets.

[0002] The invention finds a direct, but not exclusive, application as an alternative heating source in industrial boiler rooms for example. State of the art

[0003] The Jussie (or Creeping Jussie), scientifically known as Ludwigia peploides, is a fast-growing aquatic plant that is often considered invasive in some ecosystems. Several methods can be used to manage its impact or enhance its value.

[0004] Composting transforms Jussie into an organic amendment for soils, reducing its volume and enhancing its nutrients. Its biomass can also be used for the production of biogas in anaerobic digesters, providing a renewable energy source while controlling its proliferation. In the field of horticulture, prepared Jussie is used as a substrate for growing plants, taking advantage of its advantageous physical properties. The fiber extracted from this plant can also be used in the manufacture of paper, thus contributing to its sustainable management.

[0005] Furthermore, under certain conditions, it can be used as feed for livestock or poultry, although this use requires careful evaluation to avoid risks to animal health.

[0006] Finally, Jussie contains bioactive compounds that are potentially useful in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic sectors, which encourages research into the extraction of these phytochemicals. These different approaches not only help to limit the negative ecological impact of Jussie but also open avenues for its economic and environmental valorization.

[0007] Control of Jussia requires a multifaceted approach. It is now widely recognized that the use and commercialization of Jussia for ornamental purposes should be avoided due to the high risk of uncontrolled proliferation, even in apparently confined environments. In Europe, certain environmental conditions such as the presence of dense riparian forests or vigorous native species can limit its spread.

[0008] Although it appears difficult to completely eradicate the species in regions such as France, management efforts are aimed at limiting its spread and its impact on biodiversity. Measures such as reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels in water, sites for collecting and destroying the plant, as well as biological control methods, are being explored.

[0009] Regarding biological control, although animals such as certain beetles appear to feed on Jussia in their native habitat, their introduction into Europe carries risks of adverse effects on local ecosystems. Attempts at biological control through grazing with livestock or the introduction of fish have shown mixed or even counterproductive results.

[0010] On the other hand, the use of herbicides presents challenges due to their harmful effects on other species and the risks of water eutrophication. Currently, light and regular manual maintenance seems to be a preferred method, combined with close monitoring to intervene early. This is sometimes followed by heavier work to remove a large part of the meadow, with precautions to avoid the dispersal of propagules.

[0011] Document US2002119891 describes methods for controlling populations of aquatic weeds such as Jussie using fluridone which is an aquatic herbicide.

[0012] Document WO2023126621 describes a control method consisting of applying an effective quantity of a defoliant comprising a metal chlorate.

[0013] Document US2015218099 relates to methods for combating weeds aquatic weeds, which involve the use of 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acids and agriculturally acceptable esters or salts thereof.

[0014] These chemical control solutions nevertheless present significant risks for the environment.

[0015] Document FR2987719 describes a system for eradicating proliferating terrestrial plants, implementing a means for constituting a layer of plants to be treated and a means for generating electromagnetic waves to sterilize the plants in said layer. The means for generating electromagnetic waves emits microwaves and / or is adapted to heat the seeds of the plants to a temperature above 60°C. This system further comprises a hopper for receiving the plants and a means for extracting metals and / or stones and a means for grinding the plants upstream of the means for generating electromagnetic waves.

[0016] This solution nevertheless remains complex to implement and requires a significant energy input. In addition, this solution does not allow the destroyed plants to be used in a virtuous ecological cycle.

[0017] To the knowledge of the applicants, there is currently no solution for efficiently transforming Jussie into a usable biomass product, without chemical inputs and in an eco-responsible manner. Summary of the invention

[0018] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art set out above by proposing an innovative solution for transforming Jussie into exploitable biomass without negative impact on the environment.

[0019] One objective of the invention is therefore both to destroy the Jussie to limit its proliferation and to make it an exploitable biomass product, which constitutes a virtuous circle.

