Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this specific cooperative research project is to evaluate thermochemical processing, namely gasification, as a method for producing heat and combustible gases for greenhouses in Alaska using fish processing by-products in the feedstock. The specific goals are: 1.) Evaluate a small pilot-scale gasifier for testing AK fish-wood mixtures 2.) To perform an optimization of the feedstock composition based on a response surface model (RSM) to determine practical optimums of the equipment and feedstock selected and plan for needed modifications. 3.) To evaluate the heat value and gas composition of the raw feedstock, and mixtures which will be densified (pelletized) based on the RSM and use this information to plan for needed modifications. Approach (from AD-416) On a yearly basis, Alaska�s fishing and processing industries produce over a million metric tons of fish wastes, including viscera, heads, fins and frames. Added value products such as fish meal are sometimes made from these streams. However, the bulk of fish waste is high in moisture, protein, lipid, and inorganic compounds, creating a challenge for extracting and processing high value secondary products. As a result, methods for maximizing the value, in particular for Alaska, include the investigation of waste to energy technologies, with gasification being the focus of the proposed scope of work. A small gasifier will be purchased from GEK-All power labs, Berkeley CA and tested using raw and dried fish by-products combined with wood (Black Spruce, Birch, and weeds) native to interior AK that is dried to moisture content less than 6%. A response surface method will be employed to optimize the experimental setup in order to maximize gasification and products (Soria et al., 2008a). Independent variables to be tested include %(wt) fish, %(wt) wood, and pellet size. A RSM with 20 experimental runs will elucidate the range of conditions needed to achieve optimal conversion using Stat-ease Design Expert 7.1 software. Gasification will be measured gravimetrically, based on materials introduced into the reactor versus materials exiting (wt basis), and by the composition of the gases produced by each mixture. Thermochemical conversion-analysis of process and products. In order to evaluate the conversion technique and establish a baseline for comparison, raw materials will be analyzed for composition, proximate analysis and elemental analysis. Data acquired from this research will be used to launch a gasification system that will provide heat and electricity directly to an experimental greenhouse in Palmer, Alaska. The system will include a small electric generator (2kW-5kW nominal rated) and heat exchangers to warm transfer fluid (water, glycol, etc.) and circulate system through a growing media, maintaining the growing conditions during winter months in Palmer, AK. Additional work for in-house pellet production is envisioned, as well as modifications to facilitate the loading, storage and handling of the gasification feedstock to enhance deployment in remote locations across AK. This study will expand the fish-wood mixtures over a lower moisture range and use an optimization approach that will translate into real-life information to optimize a pilot-scale plant. This proposed SCA also will focus on modifying the feedstock size and density to produce a fish-wood pellet to ease handling, storage, and operation concerns. Formerly 5341- 31410-003-09S (12/09). This collaboration was monitored through phone calls, monthly emails and meetings at ARS facilities as well as off-site meetings. This research evaluated salmon byproducts as a feedstock for energy production in accordance with ARS project objective #2, �Develop economical processes and methods for the collection, stabilization and storage of raw seafood byproducts to optimize their chemical, nutritional, and physical qualities for uses including food and feed ingredients, fertilizers and bio-chemicals�. In this study, conditions of pyrolysis were optimized for using salmon processing wastes to generate energy. Alaska salmon waste-products and alder wood were pelletized and gasified to produce a combustible gas. Addition of up to 21% salmon waste enhanced the gasification of alder.
Impacts
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Publications
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Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this specific cooperative research project is to evaluate thermochemical processing, namely gasification, as a method for producing heat and combustible gases for greenhouses in Alaska using fish processing by-products in the feedstock. The specific goals are: 1.) Evaluate a small pilot-scale gasifier for testing AK fish-wood mixtures 2.) To perform an optimization of the feedstock composition based on a response surface model (RSM) to determine practical optimums of the equipment and feedstock selected and plan for needed modifications. 3.) To evaluate the heat value and gas composition of the raw feedstock, and mixtures which will be densified (pelletized) based on the RSM and use this information to plan for needed modifications. Approach (from AD-416) On a yearly basis, Alaska�s fishing and processing industries produce over a million metric tons of fish wastes, including viscera, heads, fins and frames. Added value products such as fish meal are sometimes made from these streams. However, the bulk of fish waste is high in moisture, protein, lipid, and inorganic compounds, creating a challenge for extracting and processing high value secondary products. As a result, methods for maximizing the value, in particular for Alaska, include the investigation of waste to energy technologies, with gasification being the focus of the proposed scope of work. A small gasifier will be purchased from GEK-All power labs, Berkeley CA and tested using raw and dried fish by-products combined with wood (Black Spruce, Birch, and weeds) native to interior AK that is dried to moisture content less than 6%. A response surface method will be employed to optimize the experimental setup in order to maximize gasification and products (Soria et al., 2008a). Independent variables to be tested include %(wt) fish, %(wt) wood, and pellet size. A RSM with 20 experimental runs will elucidate the range of conditions needed to achieve optimal conversion using Stat-ease Design Expert 7.1 software. Gasification will be measured gravimetrically, based on materials introduced into the reactor versus materials