Results for “Pine Residues”

DOE OSTI2021

Dynamic life-cycle carbon analysis for fast pyrolysis biofuel produced from pine residues: implications of carbon temporal effects

Abstract Background Woody biomass has been considered as a promising feedstock for biofuel production via thermochemical conversion technologies such as fast pyrolysis. Extensive Life Cycle Assessment studies have been completed to evaluate the carbon intensity of woody biomass-derived biofuels via fast pyrolysis. However, most studies assumed that woody biomass such as forest residues is a carbon–neutral feedstock like annual crops, despite a distinctive timeframe it takes to grow woody biomass. Besides, few studies have investigated the impacts of forest dynamics and the temporal effects of carbon on the overall carbon intensity of woody-derived biofuels. This study addressed such gaps by developing a life-cycle carbon analysis framework integrating dynamic modeling for forest and biorefinery systems with a time-based discounted Global Warming Potential (GWP) method developed in this work. The framework analyzed dynamic carbon and energy flows of a supply chain for biofuel production from pine residues via fast pyrolysis. Results The mean carbon intensity of biofuel given by Monte Carlo simulation across three pine growth cases ranges from 40.8–41.2 g CO 2 e MJ −1 (static method) to 51.0–65.2 g CO 2 e MJ −1 (using the time-based discounted GWP method) when combusting biochar for energy recovery. If biochar is utilized as soil amendment, the carbon intensity reduces to 19.0–19.7 g CO 2 e MJ −1 (static method) and 29.6–43.4 g CO 2 e MJ −1 in the time-based method. Forest growth and yields (controlled by forest management strategies) show more significant impacts on biofuel carbon intensity when the temporal effect of carbon is taken into consideration. Variation in forest operations and management (e.g., energy consumption of thinning and harvesting), on the other hand, has little impact on the biofuel carbon intensity. Conclusions The carbon temporal effect, particularly the time lag of carbon sequestration during pine growth, has direct impacts on the carbon intensity of biofuels produced from pine residues from a stand-level pine growth and management point of view. The carbon implications are also significantly impacted by the assumptions of biochar end-of-life cases and forest management strategies.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Distribution of Bound and Free Water in Anatomical Fractions of Pine Residues and Corn Stover as a Function of Biological Degradation

Biomass quality is influenced by water’s abundance, distribution, and status in relation to other chemical species within the polymer matrix. Water interacts with polymers that make up the cell walls, and these interactions govern the physical and chemical changes that occur during the storage and preprocessing of biomass feedstocks. Time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) was employed to explore variations in the physical constraints of water within the lignocellulosic microstructure in distinct anatomical fractions of biomass and as a function of biological degradation. The Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill sequence, when combined with knowledge of the chemical composition and physical structure of pine residues and corn stover anatomical fractions, gives an accurate measurement of the bound and free water. In this work, the impacts of storage and biological degradation were investigated to elucidate changes in the status and distribution of water within distinct plant tissues. We also investigate how degradation during storage affects water interactions in different pine residues (e.g., bark, branch, and needle) and corn stover (e.g., cob, leaf, and stalk) anatomical fractions using transverse relaxation times (T2). As demonstrated herein, TD-NMR provides quantitative data on lignocellulosic biomass–water interactions within anatomical fractions, which can further aid in the investigation of preprocessing effects on feedstock quality. Our findings suggest that biological heating enhances biomass–water interactions at the cellular and macromolecular scale. In addition, analysis of three-dimensional scanning electron microscopy reconstructions indicates that surface roughness wavelengths align with microscale roughness, suggesting that pine forestry residue and corn stover particles have primarily hydrophobic exterior surfaces. Furthermore, this study offers multiscale insights into understanding the microstructure, wettability, and chemical environment that dictate diffusion, enzyme access, and recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Comparative Techno-Economic Analysis of Available Feedstocks for High-Temperature Conversion: Whole Tree Thinnings and Mature Pine Residues

The TEA and LCA impacts of utilizing low-cost feedstocks in a high-temperature conversion process are of great interest. Here, we investigate the conversion cost impacts of two underutilized feedstocks from the commercial pine industry; 13-year-old whole trees, representing trees removed for the purpose of pre-commercial thinning, and 23-year-old pine residues, representing a waste stream produced from the deconstruction of mature trees for other purposes. Experimental fast pyrolysis data for each feedstock was used in tandem with results from supply and preprocessing analyses in order to evaluate the field-to-fuel economics. A low difference in MFSP was found between the conversion costs for the two feedstocks, with residues demonstrating a net benefit of $0.27/GGE compared to the whole tree thinnings, driven primarily by feedstock supply costs. This suggests that both whole tree thinnings and pine residues may be viable feedstock options for CFP conversion. Life cycle inventories were also generated for each case, enabling a field-to-fuel quantification of the cost and carbon cycle associated with each feedstock.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Comparative Techno-Economic Analysis of Available Feedstocks for High-Temperature Conversion: Whole Tree Thinnings and Mature Pine Residues