[0020] To this end, the present invention relates to a method for transforming Jussie into a combustible biomass product, such as combustion pellets, comprising: a step of storing the previously harvested Jussie; a step of drying the stored Jussie to a humidity level promoting the combustion of said Jussie; a step of grinding the Jussie in a grinder finely cutting the Jussie; and a step of granulating the Jussie using a press to form combustion pellets.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the Jussie storage step consists of storing the Jussie in a pile on sloping ground, by placing it on a waterproof silage tarpaulin ensuring the flow of Jussie juice towards a pit.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the stored Jussie is covered with a cover tarpaulin topped with a bird net.

[0023] Advantageously, the drying step comprises dynamic ventilation by means of perforated tubes, lower and upper, passing through the stored Jussie and connected to ventilation devices of the controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) type.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of collecting the dried Jussie using a grapple mounted at the end of a crane, to place it in the crusher.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the Jussie is stored in the open air in the direction of the winds.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of conditioning and storing the combustion pellets.

[0027] The invention also relates to a combustible biomass product, obtained by the Jussie transformation process as presented.

[0028] This product is for example in the form of combustion pellets.

[0029] The invention also relates to a system for transforming Jussie, for implementing the method presented, said system being mobile and comprising a vehicle, a trailer, a crane equipped with a grapple, a crusher and a press, the crusher and press being installed on the trailer.

[0030] The fundamental concepts of the invention having just been set out above in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of a method and a system for transforming Jussie, in accordance with the principles of the invention. Presentation of the drawings

[0031] The figures are given purely for illustrative purposes for a better understanding of the invention without limiting its scope. The various elements may be represented schematically and are not necessarily to scale. Throughout the figures, identical or equivalent elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0032] It is thus illustrated in:

[0033] [Fig-1]: a botanical drawing of the Jussie;

[0034] [Fig.2]: a flowchart of the main steps of a process for transforming Jussie according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0035] [Fig.3]: a schematic perspective view of the Jussie stored in piles on sloping ground;

[0036] [Fig.4]: a schematic sectional view of the Jussie stored in piles with the covering, ventilation, drainage and filtration elements;

[0037] [Fig.5]: a functional diagram of a stationary Jussie transformation chain implementing the process;

[0038] [Fig.6]: a mobile system for implementing the method according to the invention. Detailed description of embodiments

[0039] It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to those skilled in the art are recalled here to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

[0040] In the embodiment described below, reference is made to a method of transforming Jussie or the like, mainly intended to manufacture combustion pellets. This non-limiting example is given for a better understanding of the invention and does not exclude the use of the method for producing other types of consumables.

[0041] In the remainder of the description, the term Jussie designates by extension the creeping Jussie whose scientific name is Ludwigia peploides.

[0042] [Fig. 1] is a botanical illustration of Jussie.

[0043] [Fig.2] represents a process 500 for transforming previously uprooted Jussie into a combustible biomass product, said process comprising: • an initial stage 510 of storage of the uprooted Jussie; • a step 520 of drying the Jussie during its storage; • a phase 530 of transformation of dried Jussie comprising: • a step 531 of collecting a determined quantity of Jussie; • a step 532 of fine grinding of the collected Jussie; • a step 533 of granulation of the crushed Jussie in a press to form the product; • a final stage 540 of storage and packaging of the product obtained at the end of the transformation process.

[0044] Prior to implementing the process 500 for transforming the Jussie, it is uprooted in the areas where it proliferates. The uprooting is carried out in a sustainable manner, avoiding damage to local ecosystems.

[0045] The uprooting of the Jussie can for example be carried out by means of an amphibious vehicle equipped with an uprooting grapple as described in document FR2306570 in the name of the applicants.

[0046] Step 510 of storing the Jussie, once the latter has been transported to its storage location, consists of collecting the Jussie in a suitable storage space, prepared to receive the Jussie. Ideally, the storage space is dry and well ventilated to avoid deterioration of the Jussie.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the uprooted Jussie is stored in a pile on a plot of land. This storage method does not require any energy input and allows the Jussie to dry in piles, as in silage piles known as molehills which are mounds or piles of plant biomass, generally composed of fodder plants such as grass, corn, clover, etc.

[0048] [Fig. 3] schematically represents a pile of Jussie 10 stored on a plot of land 20, preferably in the direction of the winds.

