[Gasification] Biofiber drying quantification

[Katahdin Energy Works]

You still need--based on specs for a few pellet machines I've reviewed;
still need to get the moisture down to 15% or lower for roller based pellet
extruders to work properly.

But there are other technologies which take a higher moisture content; and
there are briquettes which can be air dried in barns or in wood drying
kilns. 

Can the fiber be used in low grade fiber board instead? 

In Vermont, all of the extruded fiber is used for bedding and the cows seem
to like it. Expressed solids have a lot of 'other stuff' like dirt and
plastics that gum up pellet extruders.  Cows aren't that finicky. 

Frank J. Heller, MPA
KATAHDIN ENERGY WORKS
12 Belmont St.
Brunswick, ME 04011-3004
207.729.6090
http://mysite.verizon.net/fjheller/

-----Original Message-----
From: gasification-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:gasification-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Mark Ludlow
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 2:10 PM
To: 'Discussion of biomass pyrolysis and gasification'
Subject: Re: [Gasification] Biofiber drying quantification

Norma,

Have you considered pelletizing (what size pellet do you desire?) and then
post-drying? Significant sensible heat is generated during pelletizing which
gets drying going.

Ideal radiant surfaces for water drying are often about 800F. IR is ideally
in the1-to-8 micron wavelength range which is particularly efficient for
water evaporation.

Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: gasification-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:gasification-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Norma McDonald
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 3:58 AM
To: gasification at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [Gasification] Biofiber drying quantification

We are trying to reduce the moisture level in the biofibers that are
mechanically (screw press) separated after anaerobic digestion of manure.?
The moisture content is 65-70%, all tightly bound to the lignocellulosic
fibers (no free moisture).? We want to lower this using waste heat (250F -
500F air) from the generator down to ~20% moisture so that we can pelletize
for fuel pellets.? We are also thinking of directly gasifying these
materials.? 

Dynamic air flow produces too much dust and fibers all over the process
area, so we are thinking about radiant heating in an auger.? For our first
installation, the flow rate requires removal/evaporation of 4 gallons per
minute.? How do I calculate the time and surface area required in order to
design the heat exchanger?


Norma McDonald


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