The techno-economic and life cycle implications of utilizing low-cost feedstocks in a high temperature conversion process are of great interest. Here, we investigate the conversion cost impacts of two underutilized feedstocks from the commercial pine industry: 13-year-old whole trees, representing trees removed for the purpose of precommercial thinning, and 23-year-old pine residues, representing a waste stream produced from the deconstruction of mature trees for other purposes. Experimental fast pyrolysis (FP) yields for each feedstock were adjusted to a catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) basis and used to estimate process economics by employing published correlations based on rigorous techno-economic modeling. These correlations were used in tandem with results from supply and preprocessing analyses to evaluate the field-to-fuel economics of each feedstock. A small difference in minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) was found between the conversion costs for the two feedstocks, with 23-year-old residues demonstrating a net benefit of $0.27 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) compared to the 13- year-old whole tree thinnings, driven primarily by feedstock supply costs. This suggests that both whole tree thinnings and pine residues may be viable feedstock options for CFP conversion. Life cycle inventories (LCIs) were also generated for each case, enabling a field-to-fuel quantification of the cost and carbon cycle associated with each feedstock.

catalytic fast pyrolysis↗

DOE OSTI2022

Particle scale impacts on deconstruction energy of pine residues

The goal of this Case Study was to quantify the impacts of variable moisture and ash on hammer mill throughput and energy consumption and on generation of fines that are not able to be fed to conversion, as compared to a status quo Base Case system. Also considered was convertible carbon content (minimum carbon specification) and maximum ash content and the delivered feedstock cost impacts of not being able to feed residue not meeting both specifications to the conversion reactor. Laboratory data on the impacts of input particle size and moisture content on the exit particle size were received from FCIC Subtask 5.2 from their single particle impact population balance modeling study. Additional throughput and energy consumption data were obtained from FCIC Subtask 5.2 for the same grinder with a 6 mm screen in place. These data were utilized to develop the necessary response surface equations to perform throughput analysis using discrete event simulation. Because the ash contents in the separated fines had not been analyzed in the laboratory at the time of the model runs, we chose to assume that the ash distributed proportionally with total mass into the overs and unders in the disk screen following grinding. Key takeaways from this Case Study are that it is significantly more cost effective to hammer mill the residue prior to drying, even though the grinder throughput is lower and energy consumption is higher versus drying first before grinding. An effect of dry grinding versus high moisture grinding is the production of higher amounts of fines during dry grinding, leading to significantly more of the ground feedstock being rejected by conversion for being below a minimum particle size. With wet grinding the system is still able to produce more preprocessed feedstock meeting the minimum particle size specification even though the instantaneous throughput is lower than for the case of grinding dry feedstock. Additionally, even without the higher fines production from dry grinding, the status quo would still be more costly than wet grinding because the material is rejected after the drying energy has already been input for the dry grinding case. Finally, significant reductions in drying energy are obtained by drying after grinding, and those reductions are of far greater magnitude than the grinding energy increase.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2024

The role of flexural particles in the shear flow of pine residue biomass: An experiment-informed DEM simulation study

Not Available

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Particle Scale Impacts on Deconstruction Energy of Pine Residues

The goal of this Case Study was to quantify the impacts of variable moisture and ash on hammer mill throughput and energy consumption and on generation of fines that are not able to be fed to conversion, as compared to a status quo Base Case system. Also considered was convertible carbon content (minimum carbon specification) and maximum ash content and the delivered feedstock cost impacts of not being able to feed residue not meeting both specifications to the conversion reactor. Laboratory data on the impacts of input particle size and moisture content on the exit particle size were received from FCIC Subtask 5.2: Preprocessing, High Temperature Conversion Preprocessing from their single particle impact population balance modeling study (Tiasha Bhattacharjee, INL). Additional throughput and energy consumption data were obtained from FCIC Subtask 5.2 (Jordan Klinger, INL) for the same grinder with a 6 mm screen in place. These data were utilized to develop the necessary response surface equations to perform throughput analysis using discrete event simulation. Because the ash contents in the separated fines had not been analyzed in the laboratory at the time of the model runs, we chose to assume that the ash distributed proportionally with total mass into the overs and unders in the disk screen following grinding.