[0049] For example, the Jussie 10 pile has a generally parallelepiped shape with a width of approximately 10m, a length of between 25 and 30m and a maximum height of approximately 1m.

[0050] The limited height of the Jussie pile compared to other dimensions allows for good air circulation inside said pile and therefore improves drying.

[0051] Plot 20 has a slight terracing, with in particular a downward slope on the south side allowing the Jussie pile 10 to be erected facing the winds. The direction of sales is represented by the three parallel arrows in [Fig.3].

[0052] The surplus earth removed to carry out the excavation of plot 20 is stored in the immediate vicinity of said plot so that it can be returned at the end of the Jussie drying cycle. This allows the land to be returned to its initial state before the Jussie was stored.

[0053] The pile of Jussie 10 is placed on a silage tarpaulin 30 which separates the Jussie from the ground 20 and thus prevents germination in the ground. In addition, the tarpaulin 30 follows the slope of the ground 20 and thus allows the juices and seeds of the Jussie to flow away.

[0054] In addition, gutters 40 are dug around and on the periphery of the Jussie pile 10 to evacuate rainwater.

[0055] [Fig.4] highlights the other elements involved in storage and drying. of Jussie, including the items placed above the Jussie pile 10.

[0056] Stage 520 of drying the Jussie lasts approximately between 2 and 4 months and allows the Jussie to be brought to a humidity level compatible with its future processing.

[0057] Preferably, the moisture content of the Jussie after drying should be between 35 and 60%. These levels can vary slightly depending on requirements.

[0058] The drying of the Jussie is carried out using the installation shown in [Fig.4] and described below.

[0059] The pile of Jussie 10 is placed on the silage tarpaulin 30, itself placed directly on the ground 20. The ground 20 has an earthwork defining a downward slope down to a septic tank 50.

[0060] The tarpaulin 30 extends to the pit 50 and therefore allows the juices to be poured into the latter.

[0061] Indeed, the silage tarpaulin 30 serves as an impermeable barrier between the Jussie 10 and the ground 20. This tarpaulin prevents the Jussie from germinating in the ground and also makes it possible to collect the juices produced during the drying process.

[0062] The juices of the Jussie, mixed with the seeds and other plant debris, flow naturally through the silage tarpaulin 30. This tarpaulin is inclined following the slope of the earthwork to facilitate the flow of liquids towards the all-water pit 50 located below.

[0063] The septic tank 50 is a tank designed to collect the liquids flowing from the Jussie pile 10. It is placed under the silage tarpaulin 30 and is equipped with a filtration system 51 to separate the juices from the seeds and other solid debris.

[0064] The filtration system 51 comprises filters which may be made of porous materials or special screens designed to retain solid particles while allowing the passage of liquids.

[0065] For example, the filtration system 51 is of the type of decanter filter for wastewater generally used in homes.

[0066] Once the juices of the Jussie have been collected in the septic tank 50 and filtered through the filtration system 51, they can be directed via a drainage means 52 to ditches in the natural environment or an additional treatment system, while the seeds and other solid debris are retained by the filter.

[0067] Furthermore, the septic tank 50 comprises a partition 53 placed downstream of the flow of juices, approximately halfway up. This partition 53 divides the tank 50 into two compartments, making it possible to physically separate the liquid and solid phases of the juices from the Jussie and thus facilitating the filtration of the liquid phase which is found behind the partition 53 in direct contact with the filtration system 51.

[0068] In other words, the partition 53 improves the settling of the juices by retaining the seeds and other solid debris in the upstream compartment, which promotes the discharge of the decanted liquid into the downstream compartment to be filtered.

[0069] The juices are collected and conveyed to the pit 50 by means of lower tubes 61.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, three smooth lower tubes 61 are arranged on the silage tarpaulin 30. These tubes are pierced with a plurality of holes of approximately 10 mm in diameter and covered with a geotextile sock to filter the Jussie juices.

[0071] Preferably, the lower tubes 61 are regularly spaced, transversely to the Jussie pile 10.

