Sun Grant/Dept. of Energy Research Project

Biomass Deconstruciton and Evaluation

Alvin Womac, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science (PI)
BioProcessing Website

Abstract:

The research aim is to develop a database to improve biomass feedstock selection and conversion processes, especially pretreatment processes involving physical deconstruction. First steps of the deconstruction involve size reduction at representative biomass conditions, and accurate quantification of the size reduction process. Not just mean or median particle sizes affect available surface reactive area – but the particle size spectral distribution of mass in a range of particle sizes. Any given grind has a range of particle sizes. Too many fine particles wastes grinding energy and tends to form "cakes" when mixed with liquids, whereas too many coarse particles not be fully available for conversion if the conversion does not breakdown and homogenize cellulose materials.

Funded: October, 2005
Projected End Date: October, 2007

Reports and Publications:
None to date