energy consumption↗

DOE OSTI2024

Discrete element modeling of irregular-shaped soft pine particle flow in an FT4 powder rheometer

Pine residues are a commonly used biomass feedstock that consists of different anatomical fractions, each with distinct particle characteristics. Here, in this work, an experiment-informed discrete element model is developed to investigate the flowability of pine residues in an FT4 rheometer. Multi-sphere particles with distinct particle attributes are created to model each anatomical fraction type. A systematic analysis of specimens with varying particle characteristics (e.g., anatomical fraction type, particle shape, and size) is conducted to elucidate the relationship between particle attributes and flowability. The results show that stems recorded the highest axial force and torque and, correspondingly, the highest flow energy, which is attributed to their high stiffness and interlocking effect. Increasing their percentage in the mixture increases the flow energy while increasing needles tends to decrease flow energy. Knowledge gained in this study on the flow of anatomical fractions is important for the efficient and robust processing of pine residues.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2024

The Effect of Air Separations on Fast Pyrolysis Products for Forest Residue Feedstocks

This study investigates the intricate relationship between biomass preprocessing and pyrolysis product yields, employing the air classification technique for the treatment of loblolly pine residues with varying moisture content. A comprehensive exploration of the physicochemical properties of air-classified loblolly pine informs a sophisticated pyrolysis simulation model. Given the complex and multifaceted nature of biomass pyrolysis, operating across diverse temporal and spatial scales, a pyrolysis kinetics-based CFD–DEM simulation method is employed to predict product yields. Results showed that the elevated moisture content amplifies particle adhesiveness, necessitating augmented air velocities for effective separation, thereby influencing the efficiency of the separation process. While carbon and hydrogen contents exhibit relative stability across diverse moisture contents and blower frequencies, the oxygen content undergoes noticeable changes. For example, the oxygen contents were measured as 29.2 and 38.6 wt% in the light fraction of 30% moisture content sample at blower frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz, respectively. An intriguing finding emerges from pyrolysis simulation, indicating that a lower blower frequency in air classification moderately enhances bio-oil yield and significantly improves its quality, particularly in terms of water content. For instance, the water content in the bio-oil was about 1.5% and 10% in the heavy and light fractions, respectively from 10% moisture sample under 15 Hz blower frequency. In summary, a detailed understanding and strategic manipulation of critical material attributes in biomass through efficient fractionation techniques are imperative for advancing fast pyrolysis as a sustainable avenue for renewable energy and chemical production.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis of Biorefinery Pathways

This talk provides an overview of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) development and implementation as a systematic criticality and risk assessment tool for biorefinery pathways within the FCIC. This supports a quality by design (QbD) approach, and this talk provides a high-level overview of the results for the FMEA evaluation focused on the generation of pine residue materials for high-temperature pyrolysis conversion. the FMEA interviews included two approaches. The first approach was based around the entire system of unit operations giving a wholistic system level view. The second approach used detailed interviews from individual unit operation within the system allowing for specific failures for individual system components. These two approaches provide different resolutions of information about the reliability and risk. The FMEA results focused on failures associated with meeting critical quality attributes (CQAs) identified for the high temperature conversion of loblolly pine residues and were supplemented with experimental data supporting process upsets and reliability also collected within the consortium. Estimations of risk scores for meeting each given CQA specification, identification of the impacts for not meeting a CQA specification, capturing causes associated with material attributes and process parameters for each failure, identification of current detection methods, and speculation of potential mitigation strategies for decreasing a failure’s risk score were gathered through the FMEA interviews, and were combined to understand the overall process risk metrics and where technology, process, and knowledge improvements are needed in order to de-risk emerging biorefineries.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Summary Report

This report provides an overview of the development of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and its implementation as a systematic criticality and risk assessment tool supporting a quality by design (QbD) approach for FCIC research. This report also provides a high-level overview of the results for the FMEA evaluation of two feedstock preprocessing system configurations: (1) generation of pine residue materials for high-temperature pyrolysis conversion and (2) generation of corn stover materials for low-temperature conversion using deacetylation and disc mechanical refining pretreatment for fermentation to hydrocarbons. For the results presented in this report, our FMEA interviews included two approaches. The first approach was to perform FMEA interviews for the entire system of unit operations giving a wholistic system level view. The second approach consisted of detailed interviews for each individual unit operation within the system allowing for a “deep dive” into the specific failures for the individual components within the configuration. These two approaches provide different resolutions of information. The FMEA results of this report were focused on failures associated with meeting critical quality attributes (CQAs) identified for the target conversion processes for each processed feedstock type. The information gathered through the FMEA interviews include estimations of risk scores for meeting each given CQA specification, identification of the impacts for not meeting a CQA specification, capturing causes associated with material attributes and process parameters for each failure, identification of current detection methods, and speculation of potential mitigation strategies for decreasing a failure’s risk score. The complete results of all FMEA interviews are provided in the Appendices of this report.