[0072] The lower tubes 61 comprise a ventilation device 611 of the roof outlet type for VMC, in the shape of a mushroom, creating dynamic ventilation. Indeed, the ventilation device 611 makes it possible to evacuate the air laden with humidity towards the outside of the Jussie pile 10 and at the same time to prevent the penetration of external elements such as rainwater or debris.

[0073] The broken line inside the lower tube 61 represents the air flow.

[0074] Similarly, upper tubes 62 are placed on top of the Jussie pile 10 to provide ventilation by means of ventilation devices 621 identical to the lower ventilation devices 611.

[0075] Thus, dynamic ventilation in the Jussie storage and drying assembly is ensured by the interaction between the lower 61 and upper 62 tubes. Each perforated lower tube 61, arranged at the base of the Jussie pile 10, allows effective ventilation thanks to its openings distributed along its axis. The air can thus circulate freely, penetrating and passing through the plant mass to evacuate the moisture. This tube is connected to the VMC mushroom 611, which acts as an air extractor, promoting the renewal of the air and the elimination of moisture from below.

[0076] In parallel, each upper tube 62 located above the Jussie pile 10 works in concert with the lower tube to maintain a constant airflow. If air is blown in from below, the upper tube serves as an escape route for humid air. which rises, and vice versa, if the air is introduced from the top, the lower tube ensures the evacuation.

[0077] This orchestrated air circulation ensures uniform drying of the Jussie, preventing the formation of mold areas and promoting rapid and uniform drying, while being protected from the weather by a cover tarpaulin 35, which is also a silage tarpaulin, placed above the pile of Jussie 10 and the bird nets 70 which cover the installation.

[0078] When excavating the ground 20 to create the slope, the surplus earth 25 is stored in the immediate vicinity of the Jussie pile to be put back in place at the end of the operation. A portion 251 of this surplus can be used to create a sealing bead on the sides, with the silage tarpaulin 30.

[0079] Alternatively, the storage 510 and drying 520 steps can be carried out in covered industrial premises for more storage volume and greater drying power. This alternative being more energy-intensive, it is preferable to carry out storage and drying in piles as described.

[0080] Preferably, the tarpaulins 30 and 35 are special silage films, reusable and recyclable, in order to be reused, if they are not soiled by Jussie, or recycled.

[0081] After drying the Jussie, the processing phase can begin. This processing phase begins with the sampling step 531, continues with the grinding step 532 and ends with the granulation step 533.

[0082] After the step 531 of collecting the Jussie, the septic tank 50 can be cleaned for reuse, in which case, the filtered debris therein is removed for recycling. The septic tank 50 can also be completely removed and recycled, thus leaving the soil in its initial natural state.

[0083] Figures 5 and 6 represent the means and the system allowing this phase of transformation of the Jussie to be implemented.

[0084] [Fig. 5] shows a processing line designed to convert dried Jussie 10 into pellets, following a sequential and automated process. The dried Jussie 10 is first fed to a defiberizer 310, a device that breaks down the material into finer fibers, facilitating further processing.

[0085] Passage through the defiber 310 nevertheless remains optional.

[0086] The defibrated Jussie fibers are then transported by a belt 315, which leads them continuously and uniformly to a grinder 320.

[0087] The grinder 320 reduces the size of the fibers to obtain a particle size suitable for pelletization.

[0088] After the grinding step 532, the fibers are carried away by a pneumatic transport system 325, propelling them by an air current towards a cyclonic separator. 330, called a cyclone. In this cyclone, the fibers are separated from the air using centrifugal force. A fan 331 is integrated into the cyclone to maintain a constant airflow and to evacuate the air free of particles.

[0089] The materials separated by the cyclone 330 are then directed to an Archimedes screw transfer device 340, which conveys the material in a controlled manner to a spool 350 located on a press 360. This press 360, equipped with dies and rollers, compacts the fibers into pellets. Once formed, the pellets are mechanically transported 370 to a cooler 380, where they are cooled to a temperature that stabilizes their shape before the final step 540 of storage and packaging.

[0090] [Fig.6] describes a mobile system 400 for implementing the phase 530 of transforming dried Jussie into pellets, designed to be used in addition to or as a substitute for the previous stationary processing line. This system comprises processing means mounted on an agricultural fodder tray 410 which can be towed by an agricultural tractor 405, thus allowing the equipment to be moved to pellet production sites or Jussie harvesting areas.

