Biomass Pile Drying via Air-Pocket Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying biomass piles, such as using suction pipes, are complex and costly, with limited suction points and increased re-condensation risks for long pipes, necessitating improved moisture and volatile gas removal.
Innovation Solution
Forming an oblong biomass pile with a lengthwise air-pocket device at the top, insulated with flexible plastic foam, and covering the upper part with a water-resistant tarpaulin to enhance drying capacity and protect from moisture, while allowing air passage for efficient moisture and gas removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction pipes are used to remove moisture from biomass piles, then moisture removal is achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly with limited suction points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the moisture and volatile compounds directly from the biomass pile using a suction device with a suction opening, eliminating the need for complex internal piping systems. The suction device is positioned to draw air and moisture directly from the pile surface, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining effective moisture removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device serves multiple functions: it removes moisture, extracts volatile compounds, and prevents self-ignition. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity and cost while improving productivity.
2Length of stationary object
If long suction pipes are used, then suction reach is extended, but the risk of re-condensation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device acts as an intermediary element that captures moisture and volatiles close to the biomass pile, preventing them from traveling through long pipes where re-condensation could occur. By positioning the suction opening directly at the pile and using a relatively short suction path, the system minimizes re-condensation risk while maintaining effective moisture removal.
3Productivity
If traditional drying methods are used, then moisture removal is achieved, but drying time is extended and energy content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device operates continuously to remove moisture and volatile compounds from the biomass pile, maintaining constant drying action. This continuous operation significantly reduces drying time compared to traditional intermittent methods, while the removal of volatiles simultaneously increases the energy content of the dried biomass.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method significantly enhances drying capacity, reduces self-ignition risk, and shortens drying time, increasing the energy content and density of biomass, allowing for earlier harvesting and improved logistics.
Implementation Method 1
air can pass from the outside of the pile and move upwards through the top of the pile to the air-pocket device
Implementation Method 2
arranging at least one motor-fan on top of the air-pocket device for blowing air out from of the air-pocket device
Implementation Method 3
insulating the air-pocket device with a flexible plastic foam cell, such that effectiveness of the drying capacity is increased
Implementation Method 4
protecting the pile with a water protected flexible cover, which cover at least the upper part of the chip pile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Arrangement for drying an oblong biomass pile (1). The arrangement comprising an air-pocket device (2), which is arranged at the top of the pile, wherein the air-pocket device is in air-through contact with the top of the pile, at least one motor-fan (3), which is arranged on top of the air-pocket device (2), which fan (3) blow air (7) out from the air-pocket device, such that moisture are removed from the air-pocket, and a water protected flexible cover (5a, 5b), which cover at least the upper part of the chip pile, preferably more than half the height of the chip pile from the top, wherein at least some parts of the pile are not covered, such that air can pass from the outside of the pile and move upwards through the top of the pile to the air-pocket device.