BIOMASS PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1019212
• Project Start Date: Apr 5, 2019
• Project End Date: Mar 31, 2024
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
208 MUELLER LABORATORY
UNIVERSITY PARK,PA 16802

Performing Department
Agri & Biological Engineering

Non Technical Summary
Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant renewable resource (by mass and volume) on earth, is widely used as a source of energy, materials, and other products that make possible a broad array of human activity. Examples include heat for domestic, commercial and industrial use, electricity, transportation fuel, renewable chemicals, and soil additives for improved fertility and nutrient management. However, our knowledge of biomass' properties and performance is still very limited, and research is needed to develop a better understanding of how to use biomass sustainably and effectively. Research on this topic will help farmers and foresters develop new ways to produce renewable, sustainable biomass as an alternative to non-sustainable non-renewable products in the world today.This research effort will focus on two exciting possibilities for making biomass more useful: thermal treatment and physical treatment. Thermal treatment can be used to chemically alter the composition of biomass, changing its strength, energy content, and absorbtive properties. Physical processing, including densification, can be used to increase the value of biomass by improving its reactivity, density, handling characteristics and overall usability, which is very important if we are to use the over 1 billion tonnes of biomass that are sustainably available on an annual basis in the United States. As the national economy (and world economy) continues to shift towards a more renewable basis of operation, this research will provide valuable insight into the opportunities that biomass can play in the economy.

Animal Health Component

100%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

100%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
402	1699	2020	50%
402	0699	2020	50%

Knowledge Area
402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
1699 - Pasture and forage crops, general/other; 0699 - Trees, forests, and forest products, general;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;

Keywords

biomass

energy

materials

thermochemical

densification

Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project will be to determine the properties and performance of biomass for energy and non-energy applications, with a focus on thermal and physical processing of biomass. Specific objectives are to :Characterize properties of raw and thermally treated biomass relative to energy and non-energy applications. Particular attention will be given to torrefaction as a value-adding process.Characterize properties and performance of physically processed biomass relative to energy and non-energy applications. Particular attention will be given to densification and debarking operations.While properties generally are physical in nature and require laboratory measurement, performance can be a more complex phenomenon, and may require a combination of controlled measurement, field measurement, and modeling.

