Compressing Lignocellulosic Feedstock to Prevent Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lignocellulosic feedstock processing in biorefineries faces challenges due to the bulk density and size of ground materials, leading to bridging issues during transportation and plugging of screens during liquid-solid separation, which can damage equipment and hinder efficient biochemical production.
Innovation Solution
The method involves grinding lignocellulosic feedstock to form discrete units with a controlled bulk density range of 4-25 pounds per cubic foot through compression, using a grinding system in conjunction with a compressing system, which forms interlocking structures that prevent bridging and improve flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ground lignocellulosic feedstock is transported through conveying systems, then the feedstock can be moved to processing areas, but the low bulk density causes bridging and piling up that damages equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by compressing ground lignocellulosic feedstock to increase its bulk density from typical low values to a specific range of 8-25 pounds per cubic foot. This density modification changes the physical parameters of the material, improving flow characteristics and preventing bridging behavior that causes equipment damage in conveying systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression step is performed as a preliminary action before the feedstock enters the conveying system. By pre-compressing the material to achieve desired bulk density and flow characteristics, the system prevents downstream problems such as bridging and piling up before they occur in the conveying equipment.
2Ease of operation
If ground lignocellulosic feedstock is conveyed through large conveying systems, then the feedstock can be transported, but the systems occupy substantial space within the biorefinery
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the bulk density parameter of the feedstock through compression, the patent enables more compact material handling. The increased density allows smaller conveying systems to transport the same mass of material, directly reducing the volume occupied by stationary conveying equipment in the biorefinery.
3Ease of manufacture
If remaining ground corn stover solids are separated from liquid slurry using a screen, then solids can be removed, but the straight fibrous material plugs the screen and prevents liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The compression step is performed as a preliminary action before the feedstock enters the screening separation process. By pre-compressing the material to change its physical structure and reduce fibrous alignment, the system prevents screen plugging before it occurs during the separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by compressing ground lignocellulosic feedstock to increase its bulk density from typical low values to a specific range of 8-25 pounds per cubic foot. This density modification changes the physical parameters of the material, improving flow characteristics and preventing bridging behavior that causes equipment damage in conveying systems.
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 compressed discrete units exhibit improved flow properties, reducing the risk of equipment damage and facilitating more efficient biochemical production by preventing bridging and plugging, while allowing for accurate metering and reduced conveyor system size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
compressing at least a portion of the ground lignocellulosic feedstock to form a plurality of discrete units
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic feedstock that include grinding lignocellulosic feedstock to provide ground lignocellulosic feedstock; and compressing at least a portion of the ground lignocellulosic feedstock to form at least one discrete unit. In some embodiments, a plurality of discrete units have a bulk density in the range from 4 pounds per cubic foot to 25 pounds per cubic foot. The present disclosure also includes related systems.