Biomass Densification via Preheating and Low-Temperature Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biomass densification processes are energy-intensive due to the need for high-temperature drying, which hinders the widespread adoption of biomass as a renewable energy source, and biomass in its natural form is bulky and difficult to transport and handle.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for forming densified biomass that involves preheating biomass to a moderate temperature to increase moisture content, followed by densification and low-temperature drying to reduce moisture levels, using equipment like grain dryers to minimize energy consumption and enhance handling and transportation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional high-temperature drying is used before densification, then moisture content is reduced to acceptable levels, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preheating the biomass feedstock to a moderate temperature (e.g., 70-110°C) before densification. This preheating step prepares the material for densification without requiring subsequent high-temperature drying, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while still achieving acceptable moisture levels in the final product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional high-temperature drying (typically >100°C) to moderate-temperature preheating (70-110°C) followed by low-temperature drying after densification. This parameter change reduces energy consumption while maintaining product quality
2Device complexity
If biomass is densified in natural form, then processing is simpler, but transportation and handling become difficult due to bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preheating the biomass before densification to improve its physical properties. This preparation step enables effective densification without requiring complex processing equipment, achieving both simplicity and reduced volume
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high-temperature drying is used to reduce moisture content, then biomass stability is improved, but VOC emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the drying temperature parameter from high-temperature to low-temperature (50-100°C) drying after densification. This parameter change reduces VOC emissions while still achieving the necessary moisture reduction for stable biomass storage and transport
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
This approach reduces energy consumption by 32% compared to conventional methods, lowers VOC emissions, and produces densified biomass that is more uniform, easier to handle, and has higher ethanol or xylose yields, making it a more viable renewable energy option.
Implementation Method 1
The preheater is configured to heat a flow of comminuted biomass to a temperature within a range from about 70° C. to about 110° C.
Implementation Method 2
The press is configured to densify the preheated biomass to form a densified biomass
Implementation Method 3
The dryer is configured to heat the densified biomass to a temperature between about 50° C. and about 100° C. to form a dried densified biomass having a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes densifying a biomass feedstock having a moisture content of at least about 30% by weight and drying the biomass feedstock to form a densified biomass having a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight. Some methods include comminuting a biomass feedstock, pressing the biomass feedstock to form a plurality of pellets, heating the plurality of pellets to remove water therefrom, and cooling the plurality of dried pellets. The plurality of pellets exhibits a moisture content of at least about 20% by weight after pressing. The plurality of dried pellets exhibits a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight. A system for forming densified biomass may include a preheater, a press, and a dryer.