Project Methods
The methods and approach for this project, relative to the above two objectives, are as follows:Objective 1. Characterize properties of raw and thermally treated biomass relative to energy and non-energy applications. Particular attention will be given to torrefaction as a value-adding process.This effort will consist of laboratory experimentation and computer modeling studies, carried out by the project director or in collaboration with student researchers (undergraduate or graduate) as funds and personnel allow. The research will be carried out under controlled laboratory conditions in the Agricultural Engineering Building at The Pennsylvania State University. The Dry Pilot Plant laboratory area will be the focus of activity, where biomass samples will be treated, processed and analyzed.Additional advanced sample analysis will utilize the university's Materials Research Laboratory, CSL Behring Shared Fermentation Facility, and Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories as necessary.Methods employed will include physical preparation of biomass samples and testing of their properties, including:Energy Content (Parr Bomb Calorimeter)Sorbtance Capacity (Drained screened sorbtance tester)Glucose Yield (YSI bioanalyzer)Physical Strength (Instron Universal Test Machine, ASABE Durability Tester)Bulk and Particle Density (various instruments)Process Energy Use (V,I, kW logging rig)Product Quality (various subjective and other tests)Denitrification Potential (bench scale bioreactor array)Simulation components of the research will be carried out using spreadsheet-based TechnoEconomic Analysis models of process operations and supply chain impacts.Data analysis will include statistical analysis via the use of descriptive statistics, ANOVA and regression analysis. No efforts will be undertaken to coerce the target audience into changing their knowledge, actions or conditions. However, the impact of the research will be noted in terms of acceptance of research outputs for presentation and publication, as well as inquiries by private industry and informal feedback regarding the adoption and use of this information by industry. Proposals for extramural funding will be submitted, and success of these proposals will be an additional evidence of the value of the work. Annual faculty reviews will also be carried out in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, during which the merit of research outputs will be evaluated.Objective 2. Characterize properties and performance of physically processed biomass relative to energy and non-energy applications. Particular attention will be given to densification and debarking operations.This effort will consist of laboratory experimentation and computer modeling studies, carried out by the project director or in collaboration with student researchers (undergraduate or graduate) as funds and personnel allow. The research will be carried out under controlled laboratory conditions in the Agricultural Engineering Building at The Pennsylvania State University. The Dry Pilot Plant laboratory area will be the focus of activity, where biomass samples will be treated, processed and analyzed.Additional advanced sample analysis will utilize the university's Materials Research Laboratory, CSL Behring Shared Fermentation Facility, and Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories as necessary.Methods employed will include physical preparation of biomass samples and testing of their properties, including:Densification (Anyang Gemco Pelletizers)Commutation (Munson Knife Mill, Shared Fermentation Facility)Particle Size Characterization (Sieve Analyzers)Sorbtance Capacity (Drained screened sorbtance tester)Glucose Yield (YSI bioanalyzer)Physical Strength (Instron Universal Test Machine, ASABE Durability Tester)Bulk and Particle Density (various instruments)Process Energy Use (V,I, kW logging rig)Product Quality (various subjective and other tests)Denitrification Potential (bench scale bioreactor array)Simulation components of the research will be carried out using spreadsheet-based TechnoEconomic Analysis models of process operations and supply chain impacts.Data analysis will include statistical analysis via the use of descriptive statistics, ANOVA and regression analysis. No efforts will be undertaken to coerce the target audience into changing their knowledge, actions or conditions. However, the impact of the research will be noted in terms of acceptance of research outputs for presentation and publication, as well as inquiries by private industry and informal feedback regarding the adoption and use of this information by industry. Proposals for extramural funding will be submitted, and success of these proposals will be an additional evidence of the value of the work. Annual faculty reviews will also be carried out in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, during which the merit of research outputs will be evaluated.