exiting (wt basis), and by the composition of the gases produced by each mixture. Thermochemical conversion-analysis of process and products. In order to evaluate the conversion technique and establish a baseline for comparison, raw materials will be analyzed for composition, proximate analysis and elemental analysis. Data acquired from this research will be used to launch a gasification system that will provide heat and electricity directly to an experimental greenhouse in Palmer, Alaska. The system will include a small electric generator (2kW-5kW nominal rated) and heat exchangers to warm transfer fluid (water, glycol, etc.) and circulate system through a growing media, maintaining the growing conditions during winter months in Palmer, AK. Additional work for in-house pellet production is envisioned, as well as modifications to facilitate the loading, storage and handling of the gasification feedstock to enhance deployment in remote locations across AK. This study will expand the fish-wood mixtures over a lower moisture range and use an optimization approach that will translate into real-life information to optimize a pilot-scale plant. This proposed SCA also will focus on modifying the feedstock size and density to produce a fish-wood pellet to ease handling, storage, and operation concerns. This research evaluated salmon byproducts as a feedstock for energy production in accordance with ARS project objective #2, �Develop economical processes and methods for the collection, stabilization and storage of raw seafood byproducts to optimize their chemical, nutritional, and physical qualities for uses including food and feed ingredients, fertilizers and bio-chemicals." In this study, conditions of pyrolysis were optimized using salmon processing wastes to generate energy. Alaska salmon waste-products and alder wood were pelletized and gasified to produce a combustible gas. Addition of up to 21% salmon waste enhanced the gasification of alder. This research can be applied to heated greenhouses in remote Alaskan fishing villages, thereby increasing access of garden-fresh foods and extending their growing season. Results from this study are being prepared for publication by a scientist from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This collaboration was monitored through monthly phone calls, monthly emails, and meetings at ARS facilities, as well as off-site meetings to validate the adequacy of financial control systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this specific cooperative research project is to evaluate thermochemical processing, namely gasification, as a method for producing heat and combustible gases for greenhouses in Alaska using fish processing by-products in the feedstock. The specific goals are: 1.) Evaluate a small pilot-scale gasifier for testing AK fish-wood mixtures 2.) To perform an optimization of the feedstock composition based on a response surface model (RSM) to determine practical optimums of the equipment and feedstock selected and plan for needed modifications. 3.) To evaluate the heat value and gas composition of the raw feedstock, and mixtures which will be densified (pelletized) based on the RSM and use this information to plan for needed modifications. Approach (from AD-416) On a yearly basis, Alaska�s fishing and processing industries produce over a million metric tons of fish wastes, including viscera, heads, fins and frames. Added value products such as fish meal are sometimes made from these streams. However, the bulk of fish waste is high in moisture, protein, lipid, and inorganic compounds, creating a challenge for extracting and processing high value secondary products. As a result, methods for maximizing the value, in particular for Alaska, include the investigation of waste to energy technologies, with gasification being the focus of the proposed scope of work. A small gasifier will be purchased from GEK-All power labs, Berkeley CA and tested using raw and dried fish by-products combined with wood (Black Spruce, Birch, and weeds) native to interior AK that is dried to moisture content less than 6%. A response surface method will be employed to optimize the experimental setup in order to maximize gasification and products (Soria et al., 2008a). Independent variables to be tested include %(wt) fish, %(wt) wood, and pellet size. A RSM with 20 experimental runs will elucidate the range of conditions needed to achieve optimal conversion using Stat-ease Design Expert 7.1 software. Gasification will be measured gravimetrically, based on materials introduced into the reactor versus materials exiting (wt basis), and by the composition of the gases produced by each mixture. Thermochemical conversion-analysis of process and products. In order to evaluate the conversion technique and establish a baseline for comparison, raw materials will be analyzed for composition, proximate analysis and elemental analysis. Data acquired from this research will be used to launch a gasification system that will provide heat and electricity directly to an experimental greenhouse in Palmer, Alaska. The system will include a small electric generator (2kW-5kW nominal rated) and heat exchangers to warm transfer fluid (water, glycol, etc.) and circulate system through a growing media, maintaining the growing conditions during winter months in Palmer, AK. Additional work for in-house pellet production is envisioned, as well as modifications to facilitate the loading, storage and handling of the gasification feedstock to enhance deployment in remote locations across AK. This study will expand the fish-wood mixtures over a lower moisture range and use an optimization approach that will translate into real-life information to optimize a pilot-scale plant. This proposed SCA also will focus on modifying the feedstock size and density to produce a fish-wood pellet to ease handling, storage, and operation concerns. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The ADODR monitored the project with frequent phone calls and e-mails with the project PI. The project is proceeding on schedule. Set-up of the Palmer Alaska gasification lab was initiated and ground salmon byproducts were shipped from Kodiak, Alaska (November 2008). Salmon compositional analysis and calorimetry results were completed by the Fairbanks lab (March 2009). Preliminary data from modeling of gasification was presented by the Collaborator in Boise, Idaho (June 2009).
Impacts
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Publications
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