[0091] In other embodiments, the agricultural tractor 410 may be replaced by any other suitable vehicle, such as a truck or a self-propelled vehicle.

[0092] The implementation of the transformation phase 530 by the system 400 begins with the collection of the dried Jussie using a specific grapple 425 connected to a forestry type crane 420. This crane is mounted via a three-point hitch on the tractor 405 and operated via a mobile electric / hydraulic auxiliary power unit 430. The grapple 425 grabs the dried Jussie and places it in a receiving cone 305, where it begins its processing.

[0093] From the receiving cone 305, the dried Jussie is directed to a grinder 320, which reduces the material into small particles, thus facilitating pelletization. Once ground, the material is temporarily stored in a ground material storage tank 321, which can be replaced by a large bag, called a big bag, for easy storage and transport.

[0094] When the time for pelletizing arrives, the ground material is transferred from the ground material storage tank 321 to the press 360 where it is compressed into pellets. The pellets are then moved to a pellet storage tank, or big bag, 361, ready for transport or further use.

[0095] The system 400 thus described offers an on-site processing solution, reducing the need to transport the raw material over long distances. Thanks to its mobility and autonomy, it allows direct integration of processing operations into the agricultural or forestry workflow, thus optimizing the production stages of pellets from dried Jussie.

[0096] The fine grinding of the dried Jussie, carried out by the grinder 320, plays a crucial role in the mobile processing line by considerably reducing the initial volume of the Jussie. By the grinding action, the structure of the Jussie is fragmented into small particles, which increases the density of the material. A denser material means that a greater weight of Jussie can occupy the same space, or that for a given weight, the space required for its storage is reduced.

[0097] By reducing the volume by increasing the density, the storage and transport of the tanks 321 and 361 are optimized. This densification makes it possible to use the space on the agricultural fodder plateau 410 more efficiently and to minimize the costs associated with logistics, such as the number of journeys required to move the processed Jussie.

[0098] It is apparent from the present description that certain non-essential elements of the transformation process may be modified, replaced or deleted without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. For example, the granulation of dried Jussie in the press can produce various solid fuels other than pellets. The press can be adjusted to produce briquettes, which offer a slower burning fuel solution, ideal for long-term heating systems. Larger cylindrical shapes, such as sausages, can also be produced, particularly suitable for larger boilers. These different formats of fuel from Jussie allow a great adaptability according to the technical specifications of the combustion installations.

Claims

Claims

1. Method (500) for transforming Jussie into a combustible biomass product, such as combustion pellets, said method being characterized in that it comprises: a step (510) of storing the previously harvested Jussie; a step (520) of drying the stored Jussie to a humidity level promoting the combustion of said Jussie; a step (532) of grinding the Jussie in a grinder (320) finely cutting the Jussie; and a step (533) of granulating the Jussie by means of a press (360) to form combustion pellets (15).

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the step (510) of storing the Jussie consists of storing the Jussie in a pile (10) on a sloping ground (20), by placing it on a waterproof silage tarpaulin (30) ensuring the flow of Jussie juice towards a pit (50).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stored Jussie is covered with a cover sheet (35) topped with a bird net (70).

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the drying step (520) comprises dynamic ventilation by means of perforated tubes, lower (61) and upper (62), passing through the stored Jussie and connected to ventilation devices (611, 612) of the controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) type.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step (531) of picking up the dried Jussie by means of a grapple (425) mounted at the end of a crane (420), to deposit it in the crusher (320).

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the Jussie is stored in the open air in the direction of the winds.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising a step (540) of conditioning and storing the combustion pellets (15).

8. Combustible biomass product, obtained by a process (500) for transforming Jussie according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Product according to claim 8, having a form of combustion pellets (15).

10. System (400) for processing Jussie, for implementing a method (500) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is mobile, in that it comprises a vehicle (405), a trailer (410), a crane (420) equipped with a grapple (425), a crusher (320) and a press (360), and in that the crusher and the press are installed on the trailer.

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