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached during the reporting period includes the biomass research community as well as individuals in the biomass industry. Changes/Problems:Restrictions in access to research facilities, as a response to the global virus pandemic, slowed down research during the second half of the program year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following extension activities were accomplished: Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher: Educational video and print materials were developed that target beginning farmers with relevant information on energy production and use opportunities and alternatives. A web page was developed on the e-Extension Sustainable Ag Energy page for this project, and a Youtube channel was created as well. Biochar Regional Demonstration: Small scale demonstration sites were concludedin Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, in which the use of biochar in soil was demonstrated in garden beds. These activities led to development of a "Biochar for Water Quality Prospectus" and a "Biochar for Municipal Water Quality" online webinar. Bioenergy Crops Demo: A demonstration area featuring several perrenial bioenergy crops (Shrub Willow, Switchgrass, Miscanthus, Hybrid Poplar, and Short Rotation Maple) was maintained near the Penn State Campus. This facility not only provided feedstock for research, but provided an opportunity for the public to inspect bioenergy crops "in situ" and assess their suitability for local use. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination has been carried out via the above extension activities, through publication of findings in peer reviewed journals, presentations at conferences, and use of the Penn State Extension website for information sharing. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I plan to continue ongoing research activities, publish papers, and carry out additional extension activities relative to the research.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Student research was supervised in the following areas: Biomass Sorptance:Tests were carried out of the ability of raw and torrefied biomass sorbents to be regenerated via mechanical, thermal, and chemical means. Findings indicated that partial regeneration can be achieved through mechanical (centrifugation), with 25% of sorbed water and 40% of sorbed oil removed. Subsequent cycles of sorption and regeneration have a lower overall sorption capacity, due to the residual fluid retained in the samples. If all of the fluid were to be removed from the sample, subsequent cycles of sorption would exhibit no noticeable change in sorption capacity, whereas some treatments showed a potential increase of sorption capacity in subsequent cycles. (Goal 1) Bioconversion of Torrefied Biomass:Experiments were carried out to characterize the impact of torrefaction on bioconversion potential of wheat straw. This included testingthe impact of torrefaction severity and alkaline treatment, as well as tests for the presence of inhibitorycompounds that could be impacting results. (Goal 1) Glucose yields from torrefied samples show a decrease as torrefaction severity increases, whereas the addition of alkaline treatment lessens the decrease. A torrefaction severity algorithm was developed, based on time and temperature of thermal treatment. Alkaline treatment prior to torrefaction results in glucose yields that are less than from samples that are alkaline treated after torrefaction. Further tests of pure cellulose samples confirm that lignin or hemicellulose effects are not the primary cause of reductions in yield. However, ongoing tests have yet to isolate the mechanism by which torrefied biomass loses its ability to convert to glucose during enzymatic hydrolysis. Measurements of the presence of hydroxyl groups have ruled out this mechanism. Hornification, and the attendant impact on porosity and stiffening of the microfibril, are currently under investigation. Biomass Densification:An instrumented pelletizer was developed and experimental runs carried out that characterize the pressure and temperature over time at multiple locations within the pelletizer die. Data were collected at a sub-second timestep for two feedstocks (shrub willow and switchgrass) pelletized at multiple moisture contents.Measured pressure values showed a decrease along the length of the die opening, with dramatic temporal increases as the rollerpasses over the die, followed by an apparent relaxation phase immediately thereafter. Three distinct operating phases were identified, relative to pressure characteristics and resulting pellet quality. In all tests, baseline pressure shows a linear increase with respect to time and an exponential decrease with respect to position within the die. Comparisons of measured data to densification models suggest that the press channel friction coefficient is equal to 0.317 for switchgrass pelletization and 0.319 for willow. However, the pelleting time for switchgrass averages 27% higher than for willow feedstock. (Goal 2) Biomass Debarking:Measurements of shrub willow wood-bark bond strength that were collected previously were analyzed with respect to the mechanical properties of the wood-bark interface. Results were also used to analyze the techno-economic feasibility of incorporating integrated debarking into the harvest of shrub willow. The Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for bark material is calculated to average $24.53 per Mg when moderate assumptions are made regarding income and expenses. MSP drops below zero when income is increased by 10% and expenses decreased by 10%. The sensitivity of MSP to wood fraction is found to be negative, and debarking energy consuption is shown to increase MSP. The selection of harvest season has notable impacts on MSP.(Goal 2) Biomass Co-Treatment for Anaerobic Digestion:Initial studies were conducted to investigate possible mechanisms whereby mechanical cotreatment of anaerobic digestion feedstock can enhance digestibility of poultry litter, which is primarily composed of lignocellulosic material. A model of the digestion proces, based on the ADM1 framework, has been started, which will be used to guide subsequent experimental design.(Goal 2)

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jacobson, M., and D. Ciolkosz. 2019. Value Chain Analysis for Woody Biomass Pellet Production in Kenya: Financial Case for Short Rotation Eucalyptus Production. Biomass and Bioenergy. Under Review.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Nunes, L., Ciolkosz, D., and T. Causer. 2020. Biomass for energy: a review on supply chain models. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 120 (2020). 8pp.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri. 2020. Factors Affecting Wood-Bark Adhesion for Debarking of Shrub Willow. Biosystems Engineering. 196 (2020). 202-209.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2020 Citation: Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri. 2020. Techno-Economic Analysis for Assessing the Supply Chain Associated with Debarking of Bioenergy Crop: Shrub Willow. Biomass and Bioenergy. Submitted for Publication.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Puri, V., Jacobson, M., and J. Liu. 2020. Mechanical Characteristics of Wood Bark Interface of Shrub Willow. Industrial Crops and Products. Submitted for Publication.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ciolkosz, D., Kukharets, S., and J. Tripathi. 2020. Torrefied Biomass in a Ukranian Biofuel Production System. Proceedings of IV International Scientific and Practical Conference on Bio-Energy Systems. May 29, 2020. Zhytomer, Ukraine.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Johnstonbaugh, E., Fetter, J., and D. Ciolkosz. 2020. Biochar for Water Quality  A Prospectus. Penn State Extension. University Park, PA.
• Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Causer, T., and D. Ciolkosz. 2019. Thermal treatment of Biomass for the Circular Economy. In Nunes, L.J.R., Pimentel, C., Azevedo, S.G. and Matias, J.C.O. (Eds.), New trends for the biomass energy development: from wood to circular economy., Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Chahal, A., and D. Ciolkosz. 2019. A Review of Wood Bark Adhesion: Methods and Mechanics of Debarking for Woody Biomass. Wood and Fiber Science, 51(3). 12pp.