conversion↗

DOE OSTI2022

Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Summary Report (FY2022)

This report provides an overview of the development of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and its implementation as a systematic criticality and risk assessment tool supporting a quality by design (QbD) approach for FCIC research. This report also provides a high-level overview of the results for the FMEA evaluation of two feedstock preprocessing system configurations: (1) generation of pine residue materials for high-temperature pyrolysis conversion and (2) generation of corn stover materials for low-temperature conversion using deacetylation and disc mechanical refining pretreatment for fermentation to hydrocarbons. For the results presented in this report, our FMEA interviews included two approaches. The first approach was to perform FMEA interviews for the entire system of unit operations giving a wholistic system level view. The second approach consisted of detailed interviews for each individual unit operation within the system allowing for a “deep dive” into the specific failures for the individual components within the configuration. These two approaches provide different resolutions of information. The FMEA results of this report were focused on failures associated with meeting critical quality attributes (CQAs) identified for the target conversion processes for each processed feedstock type. The information gathered through the FMEA interviews include estimations of risk scores for meeting each given CQA specification, identification of the impacts for not meeting a CQA specification, capturing causes associated with material attributes and process parameters for each failure, identification of current detection methods, and speculation of potential mitigation strategies for decreasing a failure’s risk score. The complete results of all FMEA interviews are provided in the Appendices of this report.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Air Classification of Forestry Residues for Fast Pyrolysis

Understanding critical biomass attributes through efficient fractionation is crucial for advancing sustainable pyrolysis for renewable energy and chemical production. This study investigates the intricate relationship between biomass preprocessing and pyrolysis product yields, employing the air classification technique for the treatment of loblolly pine residues with varying moisture content. A comprehensive exploration of the physicochemical properties of air-classified loblolly pine informs a sophisticated pyrolysis simulation model. Given the complex and multifaceted nature of biomass pyrolysis, operating across diverse temporal and spatial scales, a pyrolysis kinetics-based CFD–DEM simulation method is employed to predict product yields. Results showed that the elevated moisture content amplifies particle adhesiveness, necessitating augmented air velocities for effective separation, thereby influencing the efficiency of the separation process. While carbon and hydrogen contents exhibit relative stability across diverse moisture contents and blower frequencies, the oxygen content undergoes noticeable changes. For example, the oxygen contents were measured as 29.2 and 38.6 wt% in the light fraction of 30% moisture content sample at blower frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz, respectively. An intriguing finding emerges from pyrolysis simulation, indicating that a lower blower frequency in air classification moderately enhances bio-oil yield and significantly improves its quality, particularly in terms of water content. For instance, the water content in the bio-oil was about 1.5% and 10% in the heavy and light fractions, respectively from 10% moisture sample under 15 Hz blower frequency.

09 - BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Rheological effects of moisture content on the anatomical fractions of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

Here, this study focused on assessing the influence of moisture content on the rheological properties of different anatomical fractions of pine residue using the FT4 powder rheometer. Moisture content exhibited some influence on the 2 mm bark and needle fractions, increasing their cohesion, angle of internal friction, unconfined yield strength, and major principal stress. Stem and whole, on the other hand, presented minimal changes upon moisture introduction. All 4 mm fractions did not show many changes in their rheological properties with moisture introduction, which can be due to less particle-particle interactions and consequently reducing any liquid bridging the particles might undergo; however, they were shown to have a more unpredictable behavior compared to the 2 mm analogues (i.e., higher standard deviation) which can be due to a higher degree of particle-interlocking. Out of the three fractions, needle presented the poorest rheological properties for flowability in addition to being susceptible by moisture, unlike other fractions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Comparative life cycle assessment of woody biomass processing: air classification, drying, and size reduction powered by bioelectricity versus grid electricity

Sulfur accumulation during biofuel production is pollutive and toxic to conversion catalysts and causes the premature breakdown of processing equipment. Air classification is an effective preprocessing technology for ash and sulfur reduction from biomass feedstocks. Here, a life cycle assessment (LCA) sought to understand the environmental impact of implementing air classification as a sulfur-mitigation technique to improve feedstock quality for pine residues using a grid electricity scenario (GES) versus a bioelectricity scenario (BES). Global warming potential (GWP) for preprocessing was simulated using inventory databases embedded in SimaPro and the Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model, specifically focusing on comparing the GWP of a GES versus a BES. Overall, the GES had a GWP impact over seven times that of the BES (136 versus 18 kg CO 2 equivalent per tonne of usable feedstock), with steam generation during rotary drying accounting for 57% of the GES’s GWP. Air classification represents 0.4% and 1.6% of the total GWP impact for the GES and BES, respectively. Therefore, air classification can facilitate a 30% reduction in feedstock sulfur content to improve feedstock quality for biofuel conversion and lessen corrosion of equipment while contributing minimal GWP impact during preprocessing.