Progress 04/05/19 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience during this period primarily consisted of scientists and engineers working in bioenergy and bioproducts.. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The following extension activities were accomplished: Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher: Educational video and print materials were developed that target beginning farmers with relevant information on energy production and use opportunities and alternatives. Biochar Regional Demonstration: Small scale demonstration sites were developed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, in which the use of biochar in soil was demonstrated in garden beds. Leachate water sampling and testing was also carried out, in conjunction with the development of educational materials on the topic of biochar. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination has been carried out via the above extension activities, as well as use of the Penn State Extension website for information sharing. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I plan to continue ongoing research activities, publish papers, and carry out additional extension activities relative to the research.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Student research was supervised in the following areas: Biomass Sorptance: Tests were carried out of the ability of raw and torrefied biomass to adsorb lead from contaminated water under static (equilibrium) conditions, using two forms of biomass (miscanthus and switchgrass) ground to different particle sizes. Both raw and torrefied samples were tested. The impact of these treatment variables on sorption capacity was analyzed. (Goal 1) "Results indicate that sorption capacities for the two feedstocks range from 0.15 to 0.26 mg lead removed per gram of biomass, and percent removal ranges from 54.3-93.6%. Willow's sorption capacity tends to decrease as particle size increases. Increasing torrefaction severity increases the sorption capacity of Miscanthus, and alkaline treatment also increases sorption capacity of Miscanthus. Both feedstocks fall upon the same Langmuir Isotherm for the conditions used in this experiment." (Ciolkosz et al, 2019). Bioconversion of Torrefied Biomass: Experiments were carried out to characterize the impact of torrefaction on bioconversion potential of wheat straw. Experiments tested the impact of torrefaction severity and alkaline treatment, as well as tests for the presence of inhibitory compounds that could be impacting results. (Goal 1) Glucose yields from torrefied samples show a decrease as torrefaction severity increases, whereas the addition of alkaline treatment lessens the decrease. Subsequent tests for possible impacts of pH and the presence of furfural suggest that neither of these factors can explain the impact of alkaline treatment in improving yields. Further tests of pure cellulose samples confirm that lignin or hemicellulose effects are not the primary cause of reductions in yield. Biomass Densification: An instrumented pelletizer was developed and experimental runs carried out that characterize the pressure and temperature over time at multiple locations within the pelletizer die. Data were collected at a sub-second timestep for two feedstocks (shrub willow and switchgrass) pelletized at multiple moisture contents. (Goal 2) Measured pressure values showed a decrease along the length of the die opening, with dramatic increases as the roller passes over the die, followed by an apparent relaxation phase immediately thereafter. Shrub Willow Debarking: Samples of multiple varieties of shrub willow were collected and tested for the mechanical strength of the wood-bark bond using a Universal Testing Machine loaded at a quasi-static rate. Increased loading rates were also analyzed to characterize the impact of viscoelastic responses on material performance. A TechnoEconomic Analysis (TEA) model was created to analyze the economic potential of debarking as integrated into a shrub willow harvesting system. (Goal 2) Wood-bark strength exhibits a negative correlation to moisture content, with notable differences in magnitude relative to season of harvest. Differences in strength between varieties were small but showed some statistically significant differences. The TEA model was developed and structured to allow for simultaneous modeling of traditional bark-on harvest and integrated harvest + debarking scenarios.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ciolkosz, D., Desplat, J., and Schiffer, K. (2019). "Raw, torrefied, and alkaline-treated biomass as a sorbent for lead in water," BioRes. 14(4), 8530-8542.