Air classification↗

DOE OSTI2021

Next Generation Logistics Systems for Delivering Optimal Biomass Feedstocks to Biorefining Industries in the Southeastern U.S.

The diverse portfolio of biomass sources that is available in the Southeastern U.S., including a significant supply of pine “residue”, represents a valuable strategic position for the region. Through blends formulated based on critical properties, this project will take full advantage of the range in biomass properties afforded by the portfolio to produce a consistent, high-performance feedstock for the industry, while lowering cost. Key developments being targeted to enable this potential include whole-tree transport to a state-of-the-art merchandising depot that will further access biomass from ongoing, forest industry operations. The approach will more effectively utilize the tree and distribute cost, while minimizing in-woods contamination of the woody biomass component. To implement this vision, information on the chemical composition and changes that are induced during multiple preprocessing steps (size reduction, moisture removal, densification, etc.) is needed. New NIR sensor technology will be developed for online monitoring of important biomass properties. The data will be incorporated into a statistical process control platform to improve process efficiency and meet required specifications. Advanced process models are being developed to inform the techno-economic and life-cycle assessment of the program’s impact. The new system will ultimately reduce operational risks from supply chain disruptions, and allow operation of larger-scale biorefineries.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Design of an Integrated Solids Handling System to Maximize Syngas Process Reliability (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report)

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in partnership with Wonderful Renewable Energy (WRE) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL), plans to develop a general methodology for designing integrated biorefinery solids preprocessing, handling, and feeding systems based on the chemical, physical, and mechanical attributes of the starting biomass material. This attribute-driven approach will include detailed feedstock property measurements, iterative computational modeling, and bench-scale testing to design systems for preprocessing, handling, and reactor in-feed, up to and including the selection of the conversion reactor. The initial tests and system design will be conducted using waste material from almond and pistachio growing and production operations (shells, hulls, and wood), targeting the conversion of this material to syngas for electricity production. The methodology will then be generalized to other feedstocks. The purpose of this project is to design an integrated solids handling system to maximize the process reliability of converting almond and pistachio waste to electricity. The design methodology and workflow developed from this example will then be applied to the Feedstock Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) benchmark loblolly pine residues, thus demonstrating the robustness of the overall design approach and providing insight and guidance for future conversion systems. V-Grid Energy Systems was brought on as a subcontractor to provide gasifiers and labor to complete gasifier runs.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Impact of Tree Age and Anatomical Fraction on Forest Residue Pyrolysis and Hydrotreating

Utilization of cost-advantaged biomass and waste resources to produce clean, domestic biofuels will be a key factor in decarbonizing transportation in the United States. This study investigates how the distribution of anatomical fractions (stem wood, bark, needles, branches) from pine forest residues of different ages impacts pyrolysis and hydrotreating processes, including product composition, carbon efficiency, economics, and overall sustainability. Commercially sourced 13- and 23-year-old loblolly pine residues were chosen to represent available resources; whole tree thinnings, and tops and branches from merchantable timber, respectively. Detailed characterization of the residue samples, product distributions, bio-oil, char, and gas characterization data are presented for 13 experiments, including the individual fractions, blends, and air-classified samples to reduce ash content. Pyrolysis mass balances averaged 97 +/- 3%. As expected, bio-oil yields were lower for the bark, needles, and blends with high proportions of these (53-56% dry basis), and highest for the debarked stem wood (67-71% dry basis). Lower yields were attributed to the high ash content of the needles, but also to the high lignin content in the bark (>50%), which is hypothesized to have led to increased char formation during pyrolysis. Higher-oil yield was generally correlated with total volatiles, hydrogen, oxygen, glucan, and mannan; somewhat correlated with xylan and acetyl content; and negatively correlated with total carbon, fixed carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and extractives. Air classification of the residues was effective in reducing ash content (1.5% to 0.64%), extractives (~7% to 2%), and sulfur (0.04% to 0.02%), resulting in a small increase in yield, a significant increase in the GC-detectable proportion of oil (27% to 34%) and a net economic benefit. These experimental results were used to conduct technoeconomic and life cycle analyses, which are also summarized here.

biofuels↗